FACTS:

The case involves a Petition for Disbarment filed by Alvin S. Feliciano against Atty. Carmelita Bautista-Lozada for violation of Section 27, Rule 138 of the Rules of Court. The Supreme Court en banc previously suspended Atty. Lozada for two years in a different case. However, complainant alleged that Atty. Lozada appeared as counsel for the plaintiff and her husband in a different case while she was still under suspension. Complainant submitted evidence to prove this allegation. Atty. Lozada argued that her appearance was in defense of her husband and was not within the prohibition to practice law. The case was then referred to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for investigation. The IBP-CBD found Atty. Lozada guilty of violating the Code of Professional Responsibility and recommended her disbarment, while the IBP-Board of Governors recommended a three-month suspension.

ISSUES:

RULING:

PRINCIPLES:

• The Court has exclusive jurisdiction to regulate the practice of law.

• When a lawyer is suspended from the practice of law, they must desist from performing any functions requiring the application of legal knowledge.