Bar Examinations 2024 begin

Metro Manila, Philippines – This year’s Bar Examinations began on Sunday, Sept. 8, for thousands of aspiring lawyers.

Examinees from different parts of the country prepared early to go to one of the 13 local testing centers.

The following are the location of the testing centers:

+ University of the Philippines Diliman (Quezon City)

+ University of the Philippines Bonifacio Global City (Taguig)

+ University of Santo Tomas (Manila)

+ San Beda University (Manila)

+ San Beda College-Alabang (Muntinlupa)

+ Manila Adventist College (Pasay)

+ Saint Louis University (Baguio City)

+ University of Nueva Caceres (Naga City)

+ University of San Jose-Recoletos (Cebu City)

+ Central Philippine University (Iloilo City)

+ Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation (Tacloban City)

+ Xavier University (Cagayan de Oro City)

+ Ateneo de Davao University (Davao City)

From the initial 12,246 applicants for the test, a total of 10,483 law graduates will take the Bar Examinations. The other testing dates are Sept. 11 and 15.

“During the application period, many prospective examinees were still completing their final year of law school or refresher courses. Unfortunately, some did not graduate and/or encountered unforeseen circumstances that led to withdrawals,” Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario Lopez, 2024 Bar Examinations chairperson said.

In a social media post on Sept. 4, Lopez told Bar candidates that feeling “tired and anxious” is understandable.

“Your studies and review have brought you unprecedented pressures. But the exhaustion and anxiety are small pains compared to the lifetime of glory that awaits you,” Lopez said.

“Let your resolve, grit, and unyielding spirit define you. Trust in your capabilities and preparation, and carry with you the love, support, and assurance of those who believe in you,” he went on.

Lopez said that queries will concentrate on practical skills, jurisprudential perspectives, and analytical and problem-solving skills.

The Bar has “fully transitioned” from pen-and-paper to the digital format, preventing external file access and removing issues with illegible handwriting.

Results may be out by early December.

Oath-taking ceremony and signing of the Roll of Attorneys are set on Jan. 24, 2025.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.