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PCGG vs. Sandiganbayan, Lucio Tan, et al [ CONCURRING OPINION, SANDOVAL-GUTIERREZ, J. ]

PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION ON GOOD GOVERNMENT (PCGG), Petitioner, versus SANDIGANBAYAN (Fifth Division), LUCIO C. TAN, CARMEN KHAO TAN, FLORENCIO T. SANTOS, NATIVIDAD P. SANTOS, DOMINGO CHUA, TAN HUI NEE, MARIANO TAN ENG LIAN, ESTATE OF BENITO TAN KEE HIONG (represented by TARCIANA C. TAN), FLORENCIO N. SANTOS, JR., HARRY C. TAN, TAN ENG CHAN, CHUNG POE KEE, MARIANO KHOO, MANUEL KHOO, MIGUEL KHOO, JAIME KHOO, ELIZABETH KHOO, CELSO RANOLA, WILLIAM T. WONG, ERNESTO B. LIM, BENJAMIN T. ALBACITA, WILLY CO, ALLIED BANKING CORP., ALLIED LEASING AND FINANCE CORPORATION, ASIA BREWERY, INC., BASIC HOLDINGS CORP., FOREMOST FARMS, INC., FORTUNE TOBACCO CORP., GRANSPAN DEVELOPMENT CORP., HIMMEL INDUSTRIES, IRIS HOLDINGS AND DEVELOPMENT CORP., JEWEL HOLDINGS, INC., MANUFACTURING SERVICES AND TRADE CORP., MARANAW HOTELS & RESORT CORP., NORTHERN TOBACCO REDRYING PLANT, PROGRESSIVE FARMS, INC., SHAREHOLDINGS, INC., SIPALAY TRADING CORP., VIRGO HOLDINGS & DEVELOPMENT CORP., and ATTY. ESTELITO P. MENDOZA, Respondents.

G.R. Nos. 151809-12 | 2005-04-12

CONCURRING OPINION


SANDOVAL - GUTIERREZ, J.:

  I join Mr. Justice Reynato S. Puno in his ponencia. Motions to disqualify counsel from representing their clients must be viewed with jaundiced eyes, for oftentimes they pose the very threat to the integrity of the judicial process.[1] Such motions are filed to harass a particular counsel, to delay the litigation, to intimidate adversary, or for other strategic purposes. It therefore behooves the courts to always look for the parties' inner motivations in filing such motions.

  This case illustrates the sad reality that the filing of motions for disqualification may be motivated, not...