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[G.R. No. 134604.October 8, 2002]

PEOPLE vs. HUGO, et al.

EN BANC

Gentlemen:

Quoted hereunder, for your information, is a resolution of this Court dated 08 OCT 2002.

G.R. No. 134604(The People of the Philippines vs. Ernesto Hugo, et al.)

The records disclose that Atty. Arturo B. Cefra, counsel for accused-appellants Ernesto Hugo and Rudy Hugo, filed the Brief for his clients on 30 April 2001 only, although the extended period within which to file it expired on 8 May 1999.He did so only after the issuance by this Court of a show cause resolution, as well as a resolution directing his arrest and detention at the NBI cell until he would file the Brief.

The Appellee's Brief on the Brief was filed by the Office of the Solicitor General on 11 September 2001. In the resolution of 2 October 2001 the Court required Atty. Cefra to file a Reply Brief within thirty days from notice. He received a copy of the resolution on 19 October (Rollo, 281);but until now Atty. Cefra has not filed the Reply Brief.

In a letter dated 16 April 2002 appellant Rudy Hugo requested the "immediate withdrawal" of Atty. Cefra and the appointment of Atty. Carolina N. Hacbang-Tagapan of the Public Attorney's Office as his counsel de oficio (Rollo, 283).In the resolution of 28 May 2002, the Court required Atty. Cefra to comment on the letter.Although he received a copy of the resolution on 29 July 2002, Atty. Cefra has not until now complied with the resolution.

It is too evident that Atty. Cefra has taken for granted the resolutions of this Court. He is definitely wanting in his commitment to his duties to the Court and to his client under Canons 12 and 19, respectively, of the Code of Professional Responsibility.He has unduly delayed the disposition of this case.

Accordingly, the Court hereby RESOLVES to (a) DISCHARGE Atty. Arturo B. Cefra as counsel for accused-appellants Ernesto Hugo and Rudy Hugo and RELIEVE him of his duties as such; (b) APPOINT as counsel de oficio for said accused-appellants Atty. Carolina N. Hacbang-Tagapan, Public Attorney II of the Public Attorney's Office; and (c) IMPOSE a fine of P5,000 upon Atty. Arturo B. Cefra for violation of Canons 12 and 19 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.

The Court further RESOLVES to require Atty. Carolina N. Hacbang-Tagapan to file a Reply Brief for accused-appellants Ernesto Hugo and Rudy Hugo within twenty (20) days from notice hereof.

Bellosillo, Mendoza, Quisumbing, Santiago, Carpio and Martinez, JJ., on leave.

Very truly yours,

LUZVIMINDA D. PUNO

Clerk of Court

(Sgd.) MA. LUISA D. VILLARAMA

Asst. Clerk of Court

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