UE scholar among 2025 bar topnotchers

The University of the East (UE) proudly celebrates its 2025 bar examination passers, led by two graduates who placed among the top performers, reaffirming UE's longstanding tradition of excellence in legal education.

Leading UE's successful bar candidates are Patric Kiel Quiroz Navarro, who ranked 12th, and Ronald Vincent Ofrecio Gonzales, who placed 20th in the recently concluded bar examination.

Navarro, who had worked at an IT company before taking up law, shared that he was a court staffer when the results were released and that becoming a lawyer had been a lifelong dream. As the first lawyer in his family, he said the achievement carries a deeper sense of purpose.

"Everything seemed surreal. I still can't believe that my name was called among the topnotchers in this year's bar examination. I am very grateful for all the blessings He has given me," Navarro said.

“It may sound cliché but being a lawyer has long been a dream of mine. Before I took the bar exam, I promised the Almighty that if He willed me to be a lawyer, I will be of service to the public, the needy, and the underprivileged. By God's grace, I was able to pass the bar to fulfill that promise and will be forever grateful to the University of the East,” he added.

A former delivery rider turned UE College of Law scholar and student leader, Gonzales credited his success to faith, mentorship and institutional support.

"Above all, I am profoundly grateful to the Almighty, who guided me throughout my law school journey and during the bar examination. I extend my deepest appreciation to my professors, whose guidance enabled us to achieve our aspirations," Gonzales said.

He also expressed gratitude to his family and the UE College of Law for granting him a scholarship that helped sustain his legal education.

"I acknowledge with immense gratitude the University of the East for accepting me into the College of Law and for granting me a scholarship that significantly assisted with my educational expenses. I am equally grateful to my mother and sibling, whose unwavering support and guidance helped me overcome this challenge," Gonzales added.

Before beginning his law studies, Gonzales worked as a delivery rider and struggled to balance work and school. Becoming a UE College of Law scholar not only eased his family's financial burden but also allowed him to serve as president of the UE Law student government, demonstrating leadership both inside and outside the classroom.

Gonzales aspires to join public service through the Public Attorney's Office to serve those "deprived of privilege and justice."

Meantime, UE College of Law Dean Viviana Paguirigan lauded the achievements of all UE bar passers, underscoring the values that shaped their success.

“This feat is a testament to the discipline, perseverance and faith that they carried on their journey. We take pride in their remarkable achievement and look forward to the meaningful contributions they will make to the legal profession and to society," Paguirigan said.