The Legal Profession, Citizenship Aristoza, Ann Julienne Index Notes

08 Petition by Epifanio Muneses to Re-Acquire the Privilege to - requested leave to resume practice of law under RA 9225

Practice of Law - became a Canadian citizen in 2004, after migrating there to get
Case: Petition was file by Muneses with the OBC (Office of the Bar medical help

Confidant), praying that he be granted the privilege to practice law - Reacquired PH citizenship in 2006

in the PH

Court:

Petitioner’s allegations:
A. Filipino citizenship is

1. That he became a member of the IBP on Mar 21, 1966

1. a requirement for admission to the bar

—lost this privilege when he became a US citizen on Aug 28, 1981

2. a continuing requirement for practice of law

—reacquired PH citizenship, under RA 92251

—loss means termination of petitioner’s membership in the bar

—intends to retire in the PH and to resume practice of law

—Filipino lawyer, undergoing RA9225, still a member of the PH Bar

2. Evidence:
B. Practice of law is privilege burdened with conditions

a. Oath of Allegiance (Sep 15, 2006, Consul Gen. —power and duty of State (through this Court) to control and
Domingo Nolasco)
regulate the profession to protect and promote public welfare

b. Petition for Re-Acquisition of PH Citizenship (Sep 15, 2006)

C. Requirements:

c. Order for Re-Acquisition of PH Citizenship (Sep 15, 2006)

1. Highest degree of morality

d. Letter evidencing payment of IBP membership fees (Mar 13, 2. Faithful observance of the legal profession

2008)
3. Compliance with MCLE

e. Attendance Forms of MCLE (Mandatory Continuing Legal 4. Payment of IBP membership fees

Education)
D. Muneses is required to furnish copies of documents (notes)

E. OBC recommends Muneses be allowed to resume practice,

Precedence: Dacanay
Court agrees

1 Citizenship Retention and Re-Acquisition Act of 2003