Facts: Atty. Atienza was the defendant’s lawyer hired to represent the adverse party in a civil case against the Spouses Steven and Nora Whitson. During the course of the trial, there was a heated confrontation between Steven Whitson and Atty. Atienza, which culminated in the latter punching the chest of Steven.
Issue: Whether or not Atty. Atienza should be held administratively liable.
Decision: Yes. A medical certificate was presented to prove that Steven Whitson suffered contusion from the blow delivered by Atty. Atienza. Thus, there was gross misconduct in his dealing with the Whitsons. Nonetheless, since there was also sufficient provocation on the part of Steven when he referred to Atty. Atienza as “stupid” and a “liar”, Atty. Atienza is fined P1,000.00 with a STERN WARNING that repetition of a similar offense will merit a more severe sanction.
Credit to:
Case Digest Author
Lenard L. Bautista
Arellano University School of Law
adrianantazo.com 
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