Not expecting to top the Bar, Sanchez gets news while in a jeep

As the Supreme Court (SC) released the list of the 2025 bar examination passers, Jhenroniel Rhey Timola Sanchez said he did not expect to be the top passer, which he learned while riding a jeepney.

“One of my friends called me and then informed me. She was like, Sanchez, Top 1 ka. And I'm sitting in a jeepney. I was like, 'you have got to be kidding me.'I never really intended to top the Bar,” Sanchez said on a "24 Oras" report by Sandra Aguinaldo.

He said he took the exams with just this in mind: “Just do your best, and whatever happens, happens."

Emotions poured in front of the SC building as the Bar passers learned of their success. Some were accompanied by their families and friends. Others greeted the news alone.

Bar passer Ibraham Lumugdang shared that it took him nine years of studying in law school before passing the bar exams after just one try.

Marge Regino, mother of a bar passer, went to SC in support of her child, who took four tries before passing the bar exams.

Following Sanchez, a graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman, Spinel Albert Declaro and Alaiza Agatep Adviento of the University of Santo Tomas ranked second and third, respectively.

Some of the Top 20 bar passers were also called on stage.

Top 7 passer Johann Gata said his motivation for passing the Bar was his family and his desire to serve Filipinos.

Top 17 Randall Pabilane shared that he is already working in a law firm, but pursued being a lawyer to help the poor by providing legal services.

Meanwhile, Pabilane's mother, Vivian, said what’s important is that her son is not materialistic.

Tasnim Cariga Balindong passed the bar on her second try. She proudly represents teachers and those born in Mindanao.

“Never give up on your dreams, and I always believe that everything comes in perfect timing po. My plan is to represent Mindanao lawyers, especially the Bangsamoro community po," Balindong said.

Reyo Eduardo Rivera, 59, also passed the bar exams after 11 attempts.

“Habang may buhay, may pag-asa. Wag lang tayo mawawalan ng ano (pag-asa). Magtiwala lang tayo sa Diyos,” Rivera said.

(As long as you live, there is hope. Do not lose hope. Trust the Lord.)

According to the SC, 5,594 out of 11,420 examinees passed, resulting in a passing rate of 48.98%.

This year’s passing rate is higher than in recent years

“I only reminded the examiners that my standard is reasonableness, and then I gave them a rubric of how points will be assigned to the answers,” said Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, 2025 Bar Examination chairperson.

“Failure is just temporary. It's just a temporary setback. It will never define us,” Lazaro-Javier told those who failed this year’s bar exams.

The oath-taking of the new lawyers will be on February 6.— Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News