MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) has disbarred Atty. Leo Romero after finding him liable for attempted bribery, gender-based discrimination, and grossly immoral conduct involving his mother’s assets, in a case filed by his own brother, Vittorio Romero.

In a 23-page per curiam decision, the SC En Banc ruled that Atty. Leo violated legal and ethical standards. Vittorio filed the disbarment complaint alleging that in 1997, Atty. Leo, acting as defense counsel in a rape case, attempted to bribe a private prosecutor with PHP 10 million in exchange for dropping the case. He allegedly asked Vittorio to leverage his connections as a film director to coerce the prosecutor. When Vittorio refused, he said Atty. Leo cursed him and warned of a “heavy price” for noncompliance.

Vittorio also accused Atty. Leo of repeated physical maltreatment, harassment through sham cases, and gender-based discrimination, claiming he disparaged Vittorio’s homosexuality and attempted to force him into seeking professional help. Additionally, Atty. Leo allegedly tried to seize control of their mother’s properties.

Atty. Leo denied the allegations, calling them fabricated. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Commission on Bar Discipline initially recommended a three-year suspension. However, the SC imposed the ultimate penalty of disbarment, citing the gravity of the offenses.

The high court found Atty. Leo administratively liable for corruption for the attempted bribery, as confirmed by the private prosecutor’s affidavit. He was also found guilty of gender-based sexual discrimination based on text messages and other abusive conduct toward his brother. Finally, his attempt to forcibly take custody of their mother and her assets constituted “grossly immoral conduct.”

The SC explained that the penalties for each offense warranted separate two-year suspensions. Since the combined period exceeds five years, disbarment was imposed.

“The Court reminds all lawyers to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity in a manner beyond reproach,” the SC said. “Misogyny and sexism have no place in the legal profession, and abuse will never be tolerated, especially by an officer of the court.”