LAST Jan. 7, the Supreme Court announced the Bar topnotchers and passers for the 2025 Bar Examinations at the Supreme Court courtyard along Padre Faura Street, Manila. After enduring several grueling years in law school, the day that every person who aspires to place the title “Atty.” before their name had finally arrived — marking the culmination of years of sacrifice, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to the legal profession.

Out of 11,420, 5,594 examinees passed, translating to a 48.98 percent passing rate — nearing almost 49 percent — and notably higher compared to last year’s 37.84 percent.

SBCA marks a significant milestone as it ranks fifth among law schools with more than 100 first-time candidates, producing 158 passers out of 226 examinees, translating to a 69.91 percent passing rate.

Warmest Greetings

Bar Chair Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier addressed her opening remarks by acknowledging all of the bar takers — calling them her ‘bar babies’ — as well as their family and friends who showed up and supported them.

“I’ve been with you in this incredible and difficult journey from the very first step… You showed up, you gave it your all, you cast the dice that determines your faith today,” she said.

She sent her warmest greetings to those who passed the bar exams but also encouraged those who failed, stating that it is never the end.

“Grieve today, cry it all out. Feel the pain, relish the sorrow. It’s alright, it’s part of being human. But my darlings, tomorrow, find the strength to rise again. In His perfect way, you will realize the fulfillment of your hopes and dreams. Always have faith,” she said.

Trials and Tribulations

Eduardo Regio, aged 59 and a 2025 bar passer, shared that it was his 11th attempt to take the bar exam.

        “The first time I took the bar was in 1993. Then, after several attempts hindi ako pumasa hanggang sa, after 2005, nagkaro’n ng Bar Matter No. 11, hindi na ako pwede mag-take kasi naka-five strike na ako,” he shared.

Bar Matter No. 1161, also known as the “Five-Strike Rule,” was implemented in 2005 and later lifted in 2013. Under this rule, a bar candidate who failed the examination three times was no longer allowed to take it, though a fourth and fifth attempt were permitted, provided that the candidate first completed a refresher course.

“So 2015, na-lift ‘yung Bar Matter No. 11, nakapag-take ulit ako, but unfortunately puro kapos ang grade… Ayoko na sana but, dahil sa paniniwala ko na baka kayanin. For the last time kako… Kukuha ulit ako for the last time,” he continued.

        Regio further added that it was his first time in the Supreme Court to see the results and entrusted everything to God, stating that his prayer was answered after seeing the outcome of the results.

“Last na sana ‘yung 2023 eh, ayoko na dahil 59 na ako ngayon. Pero sabi ko ‘yung edad nga 74 eh, 80 kumukuha, bakit ako (hindi),” he said.

Bedan Pride

        In an Interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, John Mark Carrasco, a bar passer from SBCA Batch 2024, shared that it was his second attempt to take the exam.

        He shared that he was grateful for his overall bar journey and thanked all of the people behind his success in passing the bar.

        “Pinaghugutan ko rin ng lakas ng loob ‘yung suporta na nakukuha ko sa opisina. Kasi after failing the bar, I still managed and proud to apply in a law firm,” Carrasco said.

        He further shared that the way one answers the question is a huge deal in passing the bar. “Sobrang laking bagay ng way ng pagsagot. Kailangan natin makinig, kahit hindi ‘yun ‘yung nakasanayan natin, kailangan natin makinig sa iba,” he emphasized.

He further expressed that mentors play a vital role in teaching examinees how to properly construct their answers for the Bar, emphasizing that even if one knows the correct answer, presenting it clearly and in a manner aligned with the examiners’ expectations makes a significant difference.

        When asked regarding his future plans after passing the bar, Atty. Carrasco still wants to enjoy and experience litigation, stating that he felt it was something he needed to experience in the earliest days of his life as a lawyer.

        Meanwhile, Alec Marxlean De Jesus, a graduate of Batch 2025, also passed the Bar Exam.

        He shared that his bar journey was neither perfect nor disciplined, stating that the bar was a different kind of beast, not only due to the difficulty in technicality, but also due to the immense mental and emotional pressure it puts on oneself.

        “I remember treating it as the most crucial and defining season of my life, but I also remember that I only had one month to prepare because I wasted prior months in unnecessary indulgences,” he stated, emphasizing that the bar felt somehow overwhelming.

        When asked what made him go despite these internal turmoil and emotional setbacks, he shared that the faith of the people who are rooting for him became both a burden and a source of strength.

        “Balancing my review with my personal life and responsibilities was, honestly, almost nonexistent. I didn’t have a perfect schedule or a strict routine… What helped me a lot was instilling in myself that I couldn’t do everything at once, so I tried prioritizing what most needed my attention,” he shared.

        De Jesus shared that he has nothing to redo in his entire bar journey but to pray harder. After passing the bar, he said that he does not need to rush into everything at once. He shared that he wanted to solidify the foundation that law school and the bar review gave him, starting in a place where he can learn, whether it be litigation, corporate practice, or a mix of both.

        He added that he wanted to build better habits. Given that the Bar revealed his procrastination and lack of structure, De Jesus wanted to move forward to a more disciplined approach, whether it be in life or work.

        “My advice to future Bar takers is that there is no formula for passing the Bar exam and that you don't have to be at your best all the time during the preparations, but you do need to keep going,” he qdded.

What’s Next

Following the announcement of the results last Jan. 7, the oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 6 at the Philippine Arena, marking the largest venue ever reserved for such event.