AFTER three months, the 2023 Bar exam results were finally released last  Dec. 5. San Beda College Alabang - School of Law produced 176 new Bedan Lawyers. Out of 10,387 examinees, 3,812 passed the 2023 Bar exams, which makes the passing rate 36.77 percent, as announced by the 2023 Bar Chair Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando.

Ephraim Porciuncula Bie, a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), claimed the top spot with a score of 89.2625%, followed by Mark Josel Padue Vivit from Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) with 89.1250%, and Frances Camille Altonaga Francisco from San Beda University (SBU) with 88.9125%. 

The Supreme Court acknowledged ADMU with a passing rate of 94.08%, SBU with a 92.20% rate, the University of San Carlos (USC) with 90.91%, the University of the Philippines (UP) with 89.45%, and UST with 85.25%, as the top law schools based on the exam takers’ performances. 

In an interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, Ms. Kate Capulong, the overall chairperson of the Centralized Bar Operations (CBO) of SBCA School of Law, the turnout of the results of this year’s Bar exams made them feel relieved and proud. “Despite the short amount of time, we surpassed the national average passing rate especially for our first time takers who barely had two months to study. We are one of the schools with the most numbers of lawyers produced. What a feat for us Bedans,” she said. According to Capulong, The CBO is “merely the glue that holds the bar operations efforts of the entire Bedan community” with a team composed of selfless men, women, volunteers, and faculty that mentored the bar takers. 

Capulong shared a message to commend the passers. “It has been an honor for me and my team to have served you in your #HernanDiditWell2023 Bar journey, my entire CBO is one with you in celebrating this early Christmas present. You inspired all of us with your SIGAHUM. PURSIGIDONG KATAPANGAN. Congratulations to our new Bedan lawyers!”

A new step awaits these fresh lawyers, as on Dec. 22, 2023, the oath-taking and roll-signing ceremonies of this year’s passers will take place at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City.