3,812 pass Bar; law schools in provinces ‘faring better’—SC

A total of 3,812 or 36.77 percent of the 10,387 examinees passed the 2023 online Bar examinations administered by the Supreme Court in September.

Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, chairman of the 2023 Bar Examinations, said Ephraim Porciuncula Bie from the University of the Santo Tomas topped the exams with a score of 89.2625 percent.

Ateneo de Manila University clinched the highest Bar exam passing rate at 94.08 percent, followed by San Beda University at 92.20 percent.

Hernando said law schools in the provinces were “faring better” in the Bar, with some of their graduates making it to the top 20 passers in this year’s examinations.

“I think it is because access to legal education now has spread out. The provincial law schools, they’re faring better in the Bar,” Hernando said.

President Marcos reminded the new batch of Bar passers to ensure every Filipino has access to a fair and equitable justice system.

“As you begin your unique paths, stand firm in upholding integrity and remain true to the reasons that called you to practice law,” President Marcos said on X.

“Remain united in ensuring that every Filipino has the benefit of a fair and equitable justice system,” he added.

The 2023 Bar Examinations were held on September 17, 20, and 24, 2023 in 14 local testing centers spread out across the National Capital Region, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

ADMU law graduate Mark Josel Padua took the 2nd place with a rating of 89.125 percent, while Frances Camille Altonaga-Francisco of San Beda University grabbed the 3rd place with a rating of 88.9125 percent.

Nathaniel Niño Alipio Aquinas Tang of UST- Legazpi landed in 4th place with a rating of 88.65 percent followed by David Joseph Austria of De La Salle University – Manila as 5th placer with a rating of 88.55 percent.

The Supreme Court said the oath taking and signing of the Roll of Attorneys of the successful examinees will be held on Dec. 22 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The 2023 Bar examinations marked the first time that successful examinees will be admitted into the practice of their profession on the same year they took the examinations.

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