THE Supreme Court (SC) has disbarred Atty. Jorge P. Monroy, a former director of the Bureau of Customs (BuCor), for his role in selling a luxury sports utility vehicle seized by the agency.
Monroy’s name has been stricken off the Roll of Attorneys after violating Canon II, Sections 1, 2, and 28 of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA).
Monroy falsely claimed authority as Director III of the BOC–Financial Services to facilitate the sale of confiscated vehicles, a violation for which he was found guilty.
Additionally, he was fined P20,000 for disobeying orders from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).
In July 2000, Monroy offered Julieta Co, a high school friend, a Toyota Land Cruiser confiscated by the BOC for P1.4 million, asserting its legality.
Co, trusting Monroy, proceeded with the purchase, initially paying P150,000 by check.
Three days later, Monroy informed Co that the vehicle was ready for delivery, prompting the latter to prepare a manager’s check for the balance of P1,250,000.
Monroy insisted on cash payment, which he personally received in his office.
Despite assurances from Monroy, Co encountered delays in the vehicle’s release, culminating in Monroy admitting that the money had been misappropriated.
Despite Co’s repeated demands, Monroy evaded returning the funds.
Co filed administrative and criminal cases against Monroy, who was found guilty by the Sandiganbayan but remained at large despite an arrest warrant.
In a decision, SC defended Monroy’s disbarment under the CPRA, citing specific violations of Canon II.
Also, the high court condemned his deception and abuse of authority, particularly his false representation of BOC authority in vehicle sales.
Furthermore, Monroy’s refusal to comply with IBP orders during the disbarment process contributed to his disbarment.
