Parents rejoice over the passing of their children in the Bar exams

Policeman Paul Gamboa at Supreme Court rejoices over the passing of his son Ian in the 2023 Bar exams, results of which came out on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. (Photo screengrabbed from videos of TETCH TORRES-TUPAS)

MANILA, Philippines – The 2023 Bar examinations not only produced new lawyers, but also pride on the part of parents who shared their children’s excitement after passing the exams.

A law enforcer on duty at Supreme Court, Police Chief Master Sergeant Paul Gamboa, was not able to contain his happiness upon seeing his son’s name in the list of Bar passers.

He was overjoyed when he saw that his youngest son, Ian Gamboa, made it on his first try.

“Masayang masaya. Masayang pamasko po para sa aming pamilya,” he said widely grinning.

(Very, very happy. It’s a joyful Christmas gift for our family.)

Meanwhile, Vivian Pineda, a Bar passer’s mother flew from London to wait for the results with her son.

The event reunited them after more than 20 years.

“We just arrived around three o’clock in the morning,” the proud mom told reporters.

Her son, Brian Kelvin Pineda of Ateneo de Manila University, detailed how he struggled as a working student while pursuing his scholarship.

“I am very much thankful that I passed. Iyong pursuit of justice, magagawa ko (na) iyon sa chosen law firm ko,” Pineda said.

(I am very thankful that I passed. I can pursue justice in my chosen law firm.)

Pineda had signed up to work in a law office.

Bar passer Brian Kelvin Pineda with his mother Vivian at Supreme Court grounds on December 5, 2023, where they found out the results of the 2023 Bar exams. (Photo screengrabbed from videos of TETCH TORRES-TUPAS)

Out of the 10,387 examinees, 36 percent or 3,812 passed the Bar, Supreme Court said on Tuesday.

The digitized exam was conducted on September 17, 20, and 24, 2022.

UST graduate Ephraim Porciuncula Bie topped the exams.