CEBU, Philippines — It was, indeed, the “best” Bar ever, as promised, at least for 8,241 takers who passed the first digitalized and regionalized Bar Exams in the country.
According to the Supreme Court, the passing rate for Bar Exams 2020/21 is 72.28%, the highest in nearly seven decades.
Two from the University of San Carlos – Jani Omamalin and Geremae Mata -- and one from the University of Cebu – Sandra Jane Soon -- were among 14 passers tagged as “excellent” for having obtained ratings above 90%.
USC also finished fourth overall in terms of passing percentage for first-time takers among schools that fielded more than 100 examinees, trailing behind University of the Philippines-Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University and San Beda University, which secured the first three spots in that order.
USC was also recognized for having produced the fourth highest number – at 57 -- of “exemplary” passers or those who obtained ratings within the range of 85-90%.
Among schools that sent 51-100 examinees, UC ranked second in passing percentage for first-time takers. It also produced 11 exemplary passers.
The announcement of the results yesterday was largely welcomed by many takers, especially since the passing rate of 72.28% was the highest since 1954, when the passing stood at 75.17%.
USC maintains sterling performance
According to USC College of Law dean Jose Glenn Capanas, USC’s passing rates in the past have been consistently high as the school has produced the most number of topnotchers in the last seven years.
Capanas said this year’s Bar is one of the most challenging in history, not only because of the pandemic, but primarily because takers had to endure both physical and psychological strain of the long wait after several postponements.
“To top it all off, a negative COVID-19 test result was set as a condition to take the bar. Indeed, that bar exam was not only a test of one’s intellectual competence but also of discipline and endurance. Surpassing all those challenges and still achieving high passing percentage is anything but ordinary,” Capanas said.
This year’s Bar also marked a first for USC Law as former dean and now assistant vice president for academic affairs of USC, Joan Largo, was tapped as one of the Bar examiners in Remedial Law. She is the first USC Law professor and Carolinian to be named Philippine Bar examiner.
USJ-R, UV also make great showing
University of San Jose-Recoletos School of Law dean Jonathan Capanas said they now have 207 new lawyers.
For her part, University of Visayas-Gullas Law School associate dean Darling Chyrmyth Wagas-Estorgio said they were very elated after knowing the results.
“We congratulate everyone for the job well done. We have over 60 passers, so far, the highest in the history of GLS bar exams results. We have been with them since day one and we hope to continue supporting them as they transition from law school to the law practice,” Estorgio said.
“To those who did not make it, please know that your GLS family will always be here to support you in all your endeavors. This is just a bump in the road. Pick yourself up and get back in the race. Keep the faith and continue your pursuit,” she added.
IBP messages
According to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cebu City Chapter, it was mindful of the difficulty posed by the pandemic. Thus, it marshalled its “Big Brother” and “The Firm” programs, which effectively addressed the needs of the bar candidates and efficiently extended the relevant and necessary assistance to the various stakeholders.
“It will be an honor for us to continue to be of service to the new lawyers as together we create a more relevant, better and stronger legal profession in service for the least, the lost and the last,” IBP said.
Its counterpart in the province, IBP Cebu Chapter, has also welcomed the new passers to its fold.
“More than the stature and privilege your admittance to the Bar automatically clothes you with, you don in the same manner the important responsibility of contributing to the administration of justice and nation-building,” the chapter said.
IBP Cebu said it is timely that the examination results came on the heels of a particularly difficult time since many are still reeling from Typhoon Odette and are now being battered by Typhoon Agaton.
“Remember this day with empathy, gratitude and humility, knowing your achievement now is not merely the result of your own effort and aptitude, but also of God's grace and providence. Because He deemed it your time now,” it said.
“Make use of this gift and pay it forward, that it may advance the interests of justice, fairness, equity, peace, and even charity,” it added. – JMD (FREEMAN)