SC reduces coverage, shortens duration of 2020/21 bar exams

The Supreme Court building is viewed from its closed gateway. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court on Tuesday reduced the coverage and shortened the duration of the 2020/21 bar examination, which is set on Jan. 23 and 25, 2022.

In a press statement quoting the high court’s resolution, the Public Information Office said reducing the coverage and shortening of the bar examination will be “pro hac vice,” meaning it will only be for the instance of the 2020/21 bar examination.

“These changes pro hac vice seek to meet the demand for new lawyers amid the disasters plaguing the country. The Philippines has produced no new lawyer since the pandemic. But while the bar examinations may no longer be postponed, it can be held in a way that is more humane. With these changes, the Court strikes that balance,” the SC said.

The high court came up with the resolution following the recommendation of Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the current Bar Chairperson.

“The Court noted that the bar examinees for this coming bar have reviewed for longer than all the other batches taking the bar exams under very difficult conditions.

Under the resolution, examinees will take four sets of examinations instead of the usual eight subjects. The four sets are the following: (1) The Law Pertaining to the State and Its Relationship with Its Citizens (formerly Political Law, Labor Law, and Taxation Law); (2) Criminal Law; (3) The Law Pertaining to Private Personal and Commercial Relations (formerly Civil Law and Commercial Law); and (4) Procedure and Professional Ethics (formerly Remedial Law, Legal Ethics, and Practical Exercises).

All examinees are advised to self-quarantine starting January 9, or at least two weeks before the bar examinations.

EDV