Bar PLUS exam app launched

Screenshot of BAR PLUS, the online platform that law graduates will use in submitting their application to take the Bar Examination.

MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court on Thursday launched the online platform that would be used by applicants for the historic digital and localized 2020-2021 Bar examination set in November.

Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, chair of the 2020-2021 Bar Examination Committee, in the Bar Bulletin No. 21 said the Bar Personalized Login Unified System (BAR PLUS) is already available through this link: https://lis.judiciary.gov.ph/scp#

“BAR PLUS is a homegrown online application system through which prospective applicants for the November 2021 Bar examinations will submit their verified petition, other required documents, and information including proof of payment of the bar application fee,” read the Bar Bulletin.

Leonen said the BAR PLUS “was created to facilitate safe, equitable, and inclusive Bar Examinations. All potential examinees will submit their applications digitally and through mail.”

A potential examinee will only be required to personally appear if there are issues in their applications that cannot be addressed in another manner.

But Leonen advised potential examinees to begin their process of application as soon as possible.

In filing the petition to take the Bar examination, there are documents needed to be attached. In the Frequently Asked Question, the documents should both be in digital and physical copy.

For health and safety reasons, the high court said submissions to the Office of the Bar Confidant should be through registered mail or any courier service or drop-off boxes at the Supreme Court-Padre Faura’s Main Gate.

The application shall be deemed completed upon payment of the examination fee.

Traditionally, Bar examinations are conducted in one venue, which is in Metro Manila. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, last year’s examination was canceled, and Leonen, being the Bar Examination chair, has proposed measures to ensure that this year’s examination will push through.

Aside from a digitalized and proctored examination and online filing of the petition to take the Bar, the high court has also approved Leonen’s proposal that the examination be done “localized,” meaning the aspiring lawyers can choose the examination venue nearest their place of residence.

There are already 16 testing centers scattered nationwide and Leonen said they hoped to increase it to 25.

Checking of the examination will also be done digitally, removing inclusivity that the examiners should only be in Metro Manila.

RELATED STORIES

SC adopts ‘digitalized, localized, proctored modality’ for 2021 Bar Exams

Localized Bar exam: MOA signed for 16 test centers on 4 Sundays in November

SC chief Gesmundo bucks idea to abolish Bar exams