IBP Hails NBI on Arrest of Fake Lawyers

 By Mortz C. Ortigoza

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) lauded the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for the series of arrest of erring individuals who impersonated a lawyer and those who signed legal documents that prejudiced national interest.

Recent issuance of arrest warrants resulted to the apprehension by the NBI and the police of fake lawyers and bogus notary public in Metro Manila and Dagupan City.

Photo credit: PhilStar

“Aside from damaging the individual lawyer impersonated and the legal profession, fake lawyers prejudice the public interest as they compromise and subvert the legitimacy of legal processes and the documents that they deal with. We therefore encourage the public to promptly report to the IBP or to law enforcement agencies any fake lawyer or notary public. Support, assistance, and incentives are available for those who help identify, arrest, and prosecute fake lawyers,” IBP Domingo Egon Q. Cayosa said.

Cayosa called the chapters and members of the IBP to remain vigilant and resolute against fake lawyers because the organization would see to it that any fraudulent impostor is arrested and punished to the full extent of the law.

Operation of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Pangasinan arrested at 12:15 pm on March 19, 2024 in Brgy. IV Dagupan City six individuals upon the complaint of lawyer Perfector D. Beltran who assailed that the suspects were using his notarial seal and signature for notary public without his consent.

The offenses these malefactors violated were Article 172 (Falsification by Private Individual and Use of Falsified Documents), Article 177 (Usurpation of Authority and Official Functions), and Article 178 (Using Fictitious Name and Concealing True Name) of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines.

Confiscated from the suspects were; a. three computer sets/units; b. four unit printers; c. cash amounting to Php 29,100.00 in different denominations and serial numbers; d. one piece notarial dry seal for Atty. Beltran Jr.; e. seven pieces stamp for notary seal with name Atty. Perfecto D Beltran Jr., f. one Bundle of assorted documents with falsified notarial seal and signature of Atty. Beltran Jr.; g. three booklets of receipt; h. two pieces stamp; i. one piece genuine one hundred peso bill with serial no. LA84230 used as entrapment money; k. one piece sample/entrapment document (Affidavit of Loss); and L. one piece entrapment transaction receipt.