SC studies proposal to hold Bar exams in Visayas, Mindanao

The Supreme Court is studying the possibility of holding the annual Bar examinations in Visayas and Mindanao.

This was in response to a resolution passed by the Cebu City Sangguniang Panglungsod (Resolution No. 13-0685-2013) that requested that Bar exams be held outside Metro Manila.

In a one-page resolution, the high court en banc referred the request to the Committee on Bar Examinations, upon the recommendation of the Office of the Bar Confidante, headed by lawyer Cristina Layusa.

“The Court resolved, upon the recommendation of the Office of the Bar Confidant, to refer this matter to the Committee on Bar Examinations for consideration,” read the resolution.

Bar exams have been traditionally held in Manila. In the last few years, the exams were held at the University of Santo Tomas along España Boulevard in Manila. Prior to that, the exams were held at the De La Salle University along Taft Avenue, also in Manila.

Last year, the Bar examinations were conducted during the four Saturdays of October. Of the 5,686 admitted to take the exams, only 5,343 completed them.

An Ateneo Law School graduate, Ignatius Ingles, topped last year's Bar exams, with a grade of 85.64 percent.

The Bar exams are believed to be the most difficult among licensure examinations. — Mark Merueñas/KBK, GMA News