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Laurel vs. Delute [CONCURRING OPINION, LEONEN J. ]

FELIPE D. LAUREL,[*] COMPLAINANT, VS. REYMELIO M. DELUTE, RESPONDENT.

A.C. No. 12298 | 2020-09-01

CONCURRING OPINION
 
LEONEN, J:
 
I concur with the ponencia. Atty. Reymelio M. Delute (Atty. Delute) should be disbarred.
 
The essential functions of lawyers are the representation of others and the protection of their rights. Attorneys-at-law act as agents who prosecute or defend their clients' interests. Equipped with their knowledge of the legal system, lawyers owe the highest fidelity to their clients' cause. This is because the attorney-client relationship is "imbued with utmost trust and confidence."[1]
 
To effectively discharge this responsibility, any form of conflict of, interest...