Today is the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time. We are fast approaching Advent and the whole Christendom is preparing for Christmas. In today’s gospel, St. Mark tells of the arguments among the scribes on which commandments is the greatest of all. Jesus resolved the argument by giving the two most important commandments. Incidentally, today is also the first day of the Bar examinations. No less than 8,701 examinees are going to tackle eight very difficult subjects. This year has the highest number of candidates for the past 20 years. It is predicted only between 1,800 to 2,500 will pass.
So, what are the greatest commandments Bar candidates should follow today? First, they should display mastery of all fundamental principles of the eight laws. Second, they must have a very strong command of the language, adeptness in comprehension, as well as the power of expression, with excellent language and flawless penmanship. Each one should convince the examiner that he or she has mastered the Philippine Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights, the Fundamental Principles, the structures of government, as well as such basic concepts like the separation of powers.
Today, also, in the morning, Bar candidates must manifest mastery of both public and private international law. He must show advanced knowledge of the election laws and the Local Government Code in relation to the administrative code. In the afternoon, Labor Law will require in the examinee a working and thorough understanding of labor laws and social legislation. Then, in labor relations, the examinee must have a deep understanding and excellent grasp of the laws and jurisprudence on unions, collective bargaining, unfair labor practices and strikes, and other concerted actions. He must show mastery of the laws of termination of employment. Finally, labor procedures including jurisdiction and different causes of action, and the procedures and remedies.
Each bar candidate must be very good in English. He must be able to comprehend within a very brief span of time the questions being asked. Then he should frame his answer with an impeccable command of the language. Lawyers have a unique and intricate way of expressing themselves. Thus every examinee must imbibe the language of the lawyers, first person in the singular number. The answer must be direct, categorical, and explicitly responsive to the question. Erasures should be avoided at all cost. It is not a walk in the park to take this exam. But a positive result can truly change one’s life and fortune.
After today, there shall be more subjects: Civil Law and Taxation, Commercial laws and Criminal law and on the last Sunday the biggest hurdle, Remedial Law in the morning and the Practical Exercises in the afternoon. The first great commandment is to master all eight subjects and the second commandment is to express the answer in a manner that can only be considered excellent and elegant. To be a lawyer is like entering the hole of a needle. Many are called, only a handful will be anointed.