In this case, Baribar asked Akol and Labrador to acquire Claveria's signature in the Verification of the Motion for Reconsideration and subsequently notarized the pre-signed document upon receiving it. We agree with the IBP Commissioner that Baribar did not intend to require Claveria's personal appearance before him. It is also noted that he admitted that in another notarized document, he merely relied on the assurances of his clients' leaders that the others who were unable to present competent evidence of identity were the actual signatories of the document.
Clearly, Baribar failed to exercise due diligence in upholding his duty as a notary public. His acts also show his offhand disregard of the Notarial rules as to requiring the personal presence of the affiants and the presentation of competent evidence of identity. He must now accept the commensurate consequences of his professional indiscretion. To deter further violations, the Court deems it proper to impose the penalty of suspension from the practice of law for one (1) year, revocation of incumbent commission as a notary public, if any, and disqualification from being commissioned as a notary public for a period of two (2) years.