Written by Vhee-Jei M. Bringas/THE RED CHRONICLES
Layout by Lynden Alyanna M. Valenzuela/THE RED CHRONICLES
LAS PIÑAS, PH—The Supreme Court announced the results of the #HernandoIt Bar Exam last December 5, 2023, at the SC Grounds in Padre Faura and live-streamed via the Supreme Court YouTube channel, where out of the 10,387 bar takers, only 36.77%, or 3,812 made it to get the “dot.”
Out of the 36.77%, 176 new Bedan lawyers emerged from San Beda College Alabang.
The said event was spearheaded by the 2023 Bar Chairperson, Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando. On the SC grounds, he was joined by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and the other Justices.
Barristers, students, family members, and supporters of the barristers from all over the country gathered and waited together under the scorching sun.
“They #HernanDidItWell,” said Justice Hernando as he congratulated all the bar passers.
How they #HernanDidIt
The 2023 bar examinations were compressed for the first time into 3 days: September 18, 20, and 24, 2023. The Bar Bulletin No. 8-2023 or the Final Notes for the Bar Examinations summarized the SC’s announcement and issuances in regard to the 2023 Bar Examinations which are as follows; Bar Bulletin Nos: 1) Schedule, Coverage, and Other Preliminary Matters Relating to the 2023 Bar Examinations, 2) Application Requirements for 2023 Bar Examinations, 3) Updates on Local Testing Centers; Some Bar Application Reminders; Other Matters, 4) Final List of Local Testing Centers; Venue Selection Guidelines and Mechanics, 5) General Guidelines on the Digitalizes Bar Examinations, 6) Guidelines and Rules of Conduct for the 2023 Bar Examinations; and 7) Academic Honesty.
During the 3-day bar examinations, TRC interviewed some barristers. Among them was Atty. Miguel Carlos Pangilinan, the SBCA SOL Salutatorian of Class 2023, was featured in the Faces of Alabang on Day 2 of the examinations.
When asked about that one word that would describe his feeling for the last day of the bar exams, he replied, “HOPE – kasi umaasa nalang ako na na mababawi ko sa Rem and Crim.” Finally, his hope became fruitful for getting his much-awaited ‘dot.’
According to Atty. Pangilinan, the reason why he did it was because of his prayers. When interviewed, he shared his secret to passing the bar:
“My bar review started with skimming through the syllabus and picking which items I needed to study more. After that, I made a schedule allotting weeks for when I would study a particular subject. Every single day, I studied in the morning, took a break in the afternoon, and continued in the evening. I watched lectures from my review center (Legal Edge), took down notes, and read materials whenever necessary.
As the days got closer to the bar exams, I made use of the pre-bar materials to test my understanding. During the bar week, I only used the LMTs and Pre-Week reviewers— nothing too heavy. In taking the bar exam, I skimmed through the questions and answered what I could first, and then I went back to the ones I couldn’t answer. I also tried to rethink my answers, and I’d say I ended up checking my answers four times before I left the room. And through it all, I prayed for strength, wisdom, and guidance.”
The Faces Behind the #HernanDidIt
The 2023 bar examination’s theme was “Sigahum,” a Hiligaynon word that means “to strive to achieve a goal.”
During the launch of the 2023 Bar Theme last September 1, 2023, the SBCA CBO Overall Chairperson, Ms. Kate Capulong, gave this inspiring and powerful speech:
“Bilang mga kapwa mag-aaral ninyo at bilang bahagi ng institusyon ng SBCA-SOL, kami’y nagbibigay pugay sa inyong katapangan at kakayahan sa pamamagitan ng taunang siklaban o Battlecry ng ating institusyon. Bilang mga Bedans, kami’y nakikiisa sa inyo – sa inyong mga pagsubok at tagumpay at sa inyong pagsusumikap. Isang pangako, sa mga naglakas loob mangarap at nagtiwala sa kanilang mga sarili, at sa mga taong kasama nilang tumahak sa landas na ito. Alinsunod sa gayo’ng tradisyon, ang mga kasapi ng CBO ay nagsikap upang tiyakin na ang Bar Operations ngayong taon at sa darating pang mga taon ay matagumpay na paraan upang matulungan kayo, aming mga Bedan Bar Candidates, na makamit ang inyong pinaghirapang pakikibahagi sa larangan ng batas.”
As a yearly tradition, the CBO is committed and dedicated to giving care packs, review materials, and other bar stuff that the SBCA bar candidates need. They are the greatest helping hand of the SOL in ensuring the good flow of the yearly bar examinations. The CBO continues to play a great role in the Bedan barrister’s life, and it is surely one of the reasons why Bedan lawyers feel the Bedan support and spirit.
In a video interview conducted by Joanne Benitez, the News Editor of TRC, Dean Ulan Sarmiento said, “It takes a lot of guts, determination, and the audacity to become a Bedan lawyer.” Dean Marciano Delson also said that they have the “Bedan brand of legal education,” and Dean Rico Quicho said, “It’s their time to shine.”
The SOL faculty showed how they are confident that the Bedan education instilled in every barrister will be their shield and sword in the bar examinations.
The 2023 Bar Examinations were one of the toughest bar exams, as a lot of examinees had quoted it, where only a few emerged victorious. However, with the continuous collaborative effort, support, and love that the Beda Bang community and One San Beda Community share, it still looks forward to home not just excellent ‘lawyers,’ but “Bedan lawyers.”