8.

IN RE: AL ARGOSINO

FACTS:

On February 4, 1992 ,Argosino, together with 13 others, was charged with the crime of homicide in connection
with the death of one Raul Camaligan. The death of Camaligan stemmed from the affliction of severe physical
injuries uponhim in course of "hazing" conducted as part of the university fraternity initiation rites. On February
11, 1993, the accused were consequently sentenced to suffer imprisonment for a period ranging from two (2)
years, four (4) months and one (1) day to four (4) years.Eleven (11) days later, Mr. Argosino and his colleagues
filed an application for probation with the lower court. The application was granted on June 18 1993. The period
of probation was set at two (2) years, counted from the probationer's initial report to the probation officer
assigned to supervise him. Less than a month later, Argosino filed a petition to take the bar exam. He was
allowed and he passed the exam, but was not allowed to take the lawyer's oath of office.On April 15, 1994,
Argosino filed a petition to allow him to take the attorney's oath and be admitted to the practice of law. He
averred that his probation period had been terminated. It is noted that his probation period did not last for
more than 10 months.

ISSUE:

What should Argosino do to be allowed to take the oath of attorney and be admitted to the practice of law

HELD:

Mr. Argosino must submit to this Court evidence that he may now be regarded as complying with the
requirement of good moral character imposed upon those who are seeking admission to the bar. He should
show to the Court how he has tried to make up for the senseless killing of a helpless student to the family of the
deceased student and to the community at large. In short, he mustshow evidence that he is a different person
now, that he has become morally fitfor admission to the profession of law.
He is already directed to inform the Court, by appropriate written manifestation, of the names of the parents
or brothers and sisters of Camaligan from notice.

NOTES:
 The practice of law is a high personal privilege limited to citizens of goodmoral character, with special
education qualifications, duly ascertained and certified.
Requirement of good moral character is of greater importance so far as the general public and proper
administration of justice is concerned.
All aspects of moral character and behavior may be inquired into in respect of those seeking admission to the
Bar.
Requirement of good moral character to be satisfied by those who wouldseek admission to the bar must be a
necessity more stringent than the norm of conduct expected from members of the general public.
Participation in the prolonged mindless physical beatings inflicted upon Raul Camaligan constituted evident
rejection of that moral duty and was totally irresponsible behavior, which makes impossible a finding that the
participant was possessed of good moral character.
Good moral character is a requirement possession of which must be demonstrated at the time of the
application for permission to take the barexaminations and more importantly at the time of application for
admission to the bar and to take the attorney's oath of office.