EMOTIONS erupted at the grounds of the Supreme Court last Dec. 13 as the Supreme Court officially released the results of the 2024 Bar Examinations. 3,962 examinees out of the 10,490 law graduates passed, making this year’s bar exam have a total passing rate of 37.8% compared to last year’s 36.77% during the 2023 bar exam.

     The announcement sparked celebrations and emotional reunions among successful examinees, their families, and supporters. SBCA celebrates 174 new Bedan lawyers with a 54.81% first-takers passing rate, a 45.31% overall passing rate, and a 37.84% national passing rate. “The countless hours of study, the sacrifices, and the unwavering focus you poured into this dream have finally borne fruit.” the SBCA Centralized Bar Operations said in a Facebook post congratulating the passers. 

     This year, the bar examination adopted a passing grade of 74. This change was unanimously voted by the Supreme Court justices, headed by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, and announced by Associate Justice Mario Lopez, this year's Bar Committee chairman. 

     Kyle Christian Tutor, a University of the Philippines graduate, earned the top one spot with an average of 85.77%. 

     Among the successful takers was Atty. John Arthur Tayson Melindo, CPA, from Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Law. He shared how ecstatic and thankful he was upon receiving the news, especially since this is his second license. “Do not take shortcuts sa pag-aaral, at kahit anong iba sa inyong pagsubok masiyahan lang kayo sa gan’on at take it head on," Melindo  advised to those who aspire to take the bar examinations someday. 

     On the other hand, Atty. Michael John Valdez Abayon from San Beda University shares the difficulty of waiting for the results. “All the self doubts parang papasok ‘yun sa isipan mo pero nagawa kong malagpasan ‘yun through prayer,” he adds. Abayon also shared his plans to apply to different law firms so that he can practice litigation in criminal, civil, or administrative law. 

     Another passer is from SBCA School of Law, Atty. Kate Capulong shared how being a part of the Centralized Bar Operations, a student organization tasked to provide academic and practical support for bar examinees, has helped her prepare for the rigorous bar exam. After talking and helping other examinees before her, she was able to adopt the best practices to achieve her goal. 

     “I was also able to minimize so many unknowns because I was very aware of the bar exam process,” she stated. Capulong also emphasized the importance of a strong support system in her journey. 

     The oath-taking and roll-signing ceremonies of successful Bar examinees will occur on Jan. 24, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.