See - 10378.pdf
"x x x.
Clearly, it cannot be doubted that the respondent violated Canon 17, and Rule 18.03 of Canon 18 of the Code which states that “a lawyer owes fidelity to the cause of his client and he shall be mindful of the trust and confidence reposed in him.” It further mandates that “a lawyer shall serve his client with competence and diligence,” and that “a lawyer shall not neglect a legal matter entrusted to him, and his negligence in connection therewith shall render him liable.”21
It must be emphasized that after the respondent agreed to handle the complainant’s case, he became duty-bound to serve his client with competence and diligence, and to champion his cause with whole-hearted fidelity. By failing to afford his client every remedy and deense that is authorized by law, the respondent fell short of what is expected of him as an officer of the Court.22
Thus, for the respondent’s negligence and inadequacies in handling his client’s case, the recommendation of the IBP to suspend the respondent from the practice of law is well-taken. While the IBP Board of Governors increased the period of suspension to one year, the Court finds the period of six months as recommended by the Investigating Commissioner commensurate to the facts of the case.
ACCORDINGLY, the Court AFFIRMS with MODIFICATION the Resolution dated June 22, 2013 of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Board of Governors in CBD Case No. 10-2673. The Court hereby SUSPENDS Atty. Jonathan T. Sempio from the practice of law for SIX (6) MONTHS effective immediately upon receipt of this Decision.
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