Section 12. Review and recommendation by the Board of Governors.
(a) Every case heard by an investigator shall be reviewed by the IBP Board of Governors
upon the record and evidence transmitted to it by the Investigator with his report.
(b) After its review, the Board, by the vote of a majority of its total membership, shall
recommend to the Supreme Court the dismissal of the complaint or the imposition of
disciplinary action against the respondent. The Board shall issue a resolution setting forth its
findings and recommendations, clearly and distinctly stating the facts and the reasons on
which it is based. The resolution shall be issued within a period not exceeding thirty (30)
days from the next meeting of the Board following the submission of the Investigator's report.
(c) The Board's resolution, together with the entire records and all evidence presented and
submitted, shall be transmitted to the Supreme Court for final action within ten (10) days from
issuance of the resolution.
(d) Notice of the resolution shall be given to all parties through their counsel, if any.76
Under the old rule, the Board of Governors of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines was given the
power to "issue a decision"77 if the lawyer complained of was exonerated or meted a penalty of "less
than suspension or disbarment."78 In addition, the case would be deemed terminated unless an
interested party filed a petition before this court.79
The amendments to Rule 139-B is a reiteration that only this court has the power to impose
disciplinary action on members of the bar. The factual findings and recommendations of the
Commission on Bar Discipline and the Board of Governors of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines
are recommendatory, subject to review by this court.80
WHEREFORE, respondent Atty. Deborah Z. Daquis is found GUILTY of violating Canon 1, Rule
1.01, Canon 7, Rule 7.03, Canon 10, Rule 10.01, and Canon 17 of the Code of Professional
Responsibility.
The charge for violation of Canon 15, Rule 15.03 against respondent Atty. Deborah Z. Daquis
is DISMISSED.
The penalty of DISBARMENT is imposed upon respondent Atty. Deborah Z. Daquis. The Office of
the Bar Confidant is directed to remove the name of Deborah Z. Daquis from the Roll of Attorneys.
Let a copy of this Resolution be furnished to the Office of the Bar Confidant to be appended to
respondent's personal record as attorney, to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and to the Office
of the Court Administrator for dissemination to all courts throughout the country for their information
and guidance.
This Resolution takes effect immediately.
SO ORDERED.
MARIA LOURDES P.A. SERENO
Chief Justice