In the Philippines, a notary public’s role is critical in ensuring the integrity of legal documents. However, the Supreme Court has clarified that mere negligence in notarizing a document does not automatically equate to criminal liability for falsification. In Atty. Bernardo T. Constantino v. People of the Philippines, the Court ruled that to be found guilty of falsifying a notarial will, the prosecution must prove that the notary public deliberately falsified or simulated signatures to make it appear that individuals participated in the document’s execution when they did not. This decision underscores the importance of proving intent in cases of document falsification involving notaries public.

Omission or Commission? The Case of the Un-deleted Witness

This case revolves around Atty. Bernardo T. Constantino, who was charged with falsification of a public document for not deleting the name of Dr. Eliezer Asuncion from a Last Will and Testament’s joint acknowledgment, even though Dr. Asuncion had not signed the document in his presence. The central legal question is whether Atty. Constantino’s failure to remove Dr. Asuncion’s name constitutes falsification under Article 171(2) of the Revised Penal Code.

The prosecution argued that Atty. Constantino made it appear that Dr. Asuncion was present during the signing and notarization of the will, when in fact, he was not. The Regional Trial Court found Atty. Constantino guilty beyond reasonable doubt, a decision affirmed by the Court of Appeals. Both courts emphasized that Atty. Constantino could have easily removed Dr. Asuncion’s name, and his failure to do so indicated a deliberate act of falsification.

Atty. Constantino, however, maintained that he instructed the testator, Severino Cabrales, not to make any alterations to the document. He claimed that due to his physical condition, he relied on his secretary and did not verify whether Dr. Asuncion had signed the document after it was returned to him. He admitted negligence but denied any intent to falsify the document. The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) contended that all elements of falsification were present, but requested leniency in sentencing due to Atty. Constantino’s age and health.

The Supreme Court, in its analysis, emphasized the importance of proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt in criminal cases. It noted that while it generally respects the factual findings of lower courts, it can review them if they are not aligned with the evidence on record. In this case, the Court found a critical detail had been overlooked: Dr. Asuncion signed the joint acknowledgment after Atty. Constantino had notarized the document. The Court cited People v. Capili, underscoring the principle that it is better to acquit a possibly guilty person than to convict an innocent one.

Proof beyond reasonable doubt is needed to overcome the presumption of innocence. Accused-appellant’s guilt must be proved beyond reasonable doubt[;] otherwise, the Court would be left without any other recourse but to rule for acquittal. Courts should be guided by the principle that it would be better to set free ten men who might be probably guilty of the crime charged than to convict one innocent man for a crime he did not commit.

To determine criminal liability for falsification, the Court examined whether the document in question qualifies as a public document. Citing Cacnio v. Baens, the Court defined public documents as those instruments authorized by a notary public or competent public official with the solemnities required by law. It also referenced Rule 132, Section 19 of the Rules of Court, which distinguishes between public and private documents. Notably, last wills and testaments are excluded from the category of public documents acknowledged before a notary public.

This exclusion means that even if a will is notarized, further evidence is required to prove its due execution. In Antillon v. Barcelon, the Court highlighted the notary public’s role in authenticating documents, giving them the force of evidence. However, the authenticity of a will hinges on the attestation and subscription of the testator and witnesses, not solely on its notarization. This is because the **attestation clause**, as defined in Caneda v. Court of Appeals, serves as a record of the facts surrounding the will’s execution, signed by the witnesses to affirm compliance with legal formalities.

[T]he subscription of the signatures of the testator and the attesting witnesses is made for the purpose of authentication and identification, and thus indicates that the will is the very same instrument executed by the testator and attested to by the witnesses.

The Court then turned to Article 171(2) of the Revised Penal Code, which defines falsification by a public officer, employee, or notary. The key element here is causing it to appear that persons participated in an act or proceeding when they did not. The Court emphasized that the undermining of public faith is the primary concern in falsification cases. The elements of falsification under Article 171(2) include:

1. The offender is a public officer, employee, or notary public.
2. The offender takes advantage of their official position.
3. The offender falsifies a document by causing it to appear that persons participated in an act or proceeding.
4. Such persons did not in fact so participate in the proceeding.

In Atty. Constantino’s case, the first two elements were not in dispute, as he was a notary public acting in his official capacity. However, the critical question was whether he falsified the document by making it appear that Dr. Asuncion participated in the will’s execution. The Court determined that since Dr. Asuncion signed the joint acknowledgment after the notarization, Atty. Constantino did not falsify the document. It was Ferrer and Dr. Asuncion, not Atty. Constantino, who created the false impression of Dr. Asuncion’s participation. Therefore, the Court acquitted Atty. Constantino of criminal liability.

Despite the acquittal, the Supreme Court noted that Atty. Constantino’s actions might warrant administrative sanctions. His failure to remove Dr. Asuncion’s name allowed Dr. Asuncion to sign the document later, violating the principle against notarizing incomplete documents. The Court referenced Rule XI, Section 1(b)(9) of the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice, which allows for the revocation of a notary public’s commission for executing a false or incomplete certificate. Even before the 2004 Rules, as highlighted in Bote v. Eduardo, notaries public were cautioned against notarizing incomplete documents.

Respondent [notary public] was . . . negligent when he notarized the deed with unfilled spaces and incomplete entries, making uncertified and fraudulent insertions easy to accomplish. Notarization is not an empty, meaningless, routinary act. It is invested with such substantial public interest that only those who are qualified or authorized may act as notaries public.

FAQs

What was the key issue in this case?	The key issue was whether a notary public could be held criminally liable for falsification of a public document for failing to delete the name of a witness who did not sign the document during notarization.
What did the Supreme Court decide?	The Supreme Court acquitted Atty. Constantino, holding that he did not commit falsification because the witness signed the document after it had been notarized.
What is the role of a notary public?	A notary public’s principal function is to authenticate documents, giving them the force of evidence and ensuring public trust in their validity.
What is an attestation clause in a will?	An attestation clause is a separate memorandum in a will, signed by the attesting witnesses, that certifies the will’s execution and compliance with legal formalities.
What is the Revised Penal Code Article 171(2) about?	Article 171(2) of the Revised Penal Code penalizes a public officer, employee, or notary who falsifies a document by making it appear that persons participated in an act or proceeding when they did not.
What are the elements of falsification under Article 171(2)?	The elements are: (1) offender is a public officer/notary, (2) taking advantage of position, (3) falsifying a document to show false participation, and (4) such persons did not participate.
What is the difference between criminal and administrative liability?	Criminal liability involves a violation of penal law, leading to potential imprisonment and fines. Administrative liability, on the other hand, relates to violations of rules and regulations governing a profession, leading to sanctions like suspension or revocation of license.
Why was Atty. Constantino still potentially liable for administrative sanctions?	Atty. Constantino was potentially liable due to his negligence in failing to remove Dr. Asuncion’s name, which allowed for the document to be improperly completed later, violating notarial rules.

In conclusion, this case clarifies that for a notary public to be criminally liable for falsification, there must be clear evidence of intent to deceive or misrepresent facts in the notarized document. While negligence in following notarial procedures can lead to administrative sanctions, it does not automatically rise to the level of criminal culpability unless a deliberate act of falsification is proven.

For inquiries regarding the application of this ruling to specific circumstances, please contact ASG Law through contact or via email at frontdesk@asglawpartners.com.

Disclaimer: This analysis is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.
Source: Atty. Bernardo T. Constantino v. People, G.R. No. 225696, April 08, 2019