Celsius Resources said it has filed a disciplinary complaint seeking the disbarment of several lawyers at Sarmiento Loriega Law, including founding partner Julito "Sarge" R. Sarmiento, over alleged violations of the Philippine Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability.
The complaint, submitted to the Department of Justice, follows a separate criminal filing on August 3 against Sarmiento under Section 2-A of the Anti-Dummy Law. Celsius Resources and other complainants allege professional misconduct in relation to the governance of Makilala Mining Company, which holds the MCB Copper-Gold Project in the Philippines.
The MCB project operates under a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement with the Philippine government. Celsius Resources noted that its announcement was authorized by its board in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 3.1 and AIM Rule 11 continuous-disclosure requirements. The company did not elaborate on the specific allegations beyond confirming the filing of the complaint.
The disciplinary complaint names Sarmiento Loriega Law partners Maria Elizabeth Peralta-Loriega, Recolito Ferdinand Cantre Jr., Jose A. Linsangan, Bryan A. San Juan and Christine C. Clemente, along with several unnamed junior lawyers. The firm has not publicly responded to requests for comment.
