The Supreme Court has rescheduled the Bar examinations, from November 2021 in several testing venues nationwide, including the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City, to January 16, 23, and 30, and February 6, 2022.
Associate Justice and 2020/21 Bar Exams Chairperson Marvic Leonen, in Bar Bulletin 28, series of 2021, dated Sept. 28, said that the SC decided to reset the exams “after considering the COVID-19 situation nationally and in all the testing sites, as well as receiving advice from various experts”.
The SC decision was made, after the recommendation of Leonen, and with the “abundance of caution and to assure the highest level of safety for all bar applicants and personnel”.
Leonen clarified that the application period will not be reopened for those who want to take the exams.
“All preparatory activities for the Bar Examinations, including the selection of the bar applicants of their venue, downloading of the secure exam delivery program, and other activities, shall continue,” he said.
Leonen told the examinees, “Treat this as an opportunity. Keep your momentum. Remember that you study not only to pass the Bar Examinations but also so that you will best serve others. Study well, purposively, and with passion”.
USLS, with a maximum of 1,340 slots, is among the more than 20 sites for the regional Bar examinations, the first time that multiple venues will be used for the exams.
In Western Visayas, the other testing site is the Central Philippine University in Jaro, Iloilo City, with a maximum of 475 slots. The Silliman University College of Law in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, is also a testing center.
On Sept. 16, the SC Bar Examinations Ocular Team, led by Atty. Anna Mickaella Lingat, who is under Leonen, inspected the venue at USLS.
In a courtesy call on Mayor Evelio Leonardia at the Bacolod City Government Center Sept. 17, Lingat said there will only be limited number of examinees per room throughout the examination centers in the country in order to observe the minimum health protocols.
Lingat was accompanied by Atty. Venice Buagñin, who is under Justice Paul Hernando, Bonifacio Liongson from the Office of the Confidant, and Victor Enriquez of the Security Division.—CGC
