Celsius Resources Limited (ASX, AIM: CLA) today announced it has filed a verified disciplinary complaint seeking the disbarment of Attorney Julito “Sarge” R. Sarmiento and other respondent lawyers from Sarmiento Loriega Law (SL Law). Celsius Resources Limited is an Australian-based mineral exploration and development company primarily focused on advancing its copper-gold projects in the Philippines. The complaint, filed by Celsius and other complainants, alleges violations of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability by the named legal professionals.
The disciplinary complaint extends beyond Attorney Sarmiento to include several senior partners from SL Law. These individuals are Attorney Maria Elizabeth “Beth” E. Peralta-Loriega (Founding Partner and Co-Managing Partner), Attorney Recolito Ferdinand “Ricky” N. Cantre, Jr. (Senior Partner), Attorney Jose A. Linsangan (Senior Partner), Attorney Bryan A. San Juan (Senior Partner), and Attorney Christine C. Clemente (Partner). Additionally, a number of junior lawyers from SL Law are also named in the complaint. This action follows the recent filing of a criminal complaint with the Philippines Department of Justice against Attorney Sarmiento concerning an alleged contravention under Section 2-A of the Anti-Dummy Law.
Celsius Resources stated that the complaint addresses a matter of legitimate public and national interest within the Philippines. It is presented in the context of the publicly disclosed governance of Makilala Mining Company, Inc. (MMCI) and the ongoing development of the MCB Copper-Gold Project, which is being advanced under a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) with the Philippine Government. In accordance with the requirements governing disciplinary proceedings in the Philippines, Celsius Resources emphasised that this announcement is strictly limited to confirming the filing of the complaint.
