MANILA – The Supreme Court (SC) is not discounting the possibility of holding the annual Bar examinations via online next year in case the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) persists.
Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta made the response when asked by Senator Francis Tolentino if the High Court is considering the alternative, similar to what is being done in some parts of the United States.
“There is now a move because we are not the only ones confronting this crisis, moves in other jurisdictions, in Michigan, District of Columbia, Louisiana, and also New York to have online Bar examinations,” Tolentino asked Peralta.
“We are thinking of that. Probably, next year,” Peralta replied. “Wala na this year. What is certain is that we will hold the examinations in three different locations simultaneously.”
Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, chairman of the 2021 Bar exam, said his team has been studying the possibility of conducting “online but proctored bar exams” or a mix of online and written exams. Pilot tests will be done in the coming months.
The SC earlier announced the postponement of the professional licensure exam for lawyers this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic./PN
