SC Disbars Lawyer for Neglect, Client Conviction

SC Disbars Lawyer for Neglect, Client Conviction

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.Com | December 29, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) has disbarred a lawyer for dereliction of duty that led to a client’s criminal conviction.

In a unanimous “per curiam” decision, the SC en banc found lawyer Russel Barroga guilty of gross negligence, violation of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, and abandonment of a client, leading to a prison sentence.

The case stemmed from a disbarment complaint filed by Apolinario Mariano, who accused Barroga of gross negligence and inefficiency in handling his frustrated homicide case.

Barroga represented Mariano in the 2015 criminal proceedings, which culminated in a 2019 regional trial court verdict finding his client guilty beyond a reasonable doubt on two counts of frustrated homicide.

Mariano was sentenced to consecutive prison terms.

The turning point came when Barroga failed to file an appellant’s brief with the Court of Appeals (CA), despite receiving official notification and deadlines.

This inaction resulted in the CA dismissing Mariano’s appeal as abandoned.

According to court documents, Barroga then allegedly demanded an additional P30,000 from Mariano to file a motion for reconsideration, prompting Mariano to seek counsel elsewhere and ultimately file the disbarment complaint.

While the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Board of Governors initially recommended a suspension of one year and six months and the return of a P20,000 appeal fee, the SC deemed the misconduct egregious enough to warrant disbarment.

It emphasized that Barroga’s negligence extended far beyond the appellate stage.

The court highlighted his failure to file a comment on the prosecution’s formal offer of exhibits and his repeated absences from scheduled hearings for the presentation of evidence.

These omissions, the SC stated, directly contributed to Mariano’s conviction by effectively waiving his right to cross-examine key prosecution witnesses.

“Atty. Barroga’s foregoing actions constitute gross negligence and gross inefficiency in the performance of his duties. He effectively abandoned his client’s cause without any justifiable reason,” the high court declared in its decision.

“His omissions resulted in Mariano being found guilty of two counts of frustrated homicide and being sentenced to a prison term.”

The SC underscored the fundamental duty of lawyers to uphold the rule of law and diligently assist in the administration of justice, citing Canon III, Section 2 of the CPRA.

Lawyers, the SC reminded, are expected to handle cases with “zeal, care, and utmost devotion,” regardless of their perceived importance.

Its decision serves as a stark warning to legal professionals that neglecting client responsibilities, particularly when it results in a criminal conviction, will be met with the severest penalties.

The Office of the Bar Confidant has been ordered to strike Russel Barroga’s name from the Roll of Attorneys, effective immediately, ending his legal career.