• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Twenty-seven examinees from the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, and 20 from the University of St. La Salle, are among the 3,812 out of the 10,387 that hurdled the 2023 Bar Examinations, as per results released by the Supreme Court this afternoon, Dec. 5.
Bar passers from the UNO-r include Gil Ryan Alegario, Claudine Joyce Ballesteros, Dylza Fia Camino, Trisha Mae Castillo, John Kaye Delostrico, Enric Van Descalsota, Ely John Dorol;
Gerard Joshua Gelera, Jojemar Gigataras, Clarence Gordoncillo, Helen Joy Grijaldo, Jemima Grace Hecita, Sofia Raya Lo, Charles Mangga, Michelle Ann Mendoza, Renan Nadado, Phoenix Narajos, Ryan Octavio, Jhimbol Pabalinas, Drexel Glen Pajarilla, Rhett Poyogao, Christian Leigh Razonable, Jeffrey Tan, Suzi Ann Tan, Pollyana Tanaleon, Charisse Nadine Tillaman, and Frances Vivien Torres.
The UNO-R School of Law posted that it warmly congratulates its 27 new contributions to the legal profession.
The newly-minted Lasallian lawyers, meanwhile, include Laila Marie Abalajon, Stephanie Barile, Joevel Bartolome, Stephanie Anne Be, Lotus Mae Bongco, Carl Tahny Jan Capistrano, Ernalin Costiniano, Gabrielle Martina Diaz, Febe Ruth Diocares, Brent Donasco;
Mitzi Caryl Encarnacion, Anne Mary Louise Ongsuco, Justin Eric Pabon, Ricca Joy Resula, Jose Maria II Rosales, Nelie France Sanchez, May Hope Santiago, Crystine Jaye Senadre, Lea Dessa Socuaco, and Jan Jireh Suelo, the USLS said in a post.
It added that its College of Law achieved a passing rate of 77.27 percent for its first-time exam takers, higher than the national average of 36.77 percent. “The 2023 Bar exam national passing rate is lower than the previous year’s average of 43.47 percent”.
USLS College of Law dean, Atty. Ralph Sarmiento, hailed the success of Juris Doctor students in the 2023 Bar exams, attributing it to the high-quality education at the University and acknowledging the dedication and excellence of both students and faculty, the post said.
“This milestone is not just a reflection of the students’ hard work and dedication but also highlights the unwavering commitment and excellence of the law faculty,” Sarmiento was quoted as saying.
The SC Ephraim Porciuncula Bie of the University of Santo Tomas obtained the highest mark of 89.2625-percent score among the 10,387 examinees. Another UST alumnus, Pio Buencamino tied for 8th place with Paulo Batulan of the University of San Jose-Recoletos.
Other schools whose graduates landed in the top 10 were Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU)’s Mark Josel Padua (2nd Place) and Bryan Gerard Tapnio Antonio (7th place); San Beda University’s Frances Francisco (3rd); Dela Salle University (DLSU Manila)’s David Flores (5th place); and University of the Philippines (UP)’s Ralph Samaniego (6th place).
Two students from the Aquinas Campus of the University of Sto. Tomas in Legaspi City – Nathaniel Tang and Zes Non – placed 4th and 10th place, respectively.
The University of San Jose Recoletos’ Paulo Batulan placed 8th; Angeles University Foundation School of Law’s Grace Bautista placed 9th, while Saint Paul School of Professional Studies Jayson Chan landed in 10th place alongside Non.
UP students also clinched the 13th, 15th, 16th, and 17th highest marks, a report from the Philippine News Agency showed.
The ADMU was the top performer among 13 law schools which fielded more than 100 candidates with a 94.08 percent passing rate or 159 passers out of 169 takers; followed by San Beda with 92.20 percent (130 passers, 141 takers); USC (90.915%, 170 passers, 187 takers); UP (89.45%, 229 passers, 256 takers); and UST (85.25% with 104 passers out of 122 takers).
The SC said 140 schools had candidates who completed the Bar exams and 130 schools had hopefuls passing the exams.
This year’s exams are the third time conducted on multiple sites and done digitally instead of the traditional pen and paper. It was chaired by Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando. | CGC
