Lawyer with 3 wives reclaims license

MANILA -- After making up for his mistakes, a lawyer who was dismissed for immorality in 2004 for having three wives has been recently reinstated in the Roll of Attorneys by the Supreme Court.

In a six-page resolution dated January 22, the Court through Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe said Edmundo Macarubbo "still has productive years ahead of him that could significantly contribute to the upliftment of the law profession and the betterment of society."

It added that he "has sufficiently shown his remorse and acknowledged his indiscretion in the legal profession and in his personal life" and has since asked forgiveness from his children with complainant Florence Teves and maintained a friendly relationship with them as proved by his photo evidence.

Macarubbo, 58, was disbarred for having contracted a bigamous marriage with Teves and a third marriage with certain Josephine Constantino while his first marriage to Helen Esparza was still valid.

According to the SC, these acts constituted gross immoral conduct in violation of Canon 1, Rule 1.01 and Canon 7, Rule 7.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.

Following his disbarment, the Court noted that he went back to his hometown in Enrile, Cagayan, to manage an orchard and take care of his sick mother until her death in 2008. He also became a part-time instructor at the University of Cagayan Valley and F.L. Vargas College and took part in some socio-civic activities.

Among others, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cagayan Chapter and parish priest Fr. Camilo Castillejos Jr., supported Macarubbo's request to have his license back. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)