MANILA, Philippines — The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a number of traditional ways, including how thousands of the 2019 Bar exam passers will take their oath this year.
According to the Supreme Court, the 2,103 new lawyers will have to take their oath via an online video conference on June 25.
Traditionally, oath-taking for new lawyers is done at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) – attended by the successful Bar examinees and a family member, as well as all 15 high court magistrates.
In an en banc resolution approved Tuesday, the online oath-taking considered the existing government policy against mass gatherings.
But the high court clarified that the unorthodox oath-taking was to be “pro hac vice,” meaning it is to be exclusive only for the 2019 Bar passers.
The resolution cited Article VIII, Section 5 (5) of the Constitution, which is the rule-making power of the Supreme Court concerning the admission to the practice of law as its basis.
The Supreme Court authorized the Bar Confidant, under the guidance of the 2019 BAR Chairperson, Senior Associate Justice Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe, to perform all necessary acts, under existing rules, regulations, and resources, to carry out the oath-taking as contemplated in the resolution.
The Office of the Bar Confidant will be making the necessary announcements on the details, guidelines, and instructions to the new lawyers for the online oath-taking.
KGA
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