CEBU, Philippines — Postponed three times, the first-ever regionalized and digitized Philippine Bar examinations start today nationwide, and Cebu is among the 28 testing centers picked by the Supreme Court.
With the start of the exams, various law deans here wish their respective barristers “an ocean of luck and success” in taking the exams that have been postponed thrice already since 2020.
“I wish you an ocean of luck and success. God bless and may all of you successfully hurdle the #BestBarEver2020_21!” said University of Cebu School of Law dean Al-Shwaid de Leon Ismael to their Bar candidates.
Ismael said he admires their barristers for not losing their grip, for continuing the journey amid the challenges brought by the pandemic, the effects of typhoon Odette, and other setbacks that made their journey extraordinary.
“You are the epitome of fortitude, resilience, strength, and patience,” he said, adding “that right moment has finally come. Seize it.”
The UC-School of Law dean added that he is excited for the Bar candidates because he knew that they have prepared well and have been equipped with the knowledge and training needed for the ultimate battle of every aspiring lawyer.
Dean Jose Glenn Capanas of the University of San Carlos-School of Law and Governance, in his message to their bar examinees, said that previous Bar exam were marred with difficulties and controversies but he never encountered or heard of any bar examination which has been severely impacted by crises such as now.
“All I can do is utter amazement and awe because you, as aspirants, endured and patiently waited for this bar exam. You who are going to take the bar exam have manifested your resilience as examinees and as a person, qualities that are not uncommon of a good and hardworking lawyer, so there must be a reason why in a pandemic and after the typhoon Odette you remain steadfast in your aspirations to become a lawyer. You will be taking the bar in such unprecedented conditions,” Capanas said.
University of Visayas-Gullas Law School associate dean Darling Chyrmyth Wagas-Estorgio also told their barristers to get enough sleep, relax and pray and to have faith in themselves and trust that their efforts are going to pay off.
“The day has come for you to reach for the stars. The bar exams may sound daunting amid the pandemic but I know in my heart that you can do it,” said Wagas-Estorgio.
UV-GLS dean Joseph Randi Torregosa told their barristers that they have toiled long and hard, and made it this far and so close victory as “the magnitude of your struggles is a foregone reflection of the monumental triumph that awaits you.”
“There is no turning back. This is the moment that you fulfill your destiny and birth your dreams into reality. Give it your best shot and leave no room for regrets. You have survived then, and you will survive now,” Torregosa added.
Meanwhile, The Freeman learned that two examinees tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be allowed to take the bar examinations.
The 2020/2021 Bar examinations will be conducted today, February 4, 2022 (Friday) and on February 6, 2022 (Sunday).
It can be recalled that there was no Bar Examinations held in 2020 due to the increasing number of COVID-19 in the country and the imposition of a strict community quarantine status.
The 2020-2021 Bar Examinations chairperson Marvic Leonen on September 28, 2021 through Bar Bulletin No. 28 series of 2021 said that the SC en banc decided to move the Bar examinations from November 2021 to to January 16, 23, 30, and February 6, 2022.
SC Bar Bulletin No. 31, series of 2022 set the schedule of the exam on Sunday, January 23, 2022 and Tuesday, January 25, instead of the four Sundays of January 16, 23, 30 and February 6.
In Bar Bulletin 33, series of 2022 issued on January 14, 2022, Leonen said these examinees were at risk of not being able to take the Bar exams if the exams were to push through on January 23 and 25, 2022. Thus, the postponement.
Three schools in Cebu are set to host the first-ever regional Bar Examinations. These are the University of San Jose-Recoletos, University of Cebu and the University of San Carlos.
Security
Meanwhile, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) reminded anew the public of the road closures around the venues of the bar as the marshals will be manning these streets.
Police Lt. Colonel Maria Theresa Macatangay, CCPO information officer, said that according to what has been agreed with the school and the representatives from the Supreme Court, some streets near the schools will be closed.
Road closures include Pelaez and Sanciangko streets and will run from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. this Friday and Sunday.
These roads will be manned by several law enforcers. The CCPO is preparing at least 200 police personnel to be deployed around the three venues.
This was decided after it was assessed that the noises from vehicles can be heard from the classrooms where the exam will be taking place.
At UC Banilad, there will be no road closures. However, blowing of horns will be prohibited.
There will be a sign board that will be installed that says: No blowing of horns.
Near USJ-R, the outer lanes of the roads will be closed while the remaining two lanes, the inner and second lanes, will still be open.
The outer lanes that will be closed are intended for the vehicles of the faculty, staff and representatives who will be overseeing the examination.
The examinees, however, are not allowed to bring their own vehicle.
"As a warning katong mag gara-gara og bilin sa ilang sakyanan, i-tow gyud na inyong mga vehicles," said Macatangay.
Aside from this, Macatangay also encouraged the individuals who will be sending off and fetching their relatives to and from the examination venues to coordinate with the school as there are only limited passes issued.
"And it will also help the bar examinee to have a better peace of mind during that time na they have lesser trouble, so better coordinate with your school on how to ferry their love ones," said Macatangay.
The cops who will be deployed will be also assisted by marshals outside the venue to ensure that minimum health standard protocols will be properly imposed. — Iris Hazel M. Mascardo, JMD (FREEMAN)