Disqualified

I'm no expert in taking the Bar exams as I am not a Law student but I did see what transpired over the weekend. It was the first time the Bar exams were held regionally, what a historic feat. For years, aspiring lawyers had to fly to Manila and book hotels at their own expense while they would do the exam in four Sundays. The experience was rather enthralling but also draining since they have to literally isolate themselves from the real world while 30 days took its toll.

This year it was different and had more affinity. Family members were able to personally send off their children to the testing sites and when they finished, they gave them a hug of congratulations coupled with gifts for a feat done. Now the waiting game starts. In some areas, drum and bugle bands awaited the successful examinees. However, not everyone was happy with the conduct of the exams. Others had to postpone this one step closer to their dream because they tested positive for COVID-19.

The Supreme Court has been very stern in its rules that once an examinee tests positive, they would not be able to take the exam. That's literally throwing away months’ worth of preparation out the door because of the virus which wasn't their fault in the first place. It's daunting that no matter how careful they are, somehow they caught the virus. I'm wondering how come a COVID-positive person is stripped of his or her right to take an exam when that doesn't have bearing on his capacity to answer. This is based on my analogy on the election where Comelec said acquiring a disease doesn’t remove a person's right to suffrage.

But what's done is done and we have to move on. Maybe it isn't the best Bar after all. I know some of my friends who took the exam this year who had to isolate themselves prior to taking the COVID test. On top of the different subjects crammed into one day, they have to deal with anxiety about the result of their swab tests. Those are two different things that could really mess someone up.

Now the most taxing part starts, and that is waiting for the results. I'm quite positive (not in a bad way) that we will have topnotchers as in the past. I hope the new breed of lawyers won’t adapt to the corrupt system and are brave enough to fight for ideals. We live in a time where principles are half-baked, especially in individuals in dire need financially. I hope money won't blind them and that they will contribute to the justice system. Maybe soon, one of this year's takers will become a Supreme Court justice or even chief. Who knows?