Fake lawyer cited in contempt

A Marikina City Regional Trial Court judge has cited in contempt a man for posing as a lawyer and representing defendants in court proceedings.

Ephraim Apuan, 54, was arrested in Judge Geraldine Fiel-Macaraig’s courtroom where he was representing an illegal drug suspect in a trial.

Macaraig ordered Apuan jailed for five days and fined him P2,000. Superintendent Sotero Ramos Jr., Marikina City police chief, said the contempt citation was meant as a disciplinary action.

Apuan will first serve Macaraig’s order before being meted other punishment. The Marikina police has filed charges of usurpation of authority and estafa against Apuan before assistant city prosecutor Jean Pamittan.

Pamittan set bail at P10,000 for usurpation of authority and P16,000 for the other charge.

In her two-page order, Macaraig said Apuan had been appearing in her court "in three other cases wherein he had entered his appearance as a member of the Bar with Roll of Attorney No. 42106."

Apuan was arrested last Tuesday after Macaraig had been tipped off about him. He was in court representing Jervie Daliwan, who was arrested in 2004 for possession of illegal drugs.

Macaraig confronted Apuan in court if he was a real lawyer. She had Apuan arrested when he could not present any documents.

When Macaraig asked Apuan to state in open court his roll number, he became evasive and unable to give any answer. When pressed further whether he was a member of the Bar, Apuan replied that he was a mere "candidate."

He admitted he was a graduating student and was just hired by law firm Alonso and Associates to do research and draft pleadings.

Apuan told Macaraig that he was allowed by an associate of the law firm to use his attorney’s roll number.

During the confrontation, Daliwan’s mother stood up and informed Macaraig that Apuan had collected attorney’s and appearance fees from her.

"In view of the contumacious misrepresentation made by Mr. Ephraim Apuan before this Court, he is hereby cited in contempt of court and sentenced to an imprisonment of five days and to pay a fine of P2,000," said Macaraig in her order.