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An action for collection filed in the Regional Trial Court involves Delta Realty as plaintiff, represented by Atty. Dizon, the plaintiff’s counsel of record. The defendant, Zenith Manufacturing, is represented by Atty. Santos. At the first scheduled pre-trial conference, Atty. Dizon did not appear despite proper service of summons on Zenith and notice to Zenith’s counsel. The court proceeds with the conference and orders Zenith to file a verified answer within 15 days. After the conference, Atty. Dizon files a verified motion to withdraw as counsel of record, citing a pending conflict of interest with another client, and requests substitution. The court does not designate substitute counsel immediately. Delta Realty remains unrepresented for 28 days, during which time no pleading is filed. The court later grants substitution to Atty. Reyes, but substitution occurs after the 28-day unrepresented period. The court eventually dismisses the case for want of prosecution. Which statement best captures the controlling doctrine on the Duty of Counsel of Record to appear and to represent the client, including the rule on withdrawal and substitution, and correctly applies to the facts above?