ADMINISTRATIVE
CIRCULAR NO. 11-93
TO:
ALL
EXECUTIVE JUDGES OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS
SUBJECT:
SUPERVISION OVER NOTARIES PUBLIC.
Our
attention has
been called to the practice of some notaries public performing their
duties
along sidewalks, and worse, without a formal office. This practice
degrades
the dignity of the legal profession, hence, must be enjoined. Law is a
profession, not a mere money-making trade, and lawyers are officers of
the court.cralaw:red
Executive
Judges
who are now charged with the appointment and supervision of notaries
public
[Secs. 232 and 248 of Act No. 2657, as amended by E. O. No. 41, dated
11
May 1945], are hereby directed to monitor closely the activities of
notaries
public with the end in view of ensuring the integrity and effectiveness
of their office, conformably with Canon 2 of the Canons of Professional
Responsibility which provides: "A lawyer shall make his legal
services
available in an efficient and convenient manner compatible with the
independence,
integrity and effectiveness of the profession." (italics
supplied).
The
Executive Judges
concerned may impose appropriate administrative sanctions against
erring
notaries public including, but not limited to, the suspension,
withdrawal
or cancellation of their commissions.cralaw:red
June 30,
1993.
[Sgd.]
ANDRES
R. NARVASAChief
Justice |