CJ Peralta mulls holding online Bar exams in 2021

Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta on Thursday said the Supreme Court is considering the conduct of online Bar examinations next year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a Senate hearing on the Judiciary's proposed P43.54-billion budget for 2021, Senator Francis Tolentino asked if holding such virtually would be possible in the country.

"We are thinking of that. We are considering that," Peralta said in response. "Next year, probably."

The SC postponed this year's Bar exams due to the COVID-19 pandemic and scheduled the next one in November 2021.

"Ang mangyayari diyan magkakasabay 'yung ano, those who are supposed to take the Bar exams for 2020 will now take the Bar exams [in] 2021," Peralta said.

"We have already decided to hold the Bar exams simultaneously in Mindanao rin, Visayas, Manila... three sites po," he added.  — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News