SC: Bar examinees may keep review files in laptops

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court on Monday allowed aspiring lawyers to keep digital review materials in their laptops on the day of the Bar exams even as it reminded them not to engage in any form of cheating. Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, chair of the 2020-2021 Bar exams, said the High Tribunal rescinded its earlier order that barred the examinees from storing files on their laptops other than Examplify—the software that will be used for the country’s first-ever online licensure test for new lawyers. But Leonen said the examinees were prohibited from accessing their digital reviewers 30 minutes before the start of the exams. He said those caught violating the rules would be perpetually banned from joining the legal profession. The test will be held on Feb. 4 and Feb. 6.

—Marlon Ramos