2023 Bar exam to proceed despite smog concerns

INQUIRER FILE/STOCK PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Under prevailing meteorological conditions, the 2023 Bar Examinations “shall still definitely proceed as originally planned,” read the notice issued Friday from Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, chairman of the 2023 Bar examinations.

The last day of the Bar exam is set for September 24, Sunday, in 14 local testing centers (LTCs). However, the metro has recently been enveloped with smog, posing health risks.

“The Court is concentrating its utmost efforts to help you through these examinations,” Hernando said.

Examinees in LTCs in the National Capital Region (NCR) are required to wear N95 face masks. If the N95 mask is not available, the KN95 mask would suffice, the SC’s Office of the Bar chair said.

“Per Bar Bulletin No. 6, all examinees are highly encouraged to wear a face mask at all times, except when eating and drinking. Recent circumstances bring us to strongly advise Bar examines in the NCR LTCs to secure N95 masks for use this Sunday. If N95 masks are not available, KN95 masks will suffice,” read the notice from Hernando.

Aside from wearing N95 or KN95 face masks, Bar examinees are “strongly urged” to do the following:

• Limit your exposure. Stay indoors. Limit outdoor activities to essential needs.
• Hydrate regularly. Drink plenty of water to avoid or reduce throat irritation or constriction.
• For NCR examinees, Personal and portable air-purifying devices worn around the neck will be allowed. However, the devices must not use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, or similar data-sharing technology and should not emit or display any light, sound, or other features that may disturb other examinees.
• For those afflicted with asthma or suffering from other respiratory tract issues, stock up with emergency medicines, eye drops eye wash, and/or medical devices for good measure.

The SC said medical teams will be stationed in all LTCs and shall be at everyone’s contingency service.

“The Office of the 2023 Bar Chair is actively coordinating with the LTCs, relevant government agencies, and health professionals to ensure that all examinees will safely complete the 2023 Bar examinations on Sunday, September 24, 2023,” read the notice.

Justice Hernando told the examinees to “take all necessary precautions and give due regard to your health.”

“We are at the last stretch. Remember that the Court is anticipating your success this coming December. Just one day more. We can do it,” the magistrate said.

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