Fake lawyer arrested by authorities
FAKE LAWYER – A man who allegedly pretended to be a lawyer now needs to hire a real lawyer after being arrested by authorities following a complaint from his former “client.”
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officers arrested the suspect as he exited the courtroom. According to the NBI, the suspect had long been pretending to be a lawyer, using a different name on his government IDs. A former client of the suspect reported him to the NBI.
“The Supreme Court issued a certification that the roll number he was using belonged to someone else. The roll number belonged to a 1954 bar passer, who passed away a long time ago,” said Atty. Jerome Bomediano, head of the NBI-OTCD. “When asked for any ID or certification proving he is a lawyer, he couldn’t present any,” he added.
Based on the report of GMA News, the suspect explained that there was a “human error” in the records during the court’s computerization process. The NBI suspects that the man has handled many cases, which they are now investigating. The results of the cases handled by the suspect may also be implicated if the court finds out that a fake lawyer represented them.
In the Philippines, impersonating a lawyer is a serious offense with significant legal consequences. Under Philippine law, specifically the Revised Penal Code, individuals who falsely represent themselves as lawyers may face charges of “Illegal Practice of Law” under Article 177. This provision stipulates that anyone who, without being duly authorized or licensed, practices law or represents themselves as a lawyer is subject to criminal penalties.
The penalties include imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to two years and four months, as well as a fine. Furthermore, the offender may also be liable for estafa (fraud) if they deceive clients and receive fees under false pretenses. Additionally, the individual could face civil liabilities for any damages caused by their unauthorized practice.