BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The Supreme Court announced yesterday that the 2024 Bar exam results will be released on Dec. 13, marking the 16-day countdown to a pivotal moment for 10,483 aspiring lawyers.
In a notice, Associate Justice and 2024 Bar chair Mario Lopez confirmed the date, sparking mixed emotions among examinees considering Dec. 13 is a Friday.
In Philippine folklore, Friday the 13th is often associated with bad luck, a superstition rooted in Western culture and reinforced by pop culture. However, this notion of “bad luck” is largely symbolic and subjective.
For many barristers, the date could be seen either as a test of resilience or an omen of good fortune.
It is worth noting that success in the Bar exam ultimately depends on preparation and performance, not the date the results are released.
History has shown that countless lawyers have celebrated their victories regardless of such superstitions.
The Supreme Court, in its notice, said the results will be displayed on the LED walls inside the tribunal’s Courtyard and uploaded to its official website and its verified social media pages.
Additionally, live stream links and QR codes for accessing the results via YouTube and Facebook will be shared through the Court’s official communication channels to ensure widespread and reliable access.
The high court emphasized that only notices and issuances from its official website and verified social media accounts should be considered authentic.
The reminder aims to safeguard against misinformation and ensure the integrity of the announcement process.
The SC Courtyard gates will be open to the public on Friday, December 13, from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m., for those who wish to witness the live release of the 2024 Bar exam results.
However, strict guidelines and security measures will be enforced. The SC said that entry will be regulated due to limited space and tight security inspections will be conducted for all individuals entering the premises.
Attendees must adhere to a dress code and that clothing must be appropriate and decent.
The prohibited attire includes footwear with open toes or heels, bottoms ripped or cut above the knee, leeveless, cropped, or see-through clothing.
Those who fail to comply with these guidelines will be denied entry in order and decorum for this momentous event.
Associate Justice Lopez revealed in a press briefing in September that a total of 10,483 aspiring lawyers took the 2024 Bar examinations, conducted on Sept. 8, 11, and 15. This figure represents a significant turnout from the 12,246 registered applicants.
The 2024 Bar examinations covered six core subjects, weighted as follows: Political and Public International Law, (15 percent); Commercial and Taxation Laws, (20 percent); Civil Law, (20 percent); Labor Law and Social Legislation, (10 percent); Criminal Law, (10 percent); Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics with Practical Exercises, (25 percent).
In 2023, the passing rate was 36.77 percent, with 3,812 out of 10,387 examinees successfully passing. This was a decline from the 2022 passing rate of 43.47% (3,992 out of 9,183 examinees).
Ephraim Bie, a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas School of Law, topped the 2023 Bar exams with a grade of 89.2625 percent.
With 2024 Bar exam expected to be released on December 13, 2024, the oath-taking ceremony and signing of the Roll of Attorneys are scheduled for January 24, 2025.
The Bar exam, widely regarded as one of the most challenging professional licensure tests in the Philippines, continues to be a crucial milestone for those aspiring to enter the legal profession.
Ultimately, whether Friday the 13th turns out to be a “curse” or a “blessing” will depend on the outcome for each barrister, but the symbolism might just add an extra layer of suspense to this significant milestone in their legal journey./PN
