Philippine Bar Examination
Encyclopedia
The Philippine Bar Examination is the professional licensure examination for lawyers in the Philippines
.
It is the only professional licensure exam in the country that is not supervised by the Professional Regulation Commission
. The exam is exclusively administered by the Supreme Court of the Philippines
through the Supreme Court Bar Examination Committee.
' Office of the Bar Confidant announced that (a new and official record of) 6,533 law graduates will take the 2008 Bar examinations.
The most notable was the 1999 bar examinations which recorded the lowest passing rate of 16.59% or with a total number of 660 successful examinees. Also, the 2003 bar exam was marred by controversy when the Court ordered a retake of the Mercantile law due to questionnaire leakage. In 2005, the High Tribunal implemented the "five-strike" rule, which disqualifies five-time flunkers from taking future bar exams.
He or she should also meet certain non-academic requisites:
In March 2010 the Philippine Supreme Court Issued Bar Matter 1153 amending provisions in sec 5 and 6 of rule 138 of the rules of court now allowing Filipino foreign law school graduates to take the bar exam provided that they comply with the following: a. completion of all courses leading to a degree of Bachelor of laws or its equivalent b. recognition or accreditation of the law school by proper authority c. completion of all fourth year subjects in a program of a law school duly accredited by the Philippine Government d. present proof of completing a separate bachelors degree
The committee is chaired by an incumbent Justice of the Supreme Court, who is designated by the Supreme Court to serve for a term of one year. The members of the committee includes eight (8) members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines
, who also hold office for a term of one year. While the Justice who shall act as Chairman is immediately known, committee members must exert every effort to conceal their identities until the oath-taking of the successful bar examinees, approximately six months after the bar exam.
Program schedule, content, and delivery differs from one review program to another. Lecturers in these programs are called bar reviewers. They are usually full-time professors and part-time professorial lecturers in law schools and universities. Most review programs invite incumbent and retired justices and high ranking public officials both as a marketing tool and as a program innovation.
along Taft Avenue, Manila
. Starting 2011, the exams will be moved to November, and will be held at the University of Santo Tomas
' campus along España Boulevard
, in Sampaloc
, Manila.
On February 8, 2011, the Supreme Court resolved to approve changes to the Rules of Court, thereby altering the schedule for the examinations. The schedule is now as follows:
The passing average fixed by law is 75%, with no grade falling below 50% in any bar subject.
In the past, passing averages were considerably lower to admit more new lawyers (i.e. 69% in 1947, 69.45% in 1946, 70% in 1948). Since 1982, the passing average has been fixed at 75%. This has led to a dramatic decrease in the national passing rate of bar examinees, from an all-time high of 75.17% in 1954 to an all-time low of 16.59% in 1999 (all-time low should have been the single digit 5% national passing rate for the 2007 bar examination if the Supreme Court did not lower the passing average to 70% and lowered the disqualification rate in 3 subjects). In recent years, the annual national bar passing rate ranges from 20% to 30%.
Schools with more than 30 examinees:
Schools with 30 or less examinees:
In 2009, the Commission on Higher Education revealed its list of top law schools based on average passing percentage, regardless of the number of candidates. The top 10 schools of that list are:
Prior to 1982, the passing mark jumped unpredictably from year to year: 69.45 percent in 1946; 69 in 1947; 70 in 1948, 1963, 1972 and 1974; 71 in 1961; 71.5 in 1953, 1964 and 1965; 72 in 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960 and 1967; 72.5 in 1954, 1962 and 1981; 73 in 1950, 1956, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1975, 1978 and 1980; 73.5 in 1955 and 1979; 74 in 1949, 1951, 1952, 1966, 1971, 1973 and 1977; and 74.5 in 1976.
In 1954, the Court lowered the passing grade to 72.5%, even if the passing percentage was already at its highest at 75.17%.
In 1999, moves to lower the passing grade to 74% failed, after Justice Fidel Purisima, bar committee chairman failed to disclose that his nephew took the examination. He was censured and his honoraria was reduced to half.
From 1913 to 2010, schools which have produced bar topnotchers (1st placers) are as follows:
Two bar examinees topped the bar exams without officially graduating from any Philippine law school:
In the past, non-law school graduates were allowed to take the bar. However, the Revised Rules of Court and Supreme Court Circulars allow Filipino graduates of Philippine law schools (and subject to certain conditions, Filipino graduates of foreign law schools) to take the bar, necessarily excluding non-law graduates and foreigners who have law degrees from taking part in the exercise.
While not a guarantee for topping the bar, academic excellence in law school is a good indicator of an examinee's fortune in the bar exams. Ateneo Law School's only summa cum laude graduate, Claudio M. Teehankee, placed number one in the 1940 Bar Exams. It is worth noting that Teehankee's son, Manuel Antonio, followed in his footsteps by graduating at the top of his Ateneo Law School class (albeit, not as summa cum laude) and placing first in the 1983 bar exams. Claudio's nephew, Enrique (a cum laude graduate from the UP College of Law), also placed number one in the 1976 bar exams. Claudio eventually became Supreme Court Chief Justice, Manuel was formerly Department of Justice Undersecretary and currently Philippine Special Envoy for International Trade as well Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland while Enrique is a successful private practitioner.
This father-son-nephew feat has yet to (and, perhaps, may never) be equalled in the annals of Philippine Bar. For siblings, the closest is when Manuel B. Zamora Jr. placed third in the 1961 Bar Exams and younger brother Ronaldo placed first in the 1969 Bar Exams.
The UST Faculty of Civil Law's
sole summa cum laude graduate, Roberto B. Concepcion, placed first in the 1924 Bar Exams. He later served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
The UP College of Law
(which has yet to produce a summa cum laude graduate) had five of its seventeen magna cum laude graduates (the College of Law first conferred the honor to Rafael Dinglasan in 1925 and, to date, last conferred the same honor to Dionne Marie Sanchez in 2007) place number one in their respective bar exams: Rafael Dinglasan in 1925, Lorenzo Sumulong in 1929, Deogracias Eufemio in 1962, Roberto San Jose in 1966 and Ronaldo Zamora in 1969. Dinglasan became a Judge of the Court of First Instance of Manila, Sumulong became Senator of the Republic and a renowned statesman, Eufemio and San Jose established their respective successful private law practices while Zamora became Executive Secretary to then President Joseph Estrada and is currently the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives.
Another standard was created in 1940, when Claudio Teehankee (future Supreme Court Chief Justice), from the Ateneo Law School, got a grade of 94.35% when he topped the examinations. This record was obliterated four years later in 1944 when Jovito Salonga
and Jose W. Diokno tied with the highest score of 95.3%. This was the first time that first place ended in a tie. When they took the 1944 Bar Exams, Atty. Salonga was an undergraduate at the UP College of Law while Atty. Diokno (future Senator) was an undergraduate of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law. After passing the bar, Atty. Salonga (future Senate President) went back to UP to complete his bacholer's degree in law, earning it in 1946. The only other instance of a tie at first place of the bar exams was when Edwin Enrile (salutatorian of his Ateneo Law School class) and Florin Hilbay (an honor student of the UP College of Law) both garnered the same score in 1999. Atty. Enrile served as Deputy Executive Secretary to President Gloria Arroyo and as a Professorial Lecturer at the Ateneo Law School while Atty. Hilbay is a Professor of Law at the UP College of Law.
After another four years, the "bar" was raised a few notches when Manuel G. Montecillo of the Far Eastern University Institute of Law got a grade of 95.50% when he bested all the bar examinees of 1948. The following year, another record was set when Anacleto C. Mañgaser, an alumnus of the Philippine Law School, got a grade of 95.85% when he topped the 1949 bar exams.
But the diamond standard (the highest general average ever obtained among all bar topnotchers in recorded history) was set in 1954 when Florenz D. Regalado (future Supreme Court Associate Justice) of the San Beda College of Law
scored 96.7% when he topped the 1954 Philippine Bar Examinations. To date, Atty. Regalado's feat remains unsurpassed and may never be equalled (much less topped).
The lowest grade was obtained by Ateneo Law School
's Mercedita L. Ona, 83.55%, 2008, which erased the prior record of 84.10%, obtained by Adolfo Brillantes of Escuela de Derecho de Manila (now Manila Law College Foundation) in 1920. Atty. Ona was the just the latest of women first placers. In 1930, Tecla San Andres (an alumna of the UP College of Law and future Senator) broke the proverbial "glass ceiling" when she became the first woman to top the bar with a grade of 89.4%. Ameurfina A. Melencio (also an alumna of the UP College of Law and who later became a Justice of the Supreme Court) has the highest grade of all female bar topnotchers in recorded history, when she obtained a 93.85% rating in 1947.
Below is a listing of all 98 first-placers (from 1913 to 2010) ranked from highest to lowest in terms of rating obtained. It should be noted however that bar ratings are not exactly comparable from year-to-year as the difficulty of the exams varies through the years.
In 1930, Tecla San Andres-Ziga (future Senator) of the University of the Philippines got a grade of 99% in Remedial Law. She also placed number one in the bar exams of the same year.
In 1949, Anacleto C. Mañgaser of the Philippine Law School earned 100% in Mercantile Law, and placed 1st in the bar exams of that year. His average of 95.85% broke all prior records before it was bested by Florenz Regalado in 1954. Mañgaser's bar rating remains the second highest of all time.
In 1953, Juan Ponce Enrile
(future Defense Minister and Senate President) of the University of the Philippines College of Law
, where he graduated salutatorian and cum laude, earned 100% in Mercantile Law and placed 11th in the bar exams of that year.
In 1955, Raul Gonzales (future Congressman, Secretary of Justice and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel) of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law
earned 99% in Remedial Law and 95% in International Law. However, he did not place in the top ten.
In 1973, Renato Franciso (Executive Judge of RTC Malolos, Bulacan) of the Ateneo de Manila Law School obtained a perfect score of 100% in Criminal Law.
In 1997, Maria Celia H. Fernandez of the University of the Philippines College of Law
, where she graduated salutatorian and cum laude, earned 100% in Legal Ethics and emerged as the year's bar topnotcher.
In 2001, Rodolfo Ma. A. Ponferrada, that year's valedictorian of the University of the Philippines College of Law
, obtained a perfect score of 100% in Remedial Law, the highest weighted of the bar subjects. The difference (3.75%) between his final bar examination score (93.80%) and that of the second-placer, Jesus Paolo U. Protacio (90.05%), that year's valedictorian of the Ateneo de Manila Law School
and who got a perfect score of 100% in Criminal Law, is the highest of all time. Notably, that year's valedictorian of the San Beda College of Law
, Adonis V. Gabriel, obtained a perfect score of 100% in Political Law and placed 8th (88.25%). The 3.75% difference between No. 1 and No. 2 eclipsed the previous highest difference of 2.10% registered in 1966 when Roberto V. San Jose (valedictorian of the UP College of Law) garnered a grade of 90.6% versus the 88.5% of the tied second placers, Ruben F. Balane (salutatorian of the UP College of Law) and Pablo S. Trillana III (valedictorian of the San Beda College of Law).
In 2005, Gladys V. Gervacio of the University of Perpetual Help-Rizal earned a perfect 100% in two bar subjects—Legal Ethics and Labor Law . She placed 6th in the bar exams of that year. In 2011, she passed the California State Bar examinations.
After the end of the Second World War, the passing rate in the succeeding years was remarkably high, ranging from 56 to 72% percent. However, after Associate Justice
J.B.L. Reyes, a noted scholar, was appointed Chairman of the 1955 Bar Examinations, the passing rate for that year dropped dramatically to 26.8%, with a mortality rate of 73.2%. That ratio has been invariably maintained in the 50+ years since.
During this period, candidates (who already hold law and bachelor's degrees) may opt to work in law firms and courts as legal researchers, teach in liberal arts and business colleges, function in companies and organizations using their pre-law degrees (i.e. Communication Arts, Accounting, Economics, Journalism, etc.), help run the family business, or take a long vacation.
Candidates shall take an Oath of Office and sign their names in the Roll of Attorneys of the Supreme Court. The oath-taking is usually held in May at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) with a formal program where all Justices of the Supreme Court, sitting en banc, formally approve the applications of the successful bar candidates. The eight bar examiners are officially introduced to the public. A message to the newly inducted lawyers is delivered by one of the justices. Candidates who made the bar top ten list are also introduced and honored. The deans of all Philippine law schools are requested to attend the ceremony and grace the front seats of the plenary hall.
Justice Ramon Fernandez was forced to protect his name and honor when he resigned because of a bar examination scandal.http://www.malaya.com.ph/apr23/busi7.htm
On November 23, 1979, the High Court, per Justice Pacifico de Castro ordered new examinations in labor and social legislation and taxation.
On May 7, 1982, 12 of the Supreme Court's 14 justices resigned amid expose "that the court fixed the bar-examination score of a member's son so that he would pass." Justice Vicente Ericta was accused to have personally approached the bar chairman to inquire whether his (Ericta's) son passed the bar. Ferdinand Marcos
accepted the resignations and appointed the new Justices. Chief Justice Enrique Fernando wept at a news conference as he accepted responsibility for rechecking and changing the exam score of Gustavo Ericta, son of Justice Vicente Ericta.
Associate Justice Fidel Purisima, chairman of the bar committee, did not disclose that he had a nephew who was taking the bar examination in that year. He was merely censured and his honoraria as bar examiner were forfeited.
On September 24, 2003, the Supreme Court, per a bleary-eyed Associate Justice
Jose Vitug, annulled the tests results on mercantile law after "confirmation of what could be the most widespread case of cheating in the 104-year-old bar exams".
Making a place in the list is widely regarded as an important life achievement, an attractive professional qualification, and a necessary improvement in a lawyer's professional and social status.
Curiously, each President of the Philippines who happened to be a lawyer was always a bar placer. The other Presidents (i.e., Emilio F. Aguinaldo, Ramon F. Magsaysay, Corazon C. Aquino, Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph E. Estrada and Gloria M. Arroyo) were all non-lawyers (and hence could not have been bar placers). For the 2010 presidential elections, among those who have declared their intention of seeking the highest post of the land is Gilberto Teodoro
. Aside from being a Secretary of Defense (like former Presidents Magsaysay and Ramos), Secretary Teodoro (a lawyer from the University of the Philippines) placed first in the 1989 Bar Exams with a grade of 86.185%. Topnotcher Teodoro placed fourth in the elections behind incumbent President Benigno S. Aquino III (an economics major), President Joseph E. Estrada (who took up engineering) and Sen. Manuel B. Villar (a business major). A lawyer, Jejomar C. Binay (from UP), captured the vice presidency when he bested former Sen. Manuel A. Roxas II (an economist and grandson of the first bar topnotcher, President Manuel A. Roxas).
In Philippine political history, two bar topnotchers sought the presidency but failed. Vice President Pelaez (1938 Bar Topnotcher) lost the Nacionalista Party nomination to President Marcos (1939 Bar Topnotcher) for the 1965 presidential elections. Senate President Jovito Salonga (1944 Bar Topnotcher) of the Liberal Party lost to President Ramos of Lakas-NUCD in the 1992 presidential elections.
Only eleven of the 22 jurists who rose to become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court were bar placers, starting with Jose Yulo (3rd in 1913), followed by Ricardo Paras (2nd in 1913), then by Cesar Bengzon (2nd in 1919), then by Roberto Concepcion (1st in 1924), then by Querube Makalintal (7th in 1933) then by Enrique Fernando (13th in 1938), then by Ramon Aquino (6th in 1939), then by Claudio Teehankee, Sr. (1st in 1940), then by Pedro Yap (1st in November 1946), then by Andres Narvasa (2nd in 1951) and finally by Artemio Panganiban (6th in 1960). However, the first four chief magistrates (Cayetano Arellano, Victorino Mapa, Manuel Araullo and Ramon Avancena) became lawyers (all after graduating from the UST Faculty of Civil Law) before the establishment of the Bar Exams in 1901 while the fifth head of the judiciary (Jose Abad Santos) graduated from a foreign law school and was admitted to the Philippine bar in 1911. Six Chief Justices did not place in the Bar Exams: Manuel Moran (the father of Philippine remedial law), Fred Ruiz Castro (the father of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines), Felix Makasiar, Marcelo Fernan, Hilario Davide and the incumbent Reynato Puno).
Of the candidates to become the next Chief Justice (to replace the retiring Reynato Puno) only two were bar placers: Antonio Carpio (6th in 1975) of the UP College of Law and Arturo Brion (1st in 1974) of the Ateneo Law School. Both Carpio and Brion graduated valedictorian of their respective law classes. However, neither topnotcher made it to the apex of the judicial summit, as Atenean Renato C. Corona was appointed the chief magistrate.
Of the lawyers who became President of the Senate, only the following were bar placers: Manuel Quezon (4th in 1903), Manuel Roxas (1st in 1913), Ferdinand Marcos (1st in 1939), Arturo Tolentino (2nd in 1934), Jovito Salonga (1st in 1944), Neptali Gonzales (9th in 1949), Ernesto Maceda (10th in 1956), Franklin Drilon (3rd in 1969) and Juan Ponce Enrile (11th in 1953). Of the incumbent senators with terms expiring in 2013, five are lawyers (Ateneo Law School's Alan Peter Cayetano as well as Edgardo Angara, Joker Arroyo, Francis Escudero, and Francis Pangilinan of the UP College of Law) and none of whom were previous bar placers. Curiously, Aquilino Pimentel III of the UP College of Law (who is contesting the seat occupied by Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri) placed 1st in the 1990 Bar Exams.
On the other hand, of those who became Speaker of the House of Representatives, only the following were bar placers: Sergio Osmena, Sr. (2nd in 1903), Manuel Roxas (1st in 1913), Jose Yulo (3rd in 1913) Querube Makalintal (7th in 1933) and Prospero Nograles (2nd in 1971). Of the chamber's other officers, only Ronaldo Zamora was a former bar topnotcher (1st in 1969).
Curiously, the incumbent heads of both houses of Congress were previous bar placers: Ateneo Law School's Nograles for the lower house and UP College of Law's Ponce Enrile for the upper house. After the 2010 elections, former Rep. Nograles (who did not run for re-election) was replaced by lawyer Feliciano R. Belmonte, Jr. (from Lyceum of the Philippines) as Speaker. Sen. Enrile retained his post as Senate President.
Aquila Legis Fraternity
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
.
It is the only professional licensure exam in the country that is not supervised by the Professional Regulation Commission
Professional Regulation Commission
The Professional Regulation Commission , otherwise known as the PRC, is a three-man commission attached to the office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. Its mandate is to regulate and supervise the practice of the professionals who constitute the highly skilled manpower of the...
. The exam is exclusively administered by the Supreme Court of the Philippines
Supreme Court of the Philippines
The Supreme Court of the Philippines is the Philippines' highest judicial court, as well as the court of last resort. The court consists of 14 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice...
through the Supreme Court Bar Examination Committee.
Brief history
The first bar exam was held in 1900, with 13 examinees, while the 2008 bar examination is the 107th (given per Article 8, Section 5, 1987 Constitution). The 2001 bar exam had the highest number of passers—1,266 out of 3,849 examinees, or 32.89%, while 2006 had the highest examinees -.6,187. However, the Supreme Court of the PhilippinesSupreme Court of the Philippines
The Supreme Court of the Philippines is the Philippines' highest judicial court, as well as the court of last resort. The court consists of 14 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice...
' Office of the Bar Confidant announced that (a new and official record of) 6,533 law graduates will take the 2008 Bar examinations.
The most notable was the 1999 bar examinations which recorded the lowest passing rate of 16.59% or with a total number of 660 successful examinees. Also, the 2003 bar exam was marred by controversy when the Court ordered a retake of the Mercantile law due to questionnaire leakage. In 2005, the High Tribunal implemented the "five-strike" rule, which disqualifies five-time flunkers from taking future bar exams.
Admission requirements
A bar candidate must meet the following academic qualifications:- Holder of a professional degreeFirst professional degreeA professional degree prepares the holder for a particular profession by emphasizing competency skills along with theory and analysis. These professions are typically licensed or otherwise regulated by a governmental or government-approved body...
in law from a recognized law school in the Philippines - Holder of a bachelor's degreeBachelor's degreeA bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
with academic credits in certain required subjects from a recognized college or university in the Philippines or abroad.
He or she should also meet certain non-academic requisites:
- A Filipino citizen.
- At least twenty-one (21) years of age.
- A resident of the Philippines.
- Satisfactory evidence of good moral character (usually a certificate from the dean of law school or an immediate superior at work).
- No charges involving moral turpitude have been filed against the candidate or are pending in any court in the Philippines.
In March 2010 the Philippine Supreme Court Issued Bar Matter 1153 amending provisions in sec 5 and 6 of rule 138 of the rules of court now allowing Filipino foreign law school graduates to take the bar exam provided that they comply with the following: a. completion of all courses leading to a degree of Bachelor of laws or its equivalent b. recognition or accreditation of the law school by proper authority c. completion of all fourth year subjects in a program of a law school duly accredited by the Philippine Government d. present proof of completing a separate bachelors degree
Committee of Bar Examiners
The Supreme Court appoints memberships in the Committee of Bar Examiners, the official task force for formulating bar exam questions, instituting policy directives, executing procedures, grading bar examination papers, and releasing the results of the annual bar examination.The committee is chaired by an incumbent Justice of the Supreme Court, who is designated by the Supreme Court to serve for a term of one year. The members of the committee includes eight (8) members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines
Integrated Bar of the Philippines
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines is the national organization of lawyers in the Philippines. It is the mandatory bar association for Filipino lawyers.-History:...
, who also hold office for a term of one year. While the Justice who shall act as Chairman is immediately known, committee members must exert every effort to conceal their identities until the oath-taking of the successful bar examinees, approximately six months after the bar exam.
Bar review programs
Candidates who meet all the admission requirements usually enroll in special review classes after graduating from law school. These programs are held from April to September in law schools, colleges, universities, and review centers.Program schedule, content, and delivery differs from one review program to another. Lecturers in these programs are called bar reviewers. They are usually full-time professors and part-time professorial lecturers in law schools and universities. Most review programs invite incumbent and retired justices and high ranking public officials both as a marketing tool and as a program innovation.
Venue and itinerary
In recent years, the examinations were held during the four Sundays of September of every year at the campus of De La Salle University-ManilaDe La Salle University-Manila
De La Salle University is a private Lasallian university in Malate, Manila, Philippines. It was founded in 1911 by De La Salle Brothers as the De La Salle College in Paco, Manila with Blimond Pierre serving as its first director...
along Taft Avenue, Manila
Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,...
. Starting 2011, the exams will be moved to November, and will be held at the University of Santo Tomas
University of Santo Tomas
The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines , is a private Roman Catholic university run by the Order of Preachers in Manila. Founded on April 28, 1611 by archbishop of Manila Miguel de Benavides, it has the oldest extant university charter in the...
' campus along España Boulevard
España Boulevard
España Boulevard is the main thoroughfare of Sampaloc district, Manila and the extreme western section of Quezon City. It is an 8-lane divided arterial road and is a component of one of the radial roads of Metro Manila — Radial Road 7 or R-7. España's name is taken after the Spanish name of...
, in Sampaloc
Sampaloc, Manila
Sampaloc is a district of Manila which is primarily a residential and educational center. Part of the Malacañang Palace is located in Sampaloc. The University of Santo Tomas, University of the East Manila are part of the University Belt to name a few, the famous Dangwa flower market at Dimasalang...
, Manila.
On February 8, 2011, the Supreme Court resolved to approve changes to the Rules of Court, thereby altering the schedule for the examinations. The schedule is now as follows:
- First Sunday:
- Political and International Law, Labor and Social Legislation (morning session)
- Taxation (afternoon session)
- Second Sunday:
- Civil Law (morning session)
- Mercantile Law (afternoon session)
- Third Sunday:
- Remedial Law, Legal Ethics and Forms (morning session)
- Criminal LawPhilippine Criminal LawPhilippine Criminal Laws is the body of laws defining crimes and defining the penalties thereof in the Philippines.-History:The Philippines was a colony of Spain for more than 300 years, beginning in 1565 until 1898...
(afternoon session)
- Fourth Sunday:
- Trial Memorandum (morning session)
- Legal Opinion (afternoon session)
Coverage
The examination covers the following topics, popularly known as the bar subjects:- Political and Public International Law
- Constitutional Law
- Political Law
- Administrative Law (only the basic doctrines, excluding implementing rules and regulations of government agencies)
- Law on Public Officers
- Public Corporations
- Suffrage
- Public International Law
- Labor and Social Legislation
- Labor Law (Labor Code of the PhilippinesLabor Code of the PhilippinesThe Labor Code of the Philippines stands as the law governing employment practices and labor relations in the Philippines. It was enacted on Labor day of 1974 by President Ferdinand Marcos, in the exercise of his then extant legislative powers.-Features:...
, excluding the implementing rules and regulations) - Social Legislation
- Social Security Law
- Revised Government Service Insurance Act of 1977 (including Employees Compensation Act of 1977)
- Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law
- Labor Law (Labor Code of the Philippines
- Civil Law
- Civil Code of the PhilippinesCivil Code of the PhilippinesThe Civil Code of the Philippines is the product of the codification of private law in the Philippines. It is the general law that governs family and property relations in the Philippines...
(excluding the Code of Muslim Personal Laws, Water Code, Rental Law, Law on Sale of Subdivision of Lots and Condominiums) - Family Code of the Philippines (including the Child and Youth Welfare Code)
- Property Registration Decree (excluding the Public Land Law)
- Conflict of Laws (Private International Law)
- Civil Code of the Philippines
- Taxation
- General principles of Taxation
- Republic Act No. 1125, creating the Court of Tax Appeals
- National Internal Revenue Code (including the Expanded Value Added Tax or EVAT)
- Tariff and Customs Code (excluding Arrastre and Classification of Commodities)
- Mercantile Law
- Negotiable Instruments Law and Other Allied Laws
- Negotiable Instruments Law (with the Uniform Currency Act)
- Merchants and Commercial Transactions (including Articles 1 to 63 of the Code of Commerce, Retail Trade Law, Bulk Sales Law)
- Letters of Credit under the Code of Commerce
- Insurance Code
- Transportation Laws
- Common Carriers (Articles 1732 to 1766 of the New Civil Code)
- Commercial Contracts for Transportation Over Land (Articles 349 to 379 of the Code of Commerce)
- Maritime Commerce
- Public Service Act
- Corporation Law
- Corporation Code
- Securities Act
- Banking Laws
- Laws on Secrecy of Bank Deposits
- Deposit Insurance Corporation
- Trust Receipts Law (excluding the General Banking Act)
- Other Special Laws
- Chattel Mortgage Law
- Warehouse Receipts Law
- Laws on Intellectual Creations
- Copyright Law
- Patent Law
- Trademark Law
- Insolvency Law
- Truth in Lending Act
- Negotiable Instruments Law and Other Allied Laws
- Criminal LawPhilippine Criminal LawPhilippine Criminal Laws is the body of laws defining crimes and defining the penalties thereof in the Philippines.-History:The Philippines was a colony of Spain for more than 300 years, beginning in 1565 until 1898...
- Revised Penal CodeRevised Penal Code of the PhilippinesThe Revised Penal Code contains the general penal laws of the Philippines. First enacted in 1930, it remains in effect today, despite several amendments thereto. It does not comprise a comprehensive compendium of all Philippine penal laws. The Revised Penal Code itself was enacted as Act No...
(Books I & II excluding penalties for specific felonies) - Indeterminate Sentence Law
- Probation Law
- Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act
- Anti-Fencing Law
- Bouncing Checks Law
- Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972
- Heinous Crimes Law (excluding penalties)
- Revised Penal Code
- Remedial Law
- Revised Rules of Court
- 1991 Revised Rule on Summary Procedure
- Local Government Code on Conciliation Procedures (Chapter VII)
- Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 (excluding purely administrative provisions, Military Justice Law, Judiciary Act of 1948, and the Law Reorganizing the Court of Agrarian Relations)
- Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises
- Legal Ethics
- Judicial Ethics
- Code of Professional Responsibility
- Grievance Procedures (Rules 139-B, Revised Rules of Court)
- Forms
Grading system
The eight bar subjects are separately graded. Each subject contributes to the general average in the following proportion:| Subject | Weight' |
|---|---|
| Civil Law | 15% |
| Labor Law and Social Legislation | 10% |
| Mercantile Law | 15% |
| Criminal Law | 10% |
| Political and International Law | 15% |
| Taxation | 10% |
| Remedial Law | 20% |
| Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises | 5% |
The passing average fixed by law is 75%, with no grade falling below 50% in any bar subject.
Passing average vs. Passing rate
The passing average is the minimum grade in the exam required to be admitted to the practice of law. The passing rate is the proportion of total number of bar passers in relation to the total number of bar examinees. It is usually computed on two levels—the national level (national bar passing rate), and the law school level (law school passing rate).In the past, passing averages were considerably lower to admit more new lawyers (i.e. 69% in 1947, 69.45% in 1946, 70% in 1948). Since 1982, the passing average has been fixed at 75%. This has led to a dramatic decrease in the national passing rate of bar examinees, from an all-time high of 75.17% in 1954 to an all-time low of 16.59% in 1999 (all-time low should have been the single digit 5% national passing rate for the 2007 bar examination if the Supreme Court did not lower the passing average to 70% and lowered the disqualification rate in 3 subjects). In recent years, the annual national bar passing rate ranges from 20% to 30%.
Passing Percentage (1978-2010)
| Year | Passing Percentage |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20.26% (982 out of 4,847) |
| 2009 | 24.58% (1,451 out of 5,903) |
| 2008 | 20.58% (1,310 out of 6,364) |
| 2007 | 22.91% (1,289 out of 5,626) |
| 2006 | 30.60% (1,893 out of 6,187) |
| 2005 | 27.22% (1,526 out of 5,607) |
| 2004 | 31.61% (1,659 out of 5,249) |
| 2003 | 20.71% (1,108 out of 5,349) |
| 2002 | 19.68% (917 out of 4,659) |
| 2001 | 32.89% (1,266 out of 3,849) |
| 2000 | 20.84% (979 out of 4,698) |
| 1999 | 16.59% (660 out of 3,978) |
| 1998 | 39.63% |
| 1997 | 18.11% (710 out of 3,921) |
| 1996 | 31.21% (1,217 out of 3,900) |
| 1995 | 30.90% (987 out of 3,194) |
| 1994 | 30.87% |
| 1993 | 21.65% |
| 1992 | 17.25% |
| 1991 | 17.81% (569 out of 3,194) |
| 1990 | 27.94% (866 out of 3,100) |
| 1989 | 21.22% (639 out of 3,012) |
| 1988 | 24.26% (689 out of 2,840) |
| 1987 | 16.95% (480 out of 2,832) |
| 1986 | 18.88% (491 out of 2,600) |
| 1985 | 25.78% (701 out of 2,719) |
| 1984 | 21.80% (563 out of 2,582) |
| 1983 | 21.30% (523 out of 2,455) |
| 1982 | 20.50% (433 out of 2,112) |
| 1981 | 43.71% (841 out of 1,924) |
| 1980 | 33.61% (605 out of 1,800) |
| 1979 | 49.51% (903 out of 1,824) |
| 1978 | 56.93% (1,076 out of 1,890) |
Law school passing rates
Law schools with the highest bar passing rates from 1996 to 2005 include:Schools with more than 30 examinees:
- Ateneo de Manila Law SchoolAteneo Law SchoolThe Ateneo de Manila Law School is the law school of the Ateneo de Manila University, a private Jesuit university in the Philippines. It was founded in 1936, in the Padre Faura, Manila campus of the Ateneo, where it remained even after the college, graduate school, and basic education units moved...
- 89.19% - San Beda College of LawSan Beda College of LawSan Beda College of Law is the law degree-granting unit of San Beda College, a private, Roman Catholic college run by the Benedictine monks in the Philippines....
- 85.27% - University of the Philippines College of LawUniversity of the Philippines College of LawUniversity of the Philippines College of Law or UP Law is the law school of the University of the Philippines. Since 1948, it has been located at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City, the flagship campus of UP's seven constituent universities. Until the 1970s, night classes of...
- 85.19% - University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil LawUniversity of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil LawThe University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law or "UST Law" , is the law school of the University of Santo Tomas, the oldest and the largest Catholic university in Manila, Philippines....
- 56.70% - Far Eastern University Institute of LawFar Eastern University Institute of LawFar Eastern University Institute of Law or FEU Law is the college of law of Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines.-Historical background:...
- 26.25% - University of the East College of LawUniversity of the East College of LawThe University of the East College of Law or UE Law is the law school of the University of the East, a private, non-sectarian university in Manila, Philippines.-History:The UE College of Law was established in July 1950....
- 26.23%
Schools with 30 or less examinees:
- Ateneo de DavaoAteneo de Davao UniversityThe Ateneo de Davao University is a private and research Catholic university administered by the Society of Jesus in Southern Mindanao in the Philippines. It was established in 1948...
College of Law - 65.57% - University of San CarlosUniversity of San CarlosThe University of San Carlos is a Roman Catholic university governed by the Society of the Divine Word since 1935 in Cebu City. It offers pre-elementary and basic education as well as undergraduate and graduate courses, and a broad spectrum of academic programs through its eight colleges.It...
- 54.45% - Arellano UniversityArellano UniversityArellano University is a private, nonsectarian university located in Manila, Philippines, established in 1938 by Florentino Cayco, Sr. as the Arellano Law College which was later known as Arellano Colleges...
- 46.18% - Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, College of LawPLM College of LawThe College of Law of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila in Manila, Philippines is one of the two Professional schools of the University. Its current dean is Ernesto P. Maceda Jr., former Vice Mayor and City Councilor of Manila...
- 41.26% - Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan - 37.45%
- Lyceum of the Philippines UniversityLyceum of the Philippines UniversityThe Lyceum of the Philippines University is an institute of higher education located in Intramuros in the City of Manila. It was founded in 1952 by Dr. José P. Laurel, who became the third and one of the most acclaimed presidents of the Philippines...
- 32.40% - Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis UniversitySaint Louis University is a private, co-educational Jesuit university located in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. Founded in 1818 by the Most Reverend Louis Guillaume Valentin Dubourg SLU is the oldest university west of the Mississippi River. It is one of 28 member institutions of the...
- 31.38%
In 2009, the Commission on Higher Education revealed its list of top law schools based on average passing percentage, regardless of the number of candidates. The top 10 schools of that list are:
- Ateneo de Manila Law SchoolAteneo Law SchoolThe Ateneo de Manila Law School is the law school of the Ateneo de Manila University, a private Jesuit university in the Philippines. It was founded in 1936, in the Padre Faura, Manila campus of the Ateneo, where it remained even after the college, graduate school, and basic education units moved...
– 91.24% - San Beda College of LawSan Beda College of LawSan Beda College of Law is the law degree-granting unit of San Beda College, a private, Roman Catholic college run by the Benedictine monks in the Philippines....
– 88.4% - University of the Philippines College of LawUniversity of the Philippines College of LawUniversity of the Philippines College of Law or UP Law is the law school of the University of the Philippines. Since 1948, it has been located at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City, the flagship campus of UP's seven constituent universities. Until the 1970s, night classes of...
– 82.85% - Far Eastern University-De La Salle University (Juris Doctor MBA) – 77.42%
- Ateneo de DavaoAteneo de Davao UniversityThe Ateneo de Davao University is a private and research Catholic university administered by the Society of Jesus in Southern Mindanao in the Philippines. It was established in 1948...
College of Law – 75.92% - University of San CarlosUniversity of San CarlosThe University of San Carlos is a Roman Catholic university governed by the Society of the Divine Word since 1935 in Cebu City. It offers pre-elementary and basic education as well as undergraduate and graduate courses, and a broad spectrum of academic programs through its eight colleges.It...
– 68.2% - University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil LawUniversity of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil LawThe University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law or "UST Law" , is the law school of the University of Santo Tomas, the oldest and the largest Catholic university in Manila, Philippines....
– 67.64% - University of Cebu--52.81%
- University of Perpetual Help-Rizal – 50.81%
- Arellano UniversityArellano UniversityArellano University is a private, nonsectarian university located in Manila, Philippines, established in 1938 by Florentino Cayco, Sr. as the Arellano Law College which was later known as Arellano Colleges...
– 49.3%
Role of the Supreme Court, Criticisms
In 2007, only 5% (of the 5,626 who took the 2007 tests, or less than 300) got the passing grade of 75%. Thus, the Supreme Court adjusted the standard to 70% and the disqualification rate in 3 subjects (civil, labor and criminal law) from 50 to 45%. Accordingly, 1,289 or 22.91%, “passed.” This passing grade reduction is highly unusual, since it last happened in the 1981 exam when the passing grade was lowered to 72.5%.Prior to 1982, the passing mark jumped unpredictably from year to year: 69.45 percent in 1946; 69 in 1947; 70 in 1948, 1963, 1972 and 1974; 71 in 1961; 71.5 in 1953, 1964 and 1965; 72 in 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960 and 1967; 72.5 in 1954, 1962 and 1981; 73 in 1950, 1956, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1975, 1978 and 1980; 73.5 in 1955 and 1979; 74 in 1949, 1951, 1952, 1966, 1971, 1973 and 1977; and 74.5 in 1976.
In 1954, the Court lowered the passing grade to 72.5%, even if the passing percentage was already at its highest at 75.17%.
In 1999, moves to lower the passing grade to 74% failed, after Justice Fidel Purisima, bar committee chairman failed to disclose that his nephew took the examination. He was censured and his honoraria was reduced to half.
Bar topnotchers
Bar topnotchers are bar examinees who garnered the highest bar exam grades in a particular year. Every year, the Supreme Court releases the bar top ten list. The list contains the names of bar examinees who obtained the ten highest grades. It is possible for more than ten examinees to place in the top ten because numerical ties in the computation of grades usually occur.From 1913 to 2010, schools which have produced bar topnotchers (1st placers) are as follows:
- University of the Philippines College of LawUniversity of the Philippines College of LawUniversity of the Philippines College of Law or UP Law is the law school of the University of the Philippines. Since 1948, it has been located at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City, the flagship campus of UP's seven constituent universities. Until the 1970s, night classes of...
- forty-six (46) bar topnotchers - Ateneo de Manila Law SchoolAteneo Law SchoolThe Ateneo de Manila Law School is the law school of the Ateneo de Manila University, a private Jesuit university in the Philippines. It was founded in 1936, in the Padre Faura, Manila campus of the Ateneo, where it remained even after the college, graduate school, and basic education units moved...
- twenty (20) bar topnotchers - San Beda College of LawSan Beda College of LawSan Beda College of Law is the law degree-granting unit of San Beda College, a private, Roman Catholic college run by the Benedictine monks in the Philippines....
- seven (7) bar topnotchers - Philippine Law School - five (5) bar topnotchers
- University of ManilaUniversity of ManilaThe University of Manila is a university located in the heart of Sampaloc in Manila, Philippines, more commonly known as the University Belt area. It was founded in 1913 by five young college students, the three de Los santos siblings and two of their friends.-External links:*...
College of Law - four (4) bar topnotchers - Far Eastern University Institute of LawFar Eastern University Institute of LawFar Eastern University Institute of Law or FEU Law is the college of law of Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines.-Historical background:...
- four (4) bar topnotchers - University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil LawUniversity of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil LawThe University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law or "UST Law" , is the law school of the University of Santo Tomas, the oldest and the largest Catholic university in Manila, Philippines....
- three (3) bar topnotchers - University of the CordillerasUniversity of the CordillerasThe University of the Cordilleras, formerly known as Baguio Colleges Foundation , is a private university in Baguio City, Philippines...
(formerly Baguio Colleges Foundation) College of Law - two (2) bar topnotchers - Manila Law College Foundation (formerly Escuela de Derecho de Manila) - one (1) bar topnotcher
- Manuel L. Quezon UniversityManuel L. Quezon UniversityThe Manuel L. Quezon University is a private university in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines. It is a member of the Colleges and Universities Sports Association . It offers academic programs at the pre-school, elementary, high school, tertiary, and graduate levels. It is named for Philippine president...
College of Law - one (1) bar topnotcher - Holy Name UniversityHoly Name UniversityHoly Name University or HNU is a Catholic institution of higher learning located in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines. It is a private, non-profit, co-educational university run by the Society of the Divine Word or SVD...
(formerly Divine Word College of Tagbilaran) - one (1) bar topnotcher - University of the East College of LawUniversity of the East College of LawThe University of the East College of Law or UE Law is the law school of the University of the East, a private, non-sectarian university in Manila, Philippines.-History:The UE College of Law was established in July 1950....
- one (1) bar topnotcher - San Sebastian College - RecoletosSan Sebastian College - RecoletosSan Sebastian College – Recoletos de Manila or commonly known by their nickname Bastê, is a Catholic institution of higher learning in the Philippines...
- one (1) bar topnotcher - Arellano University School of LawArellano University School of LawThe Arellano University School of Law is the law school of Arellano University. The school was housed in the Arellano University – Apolinario Mabini Campus and is located in Pasay. Since its establishment from 1938, the school graduated many leading figures in the political history of the...
- one (1) bar topnotcher
Two bar examinees topped the bar exams without officially graduating from any Philippine law school:
- Jose W. Diokno - former Senator of the Philippines; 1st placer, 1945 bar exams. Mr. Diokno, who tied for Number One with Mr. Jovito Salonga in the 1945 Bar Exams, would have graduated from the University of Santo TomasUniversity of Santo TomasThe Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines , is a private Roman Catholic university run by the Order of Preachers in Manila. Founded on April 28, 1611 by archbishop of Manila Miguel de Benavides, it has the oldest extant university charter in the...
had not World War II supervened. Mr. Diokno's success in the bar exams is further underscored by the fact that he was also under-age and that he also placed number 1 in the 1940 CPA Board exams which he took while in law school. This double number 1 feat may never be paralleled. The closest may have been Cesar L. Villanueva (from the Ateneo Law School) who placed second in the 1981 Bar Exams and second again in the 1982 CPA Board Exams. - Carolina C. Griño-Aquino - former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court; 1st placer, 1950 bar exams. Ms. Aquino (who later became the wife of Mr. Ramon Aquino, 6th placer in 1939 Bar Exams) was a special student of the UP College of Law, where she finished her last two years of law school having taken her first two years of law school at the Colegio de San Agustin in Iloilo. Ms. Aquino was advised to take her last two years of law school in UP by Colegio de San Agustin Law Dean Felipe Ysmael. Coincidentally, Mr. Ysmael (a UP Law graduate himself) placed number 1 in the 1917 Bar Exams. Since Ms. Aquino only took her last two years of law at UP, she can't be certified as an official UP law graduate. Both spouses Aquino (in addition to being topnotchers) also served as Justices of the Supreme Court.
In the past, non-law school graduates were allowed to take the bar. However, the Revised Rules of Court and Supreme Court Circulars allow Filipino graduates of Philippine law schools (and subject to certain conditions, Filipino graduates of foreign law schools) to take the bar, necessarily excluding non-law graduates and foreigners who have law degrees from taking part in the exercise.
While not a guarantee for topping the bar, academic excellence in law school is a good indicator of an examinee's fortune in the bar exams. Ateneo Law School's only summa cum laude graduate, Claudio M. Teehankee, placed number one in the 1940 Bar Exams. It is worth noting that Teehankee's son, Manuel Antonio, followed in his footsteps by graduating at the top of his Ateneo Law School class (albeit, not as summa cum laude) and placing first in the 1983 bar exams. Claudio's nephew, Enrique (a cum laude graduate from the UP College of Law), also placed number one in the 1976 bar exams. Claudio eventually became Supreme Court Chief Justice, Manuel was formerly Department of Justice Undersecretary and currently Philippine Special Envoy for International Trade as well Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland while Enrique is a successful private practitioner.
This father-son-nephew feat has yet to (and, perhaps, may never) be equalled in the annals of Philippine Bar. For siblings, the closest is when Manuel B. Zamora Jr. placed third in the 1961 Bar Exams and younger brother Ronaldo placed first in the 1969 Bar Exams.
The UST Faculty of Civil Law's
University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law
The University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law or "UST Law" , is the law school of the University of Santo Tomas, the oldest and the largest Catholic university in Manila, Philippines....
sole summa cum laude graduate, Roberto B. Concepcion, placed first in the 1924 Bar Exams. He later served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
The UP College of Law
University of the Philippines College of Law
University of the Philippines College of Law or UP Law is the law school of the University of the Philippines. Since 1948, it has been located at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City, the flagship campus of UP's seven constituent universities. Until the 1970s, night classes of...
(which has yet to produce a summa cum laude graduate) had five of its seventeen magna cum laude graduates (the College of Law first conferred the honor to Rafael Dinglasan in 1925 and, to date, last conferred the same honor to Dionne Marie Sanchez in 2007) place number one in their respective bar exams: Rafael Dinglasan in 1925, Lorenzo Sumulong in 1929, Deogracias Eufemio in 1962, Roberto San Jose in 1966 and Ronaldo Zamora in 1969. Dinglasan became a Judge of the Court of First Instance of Manila, Sumulong became Senator of the Republic and a renowned statesman, Eufemio and San Jose established their respective successful private law practices while Zamora became Executive Secretary to then President Joseph Estrada and is currently the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives.
Highest and lowest topnotcher grades
In the Philippine Bar's recorded history, the highest grade first recorded was the 92% garnered in 1913 by Manuel A. Roxas of the UP College of Law. The following year, 1914, Atty. Roxas' feat was bested by the 93% obtained by first placer Manuel C. Goyena (also from the UP College of Law). Atty. Goyena's top mark was tied by 1916-first placer Paulino Gullas (future Congressman from Cebu), another alumnus of the UP College of Law. One unique incident in the history of the bar examination happened in 1939 when Ferdinand Marcos topped the examination with almost perfect score of 98.01%. However, after some deliberation on his grade, the supreme court judges decide to prune down his grade to 92.35% to halt controversies that he cheated on the said exam despite the fact that we underwent oral examination, the result of which is impressive.Another standard was created in 1940, when Claudio Teehankee (future Supreme Court Chief Justice), from the Ateneo Law School, got a grade of 94.35% when he topped the examinations. This record was obliterated four years later in 1944 when Jovito Salonga
Jovito Salonga
Jovito "Jovy" Reyes Salonga is a Filipino nationalist politician and lawyer, as well as a leading opposition leader during the Marcos regime from 1972, when Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law, until 1986, when Marcos was deposed as a result of a bloodless revolution...
and Jose W. Diokno tied with the highest score of 95.3%. This was the first time that first place ended in a tie. When they took the 1944 Bar Exams, Atty. Salonga was an undergraduate at the UP College of Law while Atty. Diokno (future Senator) was an undergraduate of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law. After passing the bar, Atty. Salonga (future Senate President) went back to UP to complete his bacholer's degree in law, earning it in 1946. The only other instance of a tie at first place of the bar exams was when Edwin Enrile (salutatorian of his Ateneo Law School class) and Florin Hilbay (an honor student of the UP College of Law) both garnered the same score in 1999. Atty. Enrile served as Deputy Executive Secretary to President Gloria Arroyo and as a Professorial Lecturer at the Ateneo Law School while Atty. Hilbay is a Professor of Law at the UP College of Law.
After another four years, the "bar" was raised a few notches when Manuel G. Montecillo of the Far Eastern University Institute of Law got a grade of 95.50% when he bested all the bar examinees of 1948. The following year, another record was set when Anacleto C. Mañgaser, an alumnus of the Philippine Law School, got a grade of 95.85% when he topped the 1949 bar exams.
But the diamond standard (the highest general average ever obtained among all bar topnotchers in recorded history) was set in 1954 when Florenz D. Regalado (future Supreme Court Associate Justice) of the San Beda College of Law
San Beda College of Law
San Beda College of Law is the law degree-granting unit of San Beda College, a private, Roman Catholic college run by the Benedictine monks in the Philippines....
scored 96.7% when he topped the 1954 Philippine Bar Examinations. To date, Atty. Regalado's feat remains unsurpassed and may never be equalled (much less topped).
The lowest grade was obtained by Ateneo Law School
Ateneo Law School
The Ateneo de Manila Law School is the law school of the Ateneo de Manila University, a private Jesuit university in the Philippines. It was founded in 1936, in the Padre Faura, Manila campus of the Ateneo, where it remained even after the college, graduate school, and basic education units moved...
's Mercedita L. Ona, 83.55%, 2008, which erased the prior record of 84.10%, obtained by Adolfo Brillantes of Escuela de Derecho de Manila (now Manila Law College Foundation) in 1920. Atty. Ona was the just the latest of women first placers. In 1930, Tecla San Andres (an alumna of the UP College of Law and future Senator) broke the proverbial "glass ceiling" when she became the first woman to top the bar with a grade of 89.4%. Ameurfina A. Melencio (also an alumna of the UP College of Law and who later became a Justice of the Supreme Court) has the highest grade of all female bar topnotchers in recorded history, when she obtained a 93.85% rating in 1947.
Below is a listing of all 98 first-placers (from 1913 to 2010) ranked from highest to lowest in terms of rating obtained. It should be noted however that bar ratings are not exactly comparable from year-to-year as the difficulty of the exams varies through the years.
| Rank | Year | Name | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1954 | Florenz D. Regalado | San Beda College | 96.700 |
| 2nd | 1949 | Anacleto C. Mañgaser | Philippine Law School | 95.850 |
| 3rd | 1948 | Manuel G. Montecillo | Far Eastern University | 95.500 |
| 4th (tie) | 1944 | Jose W. Diokno | Special (University of Santo Tomas) | 95.300 |
| 4th (tie) | 1944 | Jovito R. Salonga | University of the Philippines | 95.300 |
| 6th | 1940 | Claudio Teehankee | Ateneo de Manila University | 94.350 |
| 7th | 1952 | Pedro Samson C. Animas | University of the Philippines | 94.250 |
| 8th | 1953 | Leonardo A. Amores | University of Manila | 94.050 |
| 9th | 1947 | Ameurfina A. Melencio-Herrera | University of the Philippines | 93.850 |
| 10th | 2001 | Rodolfo Ma. A. Ponferrada | University of the Philippines | 93.800 |
| 11th (tie) | 1914 | Manuel C. Goyena | University of the Philippines | 93.000 |
| 11th (tie) | 1916 | Paulino Gullas | University of the Philippines | 93.000 |
| 11th (tie) | 1932 | Hermenegildo Atienza | University of the Philippines | 93.000 |
| 14th | 2002 | Arlene M. Maneja | University of Santo Tomas | 92.900 |
| 15th | 1984 | Richard M. Chiu | Ateneo de Manila University | 92.850 |
| 16th | 1937 | Cecilia Muñoz-Palma Cecilia Muñoz-Palma Cecilia Muñoz-Palma was a Filipino jurist and the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of the Philippines... |
University of the Philippines | 92.600 |
| 17th | 1929 | Lorenzo S. Sumulong | University of the Philippines | 92.500 |
| 18th | 1978 | Cosme D. Rosell | University of the Philippines | 92.475 |
| 19th | 1933 | Lope C. Quimbo | University of Manila | 92.450 |
| 20th | 1971 | Henry R. Villarica | University of the Philippines | 92.400 |
| 21st | 1939 | Ferdinand E. Marcos | University of the Philippines | 92.350 |
| 22nd (tie) | 1951 | Vicente R. Acsay | University of Manila | 92.250 |
| 22nd (tie) | Aug-1946 | Gregoria T. Cruz | University of the Philippines | 92.250 |
| 24th | 1950 | Carolina C. Griño | Special (Colegio de San Agustin,University of the Philippines) | 92.050 |
| 25th (tie) | 1913 | Manuel A. Roxas | University of the Philippines | 92.000 |
| 25th (tie) | 1917 | Felipe Ysmael | University of the Philippines | 92.000 |
| 27th (tie) | 1977 | Virgilio B. Gesmundo | Ateneo de Manila University | 91.800 |
| 27th (tie) | 1998 | Janet B. Abuel | Baguio Colleges Foundation | 91.800 |
| 29th (tie) | 1934 | Miguel Aragon | University of the Philippines | 91.700 |
| 29th (tie) | 1960 | Ismael Andres | Manuel L. Quezon University | 91.700 |
| 29th (tie) | Nov-1946 | Pedro L. Yap | University of the Philippines | 91.700 |
| 32nd | 1974 | Arturo D. Brion | Ateneo de Manila College | 91.650 |
| 33rd (tie) | 1979 | Gregorio M. Batiller Jr. | Ateneo de Manila University | 91.400 |
| 33rd (tie) | 1983 | Manuel Antonio J. Teehankee | Ateneo de Manila University | 91.400 |
| 35th | 1938 | Emmanuel N. Pelaez | University of Manila | 91.300 |
| 36th | 1995 | Leonor Y. Dicdican | University of the Philippines | 91.200 |
| 37th | 1925 | Rafael Dinglasan | University of the Philippines | 91.100 |
| 38th (tie) | 1961 | Avelino V. Cruz | San Beda College | 90.950 |
| 38th (tie) | 1981 | Irene Ragodon-Guevarra | Ateneo de Manila University | 90.950 |
| 38th (tie) | 1982 | Ray C. Espinosa | Ateneo de Manila University | 90.950 |
| 41st | 1923 | Roque V. Desquitado | University of the Philippines | 90.900 |
| 42nd (tie) | 1962 | Deogracias G. Eufemio | University of the Philippines | 90.800 |
| 42nd (tie) | 1976 | Enrique Y. Teehankee | University of the Philippines | 90.800 |
| 44th (tie) | 1966 | Roberto V. San Jose | University of the Philippines | 90.600 |
| 44th (tie) | 1996 | Patricia Ann T. Prodigalidad | University of the Philippines | 90.600 |
| 44th (tie) | 2000 | Eliseo M. Zuñiga Jr. | University of the Philippines | 90.600 |
| 47th | 1955 | Tomas P. Matic Jr. | Far Eastern University | 90.550 |
| 48th (tie) | 1928 | Filomeno B. Pascual | Philippine Law School | 90.300 |
| 48th (tie) | 1973 | Vicente R. Solis | Ateneo de Manila University | 90.300 |
| 50th (tie) | 1941 | Emmet P.D. Shea | University of the Philippines | 90.200 |
| 50th (tie) | 1956 | Francisco C. Catral | San Beda College | 90.200 |
| 52nd | 1997 | Ma. Cecilia H. Fernandez | University of the Philippines | 90.025 |
| 53rd | 1915 | Francisco Villanueva Jr. | University of the Philippines | 90.000 |
| 54th | 1991 | Joseph P. San Pedro | Ateneo de Manila University | 89.950 |
| 55th (tie) | 1936 | Diosdado P. Macapagal | University of Santo Tomas | 89.850 |
| 55th (tie) | 1990 | Aquilino L. Pimentel III | University of the Philippines | 89.850 |
| 57th | 1965 | Victor S. Dela Serna | San Beda College | 89.800 |
| 58th | 1980 | Rafael R. Lagos | University of the Philippines | 89.750 |
| 59th | 1934 | Marciano P. Catral | Philippine Law School | 89.700 |
| 60th | 1967 | Rodolfo D. Robles | San Beda College | 89.600 |
| 61st (tie) | 1930 | Tecla San Andres | University of the Philippines | 89.400 |
| 61st (tie) | 1931 | Jose Leuterio | University of the Philippines | 89.400 |
| 61st (tie) | 1985 | Janette Susan L. Peña | University of the Philippines | 89.400 |
| 64th | 1958 | Manuel G. Abello | University of the Philippines | 89.250 |
| 65th (tie) | 1959 | Agustin O. Benitez | Far Eastern University | 89.200 |
| 65th (tie) | 1994 | Francisco Noel R. Fernandez | University of the Philippines | 89.200 |
| 67th | 1957 | Gregorio R. Castillo | University of the Philippines | 89.150 |
| 68th (tie) | 1921 | Pablo Payawal | University of the Philippines | 89.100 |
| 68th (tie) | 1922 | Amado L. Velilla | University of the Philippines | 89.100 |
| 68th (tie) | 1924 | Roberto B. Concepcion | University of Santo Tomas | 89.100 |
| 71st | 2010 | Cesareo Antonio S. Singzon Jr. | Ateneo de Manila University | 89.000 |
| 72nd | 1986 | Laurence L. Go | Ateneo de Manila University | 88.600 |
| 73rd | 1987 | Mario P. Victoriano | Ateneo de Manila University | 88.550 |
| 74th | 2003 | Aeneas Eli S. Diaz | Ateneo de Manila University | 88.530 |
| 75th (tie) | 1999 | Edwin R. Enrile | Ateneo de Manila University | 88.500 |
| 75th (tie) | 1999 | Florin T. Hilbay | University of the Philippines | 88.500 |
| 77th | 1964 | Jesus P. Castelo | San Beda College | 88.400 |
| 78th | 1993 | Anna Leah Fidelis T. Castañeda | Ateneo de Manila University | 88.325 |
| 79th | 1988 | Maria Yvette O. Navarro | University of the Philippines | 88.120 |
| 80th | 1926 | Eugeniano Perez | Philippine Law School | 88.100 |
| 81st | 1927 | Cesar Kintanar | University of the Philippines | 87.700 |
| 82nd | 2006 | Noel Neil Q. Malimban | University of the Cordilleras | 87.600 |
| 83rd | 1970 | Romulo D. San Juan | Far Eastern University | 87.500 |
| 84th (tie) | 1968 | Oscar B. Glovasa | Divine World College of Tagbilaran | 87.450 |
| 84th (tie) | 2004 | January A. Sanchez | University of the Philippines | 87.450 |
| 86th | 1969 | Ronaldo B. Zamora | University of the Philippines | 87.300 |
| 87th | 2005 | Joan de Venecia | University of the Philippines | 87.200 |
| 88th | 1972 | Januario B. Soller Jr. | Ateneo de Manila University | 87.130 |
| 89th (tie) | 1918 | Alejo Labrador | University of the Philippines | 87.000 |
| 89th (tie) | 1919 | Gregorio Anonas | Philippine Law School | 87.000 |
| 89th (tie) | 1992 | Jayme A. Sy Jr. | Ateneo de Manila University | 87.000 |
| 92nd | 1975 | Nicanor B. Padilla Jr. | University of the East | 86.700 |
| 93rd | 1963 | Cornelio C. Gison | Ateneo de Manila University | 86.350 |
| 94th | 1989 | Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. | University of the Philippines | 86.185 |
| 95th | 2008 | Judy A. Lardizabal | San Sebastian College | 85.700 |
| 96th | 2009 | Reinier Paul R. Yebra | San Beda College | 84.800 |
| 97th | 1920 | Adolfo Brillantes | Escuela de Derecho | 84.100 |
| 98th | 2007 | Mercedita L. Ona | Ateneo de Manila University | 83.550 |
Highest scores in specific bar subjects
While no bar examinee has ever reached a 100% general average, several bar examinees have garnered perfect and near-perfect grades in specific bar subjects.In 1930, Tecla San Andres-Ziga (future Senator) of the University of the Philippines got a grade of 99% in Remedial Law. She also placed number one in the bar exams of the same year.
In 1949, Anacleto C. Mañgaser of the Philippine Law School earned 100% in Mercantile Law, and placed 1st in the bar exams of that year. His average of 95.85% broke all prior records before it was bested by Florenz Regalado in 1954. Mañgaser's bar rating remains the second highest of all time.
In 1953, Juan Ponce Enrile
Juan Ponce Enrile
Juan Ponce Enrile is a Filipino politician. As a protege of President Ferdinand Marcos, he served as Justice Secretary and then Defense Secretary under the Marcos regime. He later became one of the leaders of the 1986 People Power Movement that drove Marcos from power...
(future Defense Minister and Senate President) of the University of the Philippines College of Law
University of the Philippines College of Law
University of the Philippines College of Law or UP Law is the law school of the University of the Philippines. Since 1948, it has been located at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City, the flagship campus of UP's seven constituent universities. Until the 1970s, night classes of...
, where he graduated salutatorian and cum laude, earned 100% in Mercantile Law and placed 11th in the bar exams of that year.
In 1955, Raul Gonzales (future Congressman, Secretary of Justice and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel) of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law
University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law
The University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law or "UST Law" , is the law school of the University of Santo Tomas, the oldest and the largest Catholic university in Manila, Philippines....
earned 99% in Remedial Law and 95% in International Law. However, he did not place in the top ten.
In 1973, Renato Franciso (Executive Judge of RTC Malolos, Bulacan) of the Ateneo de Manila Law School obtained a perfect score of 100% in Criminal Law.
In 1997, Maria Celia H. Fernandez of the University of the Philippines College of Law
University of the Philippines College of Law
University of the Philippines College of Law or UP Law is the law school of the University of the Philippines. Since 1948, it has been located at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City, the flagship campus of UP's seven constituent universities. Until the 1970s, night classes of...
, where she graduated salutatorian and cum laude, earned 100% in Legal Ethics and emerged as the year's bar topnotcher.
In 2001, Rodolfo Ma. A. Ponferrada, that year's valedictorian of the University of the Philippines College of Law
University of the Philippines College of Law
University of the Philippines College of Law or UP Law is the law school of the University of the Philippines. Since 1948, it has been located at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City, the flagship campus of UP's seven constituent universities. Until the 1970s, night classes of...
, obtained a perfect score of 100% in Remedial Law, the highest weighted of the bar subjects. The difference (3.75%) between his final bar examination score (93.80%) and that of the second-placer, Jesus Paolo U. Protacio (90.05%), that year's valedictorian of the Ateneo de Manila Law School
Ateneo Law School
The Ateneo de Manila Law School is the law school of the Ateneo de Manila University, a private Jesuit university in the Philippines. It was founded in 1936, in the Padre Faura, Manila campus of the Ateneo, where it remained even after the college, graduate school, and basic education units moved...
and who got a perfect score of 100% in Criminal Law, is the highest of all time. Notably, that year's valedictorian of the San Beda College of Law
San Beda College of Law
San Beda College of Law is the law degree-granting unit of San Beda College, a private, Roman Catholic college run by the Benedictine monks in the Philippines....
, Adonis V. Gabriel, obtained a perfect score of 100% in Political Law and placed 8th (88.25%). The 3.75% difference between No. 1 and No. 2 eclipsed the previous highest difference of 2.10% registered in 1966 when Roberto V. San Jose (valedictorian of the UP College of Law) garnered a grade of 90.6% versus the 88.5% of the tied second placers, Ruben F. Balane (salutatorian of the UP College of Law) and Pablo S. Trillana III (valedictorian of the San Beda College of Law).
In 2005, Gladys V. Gervacio of the University of Perpetual Help-Rizal earned a perfect 100% in two bar subjects—Legal Ethics and Labor Law . She placed 6th in the bar exams of that year. In 2011, she passed the California State Bar examinations.
Increasing difficulty
The difficulty of the recent bar examinations, compared to exams of the past, can be attributed to the following factors:- The growing volume of Philippine case and statutory laws is unprecedented. Laws, jurisprudence, and legal doctrines of the past constitute only a small fraction of contemporary Philippine legal materials, which are increasing on a daily basis.
- The 75% passing average with no grade lower than 50% in any subject is already fixed by law. Actual candidates who scored 74.99% in the general average were not admitted to the practice of law, unless they retake the bar exams.
- The Three-Failure Rule is now in place. Candidates who have failed the bar exams for three times are not permitted to take another bar exam until they re-enroll and pass regular fourth-year review classes and attend a pre-bar review course in an approved law school.
- The Five-Strike Rule is implemented since 2005. The rule limits to five the number of times a candidate may take the Bar exams. The rule disqualifies a candidate after failing in three examinations. However, he is permitted to take fourth and fifth examinations if he successfully completes a one year refresher course for each examination.
- The four-year bachelor's degree is required before admission to law school. Hence, every bar examinee has to hold at least two degrees—one in law and one in another field. In the past, law schools readily admit high school graduates and two-year Associate in Arts degree holders.
After the end of the Second World War, the passing rate in the succeeding years was remarkably high, ranging from 56 to 72% percent. However, after Associate Justice
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
An Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines is one of 15 members of the Philippine Supreme Court, the highest court in the Philippines. The Chief Justice presides over the High Court, but carries only 1 of the 15 votes in the court...
J.B.L. Reyes, a noted scholar, was appointed Chairman of the 1955 Bar Examinations, the passing rate for that year dropped dramatically to 26.8%, with a mortality rate of 73.2%. That ratio has been invariably maintained in the 50+ years since.
Waiting period
The largely essay-type exams are manually checked by members of the Committee of Bar Examiners. Candidates have to wait from the last Sunday of the bar exams in September up to the date of the release of results, which traditionally happens before or during the Holy Week (the last week of March or the first week of April) of the following year.During this period, candidates (who already hold law and bachelor's degrees) may opt to work in law firms and courts as legal researchers, teach in liberal arts and business colleges, function in companies and organizations using their pre-law degrees (i.e. Communication Arts, Accounting, Economics, Journalism, etc.), help run the family business, or take a long vacation.
Admission of Successful Bar Examinees
The Office of the Bar Confidant of the Philippine Supreme Court releases the Official List of Successful Bar Examinees, usually during the last week of March or the first week of April of every year. Candidates whose names appear in the list are required to take and subscribe before the Supreme Court the corresponding Oath of Office.Candidates shall take an Oath of Office and sign their names in the Roll of Attorneys of the Supreme Court. The oath-taking is usually held in May at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) with a formal program where all Justices of the Supreme Court, sitting en banc, formally approve the applications of the successful bar candidates. The eight bar examiners are officially introduced to the public. A message to the newly inducted lawyers is delivered by one of the justices. Candidates who made the bar top ten list are also introduced and honored. The deans of all Philippine law schools are requested to attend the ceremony and grace the front seats of the plenary hall.
Controversies
In the 1930s, a distant relative of Imelda Romualdez Marcos who was a Justice in the High Court resigned after a controversy involving the bar examinations.Justice Ramon Fernandez was forced to protect his name and honor when he resigned because of a bar examination scandal.http://www.malaya.com.ph/apr23/busi7.htm
On November 23, 1979, the High Court, per Justice Pacifico de Castro ordered new examinations in labor and social legislation and taxation.
On May 7, 1982, 12 of the Supreme Court's 14 justices resigned amid expose "that the court fixed the bar-examination score of a member's son so that he would pass." Justice Vicente Ericta was accused to have personally approached the bar chairman to inquire whether his (Ericta's) son passed the bar. Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr. was a Filipino leader and an authoritarian President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He was a lawyer, member of the Philippine House of Representatives and a member of the Philippine Senate...
accepted the resignations and appointed the new Justices. Chief Justice Enrique Fernando wept at a news conference as he accepted responsibility for rechecking and changing the exam score of Gustavo Ericta, son of Justice Vicente Ericta.
Associate Justice Fidel Purisima, chairman of the bar committee, did not disclose that he had a nephew who was taking the bar examination in that year. He was merely censured and his honoraria as bar examiner were forfeited.
On September 24, 2003, the Supreme Court, per a bleary-eyed Associate Justice
Associate Justice
Associate Justice or Associate Judge is the title for a member of a judicial panel who is not the Chief Justice in some jurisdictions. The title "Associate Justice" is used for members of the United States Supreme Court and some state supreme courts, and for some other courts in Commonwealth...
Jose Vitug, annulled the tests results on mercantile law after "confirmation of what could be the most widespread case of cheating in the 104-year-old bar exams".
Bar Top Ten List
The Office of the Bar Confidant releases an official Bar Top Ten list together with the list of names of all successful bar examinees. The Bar Top Ten contains the names of the candidates who garnered the ten highest general averages in the bar exam for that year. The highest ranking candidate in the list is known as the bar topnotcher. The list has always been the subject of much media attention and public speculation.Making a place in the list is widely regarded as an important life achievement, an attractive professional qualification, and a necessary improvement in a lawyer's professional and social status.
Presidents and Vice Presidents
- Manuel A. Roxas - 1st President (3rd Philippine Republic); 1st placer (92%), 1913 Bar Exams (UP)
- Diosdado P. Macapagal - 5th President (3rd Philippine Republic); 1st placer (89.85%), 1936 Bar Exams (UST)
- Ferdinand E. Marcos - 6th President (3rd Philippine Republic); 1st placer (92.35%), 1939 Bar Exams (UP)
- Jose P. LaurelJose P. LaurelJosé Paciano Laurel y García was the president of the Republic of the Philippines, a Japanese-sponsored administration during World War II, from 1943 to 1945...
- President (2nd Philippine Republic); 2nd placer, 1915 Bar Exams (UP) - Elpidio C. Quirino - 2nd President (3rd Philippine Republic); 2nd placer, 1915 Bar Exams (UP)
- Sergio S. Osmeña - 2nd President (Philippine Commonwealth); 2nd placer, 1903 Bar Exams (UST)
- Manuel L. QuezonManuel L. QuezonManuel Luis Quezón y Molina served as president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from 1935 to 1944. He was the first Filipino to head a government of the Philippines...
- 1st President (Philippine Commonwealth); 4th placer, 1903 Bar Exams (UST) - Carlos P. GarciaCarlos P. GarciaCarlos Polistico García was a Filipino teacher, poet, orator, lawyer, public official, political economist and guerrilla leader...
- 4th President (3rd Philippine Republic); 7th placer, 1923 Bar Exams (PLS) - Emmanuel N. Pelaez - former Philippine Vice President; 1st placer, 1938 Bar Exams (UM)
- Arturo M. Tolentino - former Philippine Vice President; 2nd placer, 1934 Bar Exams (UP)
Curiously, each President of the Philippines who happened to be a lawyer was always a bar placer. The other Presidents (i.e., Emilio F. Aguinaldo, Ramon F. Magsaysay, Corazon C. Aquino, Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph E. Estrada and Gloria M. Arroyo) were all non-lawyers (and hence could not have been bar placers). For the 2010 presidential elections, among those who have declared their intention of seeking the highest post of the land is Gilberto Teodoro
Gilberto Teodoro
Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr. , or more commonly known as Gilbert/Gibo, is the former secretary of the national defense of the republic of the Philippines, having assumed the post in August 2007 until November 15, 2009...
. Aside from being a Secretary of Defense (like former Presidents Magsaysay and Ramos), Secretary Teodoro (a lawyer from the University of the Philippines) placed first in the 1989 Bar Exams with a grade of 86.185%. Topnotcher Teodoro placed fourth in the elections behind incumbent President Benigno S. Aquino III (an economics major), President Joseph E. Estrada (who took up engineering) and Sen. Manuel B. Villar (a business major). A lawyer, Jejomar C. Binay (from UP), captured the vice presidency when he bested former Sen. Manuel A. Roxas II (an economist and grandson of the first bar topnotcher, President Manuel A. Roxas).
In Philippine political history, two bar topnotchers sought the presidency but failed. Vice President Pelaez (1938 Bar Topnotcher) lost the Nacionalista Party nomination to President Marcos (1939 Bar Topnotcher) for the 1965 presidential elections. Senate President Jovito Salonga (1944 Bar Topnotcher) of the Liberal Party lost to President Ramos of Lakas-NUCD in the 1992 presidential elections.
Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Justices
- Jose YuloJose YuloJosé Yulo was the Chief Justice of the Philippines during the Japanese Occupation and was Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives from 1939 until the World War II started in 1941.-Career:...
- 6th Philippine Chief Justice; 3rd placer, 1913 Bar Exams (UP College of Law) - Ricardo ParasRicardo ParasRicardo Paras was the Chief Justice of the Philippines from April 2, 1951 until February 17, 1961.-Career:...
- 8th Philippine Chief Justice; 2nd placer, 1913 Bar Exams (UP College of Law) - Cesar BengzonCesar BengzonCésar Bengzon was the Chief Justice of the Philippines from April 28, 1961 until May 29, 1966. In November 1966, a few months after his retirement, he became the first Filipino to be appointed to the International Court of Justice.-Judicial career:Bengzon earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from...
- 9th Philippine Chief Justice; 2nd placer, 1919 Bar Exams (UP College of Law) - Roberto ConcepcionRoberto ConcepcionRoberto Concepción was the Chief Justice of the Philippines from June 17, 1966, until April 18, 1973. Apparently, he took a leave 50 days earlier from his scheduled mandatory retirement...
- 10th Philippine Chief Justice; 1st placer, 1924 Bar Exams (UST Faculty of Civil Law) - Querube MakalintalQuerube MakalintalQuerube C. Makalintal was the Chief Justice of the Philippines from Oct. 31, 1973 until December 22, 1975 and Speaker of the Interim Batasang Pambansa from June 12, 1978 to June 30, 1984.-Career:...
- 11th Philippine Chief Justice; 7th placer, 1933 Bar Exams (UP College of Civil Law) - Enrique Ma. Fernando - 13th Philippine Chief Justice; 13th placer, 1938 Bar Exams (UP College of Law)
- Ramon AquinoRamon AquinoRamon C. Aquino was the 15th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.He was appointed on November 20, 1985, the last Chief Justice appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos.-Personal life:...
- 15th Philippine Chief Justice; 9th placer, 1939 Bar Exams (UP College of Law) - Claudio Teehankee - 16th Philippine Chief Justice; 1st placer, 1940 Bar Exams (Ateneo Law School)
- Pedro YapPedro YapPedro Yap was the Chief Justice of the Philippines in 1988. He briefly served for two and a half months from April 19, 1988 to June 30, 1988....
- 17th Philippine Chief Justice; 1st placer, 1946 Bar Exams (UP College of Law) - Andres NarvasaAndres NarvasaAndres dela Rosa Narvasa was the Chief Justice of the Philippines from December 1, 1991 to November 30, 1998.He served as Chairman of the Preparatory Commission for Constitutional Reform, a special agency tasked to look into potentially positive modifications in the Philippine Constitution, from...
- 19th Philippine Chief Justice; 2nd placer, 1951 Bar Exams (UST Faculty of Civil Law) - Artemio PanganibanArtemio PanganibanArtemio V. Panganiban , "The Renaissance Jurist of the 21st Century" was the 21st Supreme Court Chief Justice of the Philippines.-Early life and education:...
- 21st Philippine Chief Justice; 6th placer, 1960 Bar Exams (FEU Institute of Law) - Jose P. LaurelJose P. LaurelJosé Paciano Laurel y García was the president of the Republic of the Philippines, a Japanese-sponsored administration during World War II, from 1943 to 1945...
- former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 2nd placer, 1915 Bar Exams - J.B.L. Reyes - former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 6th placer, 1922 Bar Exams
- Cecilia Muñoz Palma - former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 1st placer, 1937 Bar Exams
- Ambrosio PadillaAmbrosio PadillaAmbrosio Bibby Padilla was a former Filipino basketball player and former elected member of the Senate of the Philippines. He was one of the most important figures in the Asian basketball development.Padilla was born as the eighth of eleven children of Dr. Nicanor Padilla and Ysabel Bibby...
- former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 3rd placer, 1934 Bar Exams - Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera - former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 1st placer, 1947 Bar Exams
- Irene CortesIrene CortesIrene R. Cortes was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines and a respected law academician. She was also the first female dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law.-Professor and Dean:...
- former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 9th placer, 1948 Bar Exams - Carolina A. Griño-Aquino - former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 1st placer, 1950 Bar Exams
- Isagani A. Cruz - former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 8th placer, 1951 Bar Exams
- Rafael C. Climaco - former Philippine Court of Appeals Justice; 5th placer, 1939 Bar Exams ( Ferdinand Marcos placed 1st )
- Florentino Feliciano - former Philippine Supreme Court Justice and Chair, WTO Appellate Tribunal; 6th placer, 1952 Bar Exams
- Florenz D. Regalado - former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 1st placer, 1954 Bar Exams
- Adolfo AzcunaAdolfo AzcunaAdolfo S. Azcuna is a Filipino jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines from 2002 to 2009. He was appointed to the Court by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on October 24, 2002...
- Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 4th placer, 1962 Bar Exams - Antonio Eduardo NachuraAntonio Eduardo NachuraAntonio Eduardo B. Nachura was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines until his mandatory retirement in June 13, 2011. He had been Solicitor-General of the Philippines at the time of his appointment to the Court was announced on January 31, 2007 by President Gloria...
- Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 7th placer, 1967 Bar Exams - Presbitero Velasco, Jr.Presbitero Velasco, Jr.Presbitero J. Velasco, Jr. is an incumbent Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. He was appointed to the Court by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on March 31, 2006.- Profile :...
- Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 6th placer, 1971 Bar Exams - Antonio CarpioAntonio CarpioAntonio T. Carpio is an incumbent Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. He was appointed to the Court by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and assumed office on October 26, 2001, his 52nd birthday.- Profile :...
- Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 6th placer, 1975 Bar Exams - Arturo D. Brion - Philippine Supreme Court Justice; former Philippine Court of Appeals Justice; 1st placer, 1974 Bar Exams
- Bienvenido V. Reyes - former Philippine Court of Appeals Presiding Justice; 5th placer, 1954 Bar Exams
- Salome A. Montoya - former Philippine Court of Appeals Presiding Justice; 6th placer, 1954 Bar Exams
- Alicia V. Sempio-Diy - former Philippine Court of Appeals Justice; 5th placer, 1950 Bar Exams
- Oscar M. Herrera - former Philippine Court of Appeals Justice; 8th placer, 1953 Bar Exams
- Demetrio Demetria - former Philippine Court of Appeals Justice; 2nd placer, 1964 Bar Exams
- Mario Guariña III - former Philippine Court of Appeals Justice; 2nd placer, 1967 Bar Exams
- Lucas BersaminLucas BersaminLucas P. Bersamin is a Filipino jurist. He was appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on April 2, 2009, and was sworn into office the following day...
- Philippine Court of Appeals Justice; 9th placer, 1973 Bar Exams - Celia Librea-Leagogo - Philippine Court of Appeals Justice; 5th placer, 1981 Bar Exams
Only eleven of the 22 jurists who rose to become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court were bar placers, starting with Jose Yulo (3rd in 1913), followed by Ricardo Paras (2nd in 1913), then by Cesar Bengzon (2nd in 1919), then by Roberto Concepcion (1st in 1924), then by Querube Makalintal (7th in 1933) then by Enrique Fernando (13th in 1938), then by Ramon Aquino (6th in 1939), then by Claudio Teehankee, Sr. (1st in 1940), then by Pedro Yap (1st in November 1946), then by Andres Narvasa (2nd in 1951) and finally by Artemio Panganiban (6th in 1960). However, the first four chief magistrates (Cayetano Arellano, Victorino Mapa, Manuel Araullo and Ramon Avancena) became lawyers (all after graduating from the UST Faculty of Civil Law) before the establishment of the Bar Exams in 1901 while the fifth head of the judiciary (Jose Abad Santos) graduated from a foreign law school and was admitted to the Philippine bar in 1911. Six Chief Justices did not place in the Bar Exams: Manuel Moran (the father of Philippine remedial law), Fred Ruiz Castro (the father of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines), Felix Makasiar, Marcelo Fernan, Hilario Davide and the incumbent Reynato Puno).
Of the candidates to become the next Chief Justice (to replace the retiring Reynato Puno) only two were bar placers: Antonio Carpio (6th in 1975) of the UP College of Law and Arturo Brion (1st in 1974) of the Ateneo Law School. Both Carpio and Brion graduated valedictorian of their respective law classes. However, neither topnotcher made it to the apex of the judicial summit, as Atenean Renato C. Corona was appointed the chief magistrate.
Senators and Representatives
- Manuel A. Roxas - former Philippine Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives; 1st placer, 1913 Bar Exams
- Manuel L. QuezonManuel L. QuezonManuel Luis Quezón y Molina served as president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from 1935 to 1944. He was the first Filipino to head a government of the Philippines...
- former Philippine Senate President; 4th placer, 1903 Bar Exams - Arturo M. Tolentino - former Philippine Senate President; 2nd placer, 1934 Bar Exams
- Ferdinand E. Marcos - former Philippine Senate President; 1st placer, 1939 Bar Exams
- Jovito SalongaJovito SalongaJovito "Jovy" Reyes Salonga is a Filipino nationalist politician and lawyer, as well as a leading opposition leader during the Marcos regime from 1972, when Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law, until 1986, when Marcos was deposed as a result of a bloodless revolution...
- former Philippine Senate President; 1st placer, 1944 Bar Exams - Neptali GonzalesNeptali GonzalesNeptali A. Gonzales, Sr. was the President of the Philippine Senate from 1992 to 1993, 1995 to 1996, and 1998.-Early Life and Career:...
- former Philippine Senate President; 9th placer, 1949 Bar Exams - Rodolfo Ganzon - former Philippine Senator and Iloilo City Mayor; 2nd Placer, 1950 Bar Exams
- Ernesto M. Maceda - former Philippine Senate President; 10th placer, 1956 Bar Exams
- Franklin M. Drilon - former Philippine Senate President; 3rd placer, 1969 Bar Exams
- Lorenzo SumulongLorenzo SumulongLorenzo Sumulong was a Filipino politician who served in the Philippine Senate for four decades, and as a delegate of his country to the United Nations...
- former Philippine Senator; 1st placer, 1929 Bar Exams - Jose W. Diokno - former Philippine Senator; 1st placer, 1944 Bar Exams
- Renato V. Saguisag (Rene Saguisag) - former Philippine Senator; 6th placer, 1963 Bar Exams
- Sergio S. Osmeña - former Speaker of the House of Representatives; 2nd placer, 1903 Bar Exams
- Jose Y. Yulo - former Speaker of the House of Representatives; 3rd placer, 1913 Bar Exams
- Aguedo F. Agbayani - former PangasinanPangasinanPangasinan is a province of the Republic of the Philippines. The provincial capital is Lingayen. Pangasinan is located on the west central and peripheral area of the island of Luzon along the Lingayen Gulf, with the total land area being 5,368.82 square kilometers . According to the latest census,...
Representative; 5th placer, 1947 Bar Exams - Antonio Eduardo NachuraAntonio Eduardo NachuraAntonio Eduardo B. Nachura was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines until his mandatory retirement in June 13, 2011. He had been Solicitor-General of the Philippines at the time of his appointment to the Court was announced on January 31, 2007 by President Gloria...
- former SamarSamarSamar, formerly and also known as Western Samar, is a province in the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region. Its capital is Catbalogan City and covers the western portion of Samar as well as several islands in the Samar Sea located to the west of the mainland...
Representative; 7th placer, 1967 Bar Exams - Ronaldo B. Zamora - San Juan Representative; 1st placer, 1969 Bar Exams
- Prospero NogralesProspero NogralesProspero C. Nograles is the former Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines. He was elected as the Speaker of the House on February 5, 2008, the first ever elected Speaker from Mindanao in a hundred years in Philippine legislative history...
- Speaker of the House of Representatives; 2nd placer, 1971 Bar Exams - Arturo D. Brion - Assemblyman, Philippine National Assembly; 1st placer, 1974 Bar Exams
- Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo C. Teodoro, Jr. - former Tarlac Representative; 1st placer, 1989 Bar Exams
- Jose P. LaurelJose P. LaurelJosé Paciano Laurel y García was the president of the Republic of the Philippines, a Japanese-sponsored administration during World War II, from 1943 to 1945...
- former Senator; 2nd Placer 1915
Of the lawyers who became President of the Senate, only the following were bar placers: Manuel Quezon (4th in 1903), Manuel Roxas (1st in 1913), Ferdinand Marcos (1st in 1939), Arturo Tolentino (2nd in 1934), Jovito Salonga (1st in 1944), Neptali Gonzales (9th in 1949), Ernesto Maceda (10th in 1956), Franklin Drilon (3rd in 1969) and Juan Ponce Enrile (11th in 1953). Of the incumbent senators with terms expiring in 2013, five are lawyers (Ateneo Law School's Alan Peter Cayetano as well as Edgardo Angara, Joker Arroyo, Francis Escudero, and Francis Pangilinan of the UP College of Law) and none of whom were previous bar placers. Curiously, Aquilino Pimentel III of the UP College of Law (who is contesting the seat occupied by Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri) placed 1st in the 1990 Bar Exams.
On the other hand, of those who became Speaker of the House of Representatives, only the following were bar placers: Sergio Osmena, Sr. (2nd in 1903), Manuel Roxas (1st in 1913), Jose Yulo (3rd in 1913) Querube Makalintal (7th in 1933) and Prospero Nograles (2nd in 1971). Of the chamber's other officers, only Ronaldo Zamora was a former bar topnotcher (1st in 1969).
Curiously, the incumbent heads of both houses of Congress were previous bar placers: Ateneo Law School's Nograles for the lower house and UP College of Law's Ponce Enrile for the upper house. After the 2010 elections, former Rep. Nograles (who did not run for re-election) was replaced by lawyer Feliciano R. Belmonte, Jr. (from Lyceum of the Philippines) as Speaker. Sen. Enrile retained his post as Senate President.
Appointees and career service officials
- Roberto ConcepcionRoberto ConcepcionRoberto Concepción was the Chief Justice of the Philippines from June 17, 1966, until April 18, 1973. Apparently, he took a leave 50 days earlier from his scheduled mandatory retirement...
- Member, 1986 Constitutional Commission; 1st placer, 1924 Bar Exams - Lorenzo SumulongLorenzo SumulongLorenzo Sumulong was a Filipino politician who served in the Philippine Senate for four decades, and as a delegate of his country to the United Nations...
- Member, 1986 Constitutional Commission; 1st placer, 1929 Bar Exams - Arturo TolentinoArturo TolentinoArturo Modesto Tolentino was a prominent political figure in the Philippines who briefly held the position of vice president in 1986. He is more well known as the father of the Philippine “archipelagic doctrine” and expert on the Law of the Sea.-Early career:Arturo M. Tolentino was born in Manila...
- Member, Philippine Civil Code Commission; former Minister of Foreign Affairs; 2nd placer, 1934 Bar Exams - Ambrosio PadillaAmbrosio PadillaAmbrosio Bibby Padilla was a former Filipino basketball player and former elected member of the Senate of the Philippines. He was one of the most important figures in the Asian basketball development.Padilla was born as the eighth of eleven children of Dr. Nicanor Padilla and Ysabel Bibby...
- Member, 1986 Constitutional Commission; 3rd placer, 1934 Bar Exams - Diosdado MacapagalDiosdado MacapagalDiosdado Pangan Macapagal was the ninth President of the Philippines, serving from 1961 to 1965, and the sixth Vice President, serving from 1957 to 1961. He also served as a member of the House of Representatives, and headed the Constitutional Convention of 1970...
- President, Philippine Constitutional Convention of 1971; 1st placer, 1936 Bar Exams - Cecilia Muñoz-PalmaCecilia Muñoz-PalmaCecilia Muñoz-Palma was a Filipino jurist and the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of the Philippines...
- President, Philippine Constitutional Commission of 1986Philippine Constitutional Commission of 1986The Philippine Constitutional Commission of 1986 was the commission of the tasked to draft the Constitution of the Philippines in 1986.-Legislation:-Members: Resigned-See also:*Congress of the Philippines*Senate of the Philippines...
; Chairperson, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office; 1st placer, 1937 Bar Exams - Jovito SalongaJovito SalongaJovito "Jovy" Reyes Salonga is a Filipino nationalist politician and lawyer, as well as a leading opposition leader during the Marcos regime from 1972, when Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law, until 1986, when Marcos was deposed as a result of a bloodless revolution...
- former Chairman, Presidential Commission on Good Government; 1st placer, 1944 Bar Exams - Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera - Chancellor, Philippine Judicial Academy; Chairperson, Legal Publications Committee, Supreme Court Centenary Celebrations; 1st placer, 1947 Bar Exams
- Alicia V. Sempio-Dy - Member, Philippine Civil Code Revision Committee; former Commissioner, National Commission on Women; 5th placer, 1950 Bar Exams
- Andres NarvasaAndres NarvasaAndres dela Rosa Narvasa was the Chief Justice of the Philippines from December 1, 1991 to November 30, 1998.He served as Chairman of the Preparatory Commission for Constitutional Reform, a special agency tasked to look into potentially positive modifications in the Philippine Constitution, from...
- Chairman, Preparatory Commission for Constitutional Reform; 2nd placer, 1951 Bar Exams - Gabriel Singson - former Governor of the Central Bank of the Philippines; 2nd placer, 1952 Bar Exams
- Florentino Feliciano - Chairman, Feliciano Commission investigating the Oakwood MutinyOakwood mutinyThe Oakwood mutiny occurred in the Philippines on July 27, 2003. A group of 321 armed soldiers who called themselves "Bagong Katipuneros" led by Army Capt. Gerardo Gambala and LtSG...
; 6th placer, 1952 Bar Exams - Florenz D. Regalado - Member, 1986 Constitutional Commission; 1st placer, 1954 Bar Exams
- Jose NolledoJose NolledoJose N. Nolledo is a renowned lawyer, constitutional law expert, and author in the Philippines. He was a member of the Philippine Constitutional Commission of 1986 and a delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention....
- Delegate, 1971 Constitutional Convention & Member, 1986 Constitutional Commission; 3rd placer, 1958 Bar Exams - Haydee YoracHaydee YoracHaydee Yorac was a Filipino public servant, law professor and politician.-Early life:Yorac was born on March 4, 1941 in E. B. Magalona, Negros Occidental. She earned a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines in 1962...
- former Chairperson, Presidential Commission on Good Government; former Commissioner, Commission on Elections; 8th placer, 1962 Bar Exams - Adolfo AzcunaAdolfo AzcunaAdolfo S. Azcuna is a Filipino jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines from 2002 to 2009. He was appointed to the Court by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on October 24, 2002...
- Member, 1986 Constitutional Commission; 4th placer, 1962 Bar Exams - Joaquin G. BernasJoaquin G. BernasFr. Joaquin G. Bernas, S.J., J.S.D. is a Jesuit and is Dean Emeritus of Ateneo Law School in Makati City, Philippines. He was a member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission which drafted the present Philippine Constitution....
- Member, 1986 Constitutional Commission; Member, Feliciano Commission investigating the Oakwood mutinyOakwood mutinyThe Oakwood mutiny occurred in the Philippines on July 27, 2003. A group of 321 armed soldiers who called themselves "Bagong Katipuneros" led by Army Capt. Gerardo Gambala and LtSG...
; 9th placer, 1962 Bar Exam - Anacleto C. Mañgaser (var. Mangaser) - former Chairman, Reparations Commission; 1st placer, 1949 Bar Exams
- Sergio A. Apostol - Chief Presidential Legal Counsel; 7th placer, 1958 Bar Exams
- Ismael G. Khan Jr. - former Spokesperson, Philippine Supreme Court; 6th placer, 1959 Bar Exams
- Antonio Eduardo NachuraAntonio Eduardo NachuraAntonio Eduardo B. Nachura was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines until his mandatory retirement in June 13, 2011. He had been Solicitor-General of the Philippines at the time of his appointment to the Court was announced on January 31, 2007 by President Gloria...
- former Solicitor General; 7th placer, 1967 Bar Exams - Fulgencio S. Factoran, Jr. - former Executive Secretary; 9th placer, 1967 Bar Exams
- Jose Mario Buñag - former Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner; 2nd placer, 1968 Bar Exams
- Ronaldo B. Zamora - former Executive Secretary; 1st placer, 1969 Bar Exams
- Franklin DrilonFranklin DrilonFranklin Magtunao Drilon is a Filipino politician who served as President of the Senate of the Philippines in 2000 and from 2001 to 2006. Drilon currently serves his third term in the Senate...
- former Secretary of Labor and Employment; 3rd placer, 1969 Bar Exams - Jess Dureza - Mindanao Super Region In-charge; 10th placer, 1973 Bar Exams
- Arturo D. Brion - Secretary of Labor and Employment; 1st placer, 1974 Bar Exams
- Antonio CarpioAntonio CarpioAntonio T. Carpio is an incumbent Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. He was appointed to the Court by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and assumed office on October 26, 2001, his 52nd birthday.- Profile :...
- former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel; 6th placer, 1975 Bar Exams - Avelino Cruz, Jr. - former Secretary of National Defense; 7th placer, 1977 Bar Exams
- Simeon Marcelo - former Philippine Ombudsman; 5th placer, 1979 Bar Exams
- Manuel Antonio J. Teehankee - former Undersecretary of Justice; Ambassador to the World Trade Organization; 1st placer, 1983 Bar Exams
- Antonio M. Bernardo - former Bureau of Customs Commissioner; 2nd placer, 1988 Bar Exams
- Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo C. Teodoro, Jr. - Secretary of National Defense; 1st placer, 1989 Bar Exams
- Persida V. Rueda-Acosta - Chief Public Attorney of the Philippines; 5th placer, 1989 Bar Exams
- Ruben Carranza, Jr. - Commissioner, Presidential Commission on Good Government; 8th placer, 1990 Bar Exams
- Maria Celia H. Fernandez - former Chief, Presidential Management Staff; 1st placer, 1997 Bar Exams
- Janet T. Abuel - Regional Director, Department of Budget and Management; 1st placer, 1998 Bar Exams
- Edwin R. Enrile - former Assistant Executive Secretary, Office of the President; Deputy Executive Secretary, Office of the President; 1st placer, 1999 Bar Exams
- Rodolfo Ma. A. Ponferrada - former Assistant Chief of Staff, Office of the Vice President; 1st placer, 2001 Bar Exams
- Leila De LimaLeila De LimaLeila Magistrado De Lima is the secretary of Philippine Department of Justice under the Administration of President Noynoy Aquino...
- current Secretary of Justice; former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairperson; 8th placer, 1985 Bar Exams
Local officials
- Pablo P. GarciaPablo P. GarciaPablo Paras Garcia is a Filipino politician. A graduate of the University of San Carlos, Garcia placed 3rd in the 1951 Philippine Bar Examination with a rating of 91.5%. Garcia served as governor of Cebu from 1995 to 2004. He had previously served as the vice-governor of Cebu from 1969 to 1971...
- former Governor of CebuCebuCebu is a province in the Philippines, consisting of Cebu Island and 167 surrounding islands. It is located to the east of Negros, to the west of Leyte and Bohol islands...
; 3rd placer, 1951 Bar Exams - Aguedo F. Agbayani - former Governor of PangasinanPangasinanPangasinan is a province of the Republic of the Philippines. The provincial capital is Lingayen. Pangasinan is located on the west central and peripheral area of the island of Luzon along the Lingayen Gulf, with the total land area being 5,368.82 square kilometers . According to the latest census,...
; 5th placer, 1947 Bar Exams - Isidoro E. Real, Jr. - former Governor / Congressman of Zamboanga del SurZamboanga del SurZamboanga del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Zamboanga Peninsula region in Mindanao. Pagadian City is the capital...
; 7th placer, 1961 Bar Exams - Roldan Dalman - former Governor of Zamboanga del NorteZamboanga del NorteZamboanga del Norte or simply known as ZANORTE is a province of the Philippines located in the Zamboanga Peninsula region in Mindanao. Its capital is Dipolog City and the province borders Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay to the south and Misamis Occidental to the east...
;former Presidential Assistant for Regional Concerns, Western Mindanao 6th placer, 1975 Bar Exams - Douglas RA. Cagas - incumbent Governor / former Congressman of Davao Del SurDavao del SurDavao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. Its capital is Digos City. The province is bordered by Davao City to the north, and Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani to the west. To the east lies the Davao Gulf...
; 4th placer 1967 Bar Exams
Academe
- Joaquin G. BernasJoaquin G. BernasFr. Joaquin G. Bernas, S.J., J.S.D. is a Jesuit and is Dean Emeritus of Ateneo Law School in Makati City, Philippines. He was a member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission which drafted the present Philippine Constitution....
- former President, Ateneo de Manila UniversityAteneo de Manila UniversityThe Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits...
; Dean Emeritus, Ateneo Law SchoolAteneo Law SchoolThe Ateneo de Manila Law School is the law school of the Ateneo de Manila University, a private Jesuit university in the Philippines. It was founded in 1936, in the Padre Faura, Manila campus of the Ateneo, where it remained even after the college, graduate school, and basic education units moved...
; 9th placer, 1962 Bar Exam - Jovito SalongaJovito SalongaJovito "Jovy" Reyes Salonga is a Filipino nationalist politician and lawyer, as well as a leading opposition leader during the Marcos regime from 1972, when Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law, until 1986, when Marcos was deposed as a result of a bloodless revolution...
- former Dean, Far Eastern University Institute of LawFar Eastern University Institute of LawFar Eastern University Institute of Law or FEU Law is the college of law of Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines.-Historical background:...
; 1st placer, 1944 Bar Exams - Neptali GonzalesNeptali GonzalesNeptali A. Gonzales, Sr. was the President of the Philippine Senate from 1992 to 1993, 1995 to 1996, and 1998.-Early Life and Career:...
- former Dean, Far Eastern University Institute of LawFar Eastern University Institute of LawFar Eastern University Institute of Law or FEU Law is the college of law of Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines.-Historical background:...
; 9th placer, 1949 Bar Exams - Andres NarvasaAndres NarvasaAndres dela Rosa Narvasa was the Chief Justice of the Philippines from December 1, 1991 to November 30, 1998.He served as Chairman of the Preparatory Commission for Constitutional Reform, a special agency tasked to look into potentially positive modifications in the Philippine Constitution, from...
- former Dean, University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil LawUniversity of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil LawThe University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law or "UST Law" , is the law school of the University of Santo Tomas, the oldest and the largest Catholic university in Manila, Philippines....
; 2nd placer, 1951 Bar Exams - Norberto S. Gonzales - Dean, Manuel L. Quezon University School of Law; 5th placer, 1958 Bar Exams
- Custodio O. Parlade - President Emeritus, Philippine Dispute Resolution Centre; Lecturer and Bar Reviewer; 4th placer, 1959 Bar Exams
- Agustin O. Benitez - former Dean, University of the East College of LawUniversity of the East College of LawThe University of the East College of Law or UE Law is the law school of the University of the East, a private, non-sectarian university in Manila, Philippines.-History:The UE College of Law was established in July 1950....
; 1st placer, 1959 bar Exams - Virgilio B. Jara - Dean, San Beda College of LawSan Beda College of LawSan Beda College of Law is the law degree-granting unit of San Beda College, a private, Roman Catholic college run by the Benedictine monks in the Philippines....
5th placer, 1962 Bar Exams - Cesar L. VillanuevaCesar L. VillanuevaCesar L. Villanueva, also known as CLV, is the incumbent Dean of the Ateneo Law School in Makati City, Philippines. He is a certified public accountant and a recognized authority in Philippine commercial law. Villanueva is a candidate for the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of...
- Dean, Ateneo Law SchoolAteneo Law SchoolThe Ateneo de Manila Law School is the law school of the Ateneo de Manila University, a private Jesuit university in the Philippines. It was founded in 1936, in the Padre Faura, Manila campus of the Ateneo, where it remained even after the college, graduate school, and basic education units moved...
; 2nd placer, 1981 Bar Exams - Jose Jesus G. Laurel - former Dean, Lyceum of the Philippines College of Law; 6th placer, 1981 Bar Exams
- Roy Joseph M. Rafols - former Dean, Palawan State University College of Law; 2nd placer, 1984 Bar Exams
- Pacifico N. Castro - Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; 8th placer, 1954 Bar Exams
- Manuel T. Muro - Law Professor and Bar Reviewer, former Trial Court Judge; 6th placer, 1955 Bar Exams
- Antonio H. Abad, Jr. - Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; former Dean of the FEU Institute of Law and presently Dean of the Adamson University College of Law; 10th Placer, 1963 Bar Examinations
- Roberto San Jose - Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; 1st placer, 1966 Bar Exams
- Ruben F. Balane - Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; 2nd placer, 1966 Bar Exams
- Hildegardo F. Iñigo - former Dean, Ateneo de Davao University College of Law and Bar Reviewer, 8th placer, 1966 Bar Exams
- Jacinto D. Jimenez (Jack Jimenez) - Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; 3rd placer, 1968 Bar Exams
- Arturo de Castro - Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; 3rd placer, 1970 Bar Exams
- Rene Gorospe - Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; 2nd placer, 1979 Bar Exams
- Manuel J. Laserna, Jr. - Law Professor and Bar Reviewer (Far Eastern University, Manila, 1985-2006); 3rd placer, 1984 Bar Exams (90.95%); trial lawyer; Bar leader; founder of the Las Pinas City Bar Association (2001); and managing partner of the Laserna Cueva-Mercader & Associates Law Offices (LCM Law, Las Pinas City).
- Abelardo T. Domondon - Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; 4th placer, 1985 Bar Exams, graduate of Adamson University College of Law
- Roberto A. Gana - Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; 5th placer, 1986 Bar Exams
- Jose Maria G. Hofileña - Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; 10th placer, 1987 Bar Exams
- Michael G. Aguinaldo - Law Professor; 7th placer, 1992 Bar Exams
- Anna Leah Fidelis T. Castañeda - Law Professor; 1st placer, 1993 Bar Exams
- Shirley F. Alinea UP Law (6th Place, 1996 Bar Exams) - Law Professor (UE, Lyceum, San Sebastian)
- Maria Socorro Z. Manguiat - Law Professor; 10th placer, 1993 Bar Exams
- Maria Paz Romana S. Angeles - Law Professor; 10 placer, 1994 Bar Exams
- Carla E. Santamaria-Seña - Law Professor; 5th placer, 1995 Bar Exams
- Ralph A. Sarmiento - Dean, University of St. La Salle College of Law; International Law Bar Reviewer; 10th placer, 1997 Bar Exams
- Shennan A. Sy - Law Professor; 6th placer, 1995 Bar Exams
- Arnold De Vera - Law Professor; 8th placer, 1987 Bar Exams
- Rhett Emmanuel C. Serfino - Practicing Lawyer; Professor and Bar Reviewer (MLQU, PUP, Universidad De Manila); 3rd placer, 1997 Bar Exams
- Florin T. Hilbay - Law Professor; 1st placer, 1999 Bar Exams
- Rodolfo Ma. A. Ponferrada - Professor of Law (UP and Ateneo); 1st placer, 2001 Bar Exams
- Solomon F. Lumba - Professor of Law (UP); 4th placer, 2001 Bar Exams
- Adonis V. Gabriel - Professor of Law (SBC); 8th placer, 2001 Bar Exams
- Samson S. Alcantara - Practicing Lawyer; Professor and Bar Reviewer (MLQU); Author-Philippine Labor and Social Legislation; 3rd placer, Bar Exams
- Connie Chu - Professor(Ateneo), 2nd Place, 2002 Bar Exams
- Ma. Ngina Chan-Gonzaga - Professor(Ateneo), 4th Place, 2002 Bar Exams
- Michelle Juan - Professor(Ateneo, FEU-DLSU, PLM), 4th Place, 2002 Bar Exams
- Nyerson Dexter Tito Q. Tualla - Corporate Attorney, TransCo; Civil Law Lecturer, Manuel L. Quezon University; 4th placer, 2005 Bar Exams
- Pedro Jose F. Bernardo - Professor (Ateneo, FEU-DLSU, PLP), 8th Place, 2005 Bar Exams
- Noel Neil Q. Malimban - Business Law Lecturer and Reviewer, University of the Cordilleras; 1st placer, 2006 Bar Exams
- Guillermo A. Villasor, Jr. - Former Dean, University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos School of Law; 10th placer,1979 Bar Exams
- Marforth T. Fua - Law Professor (SBC, PLP), 8th place, 2007 Bar Exams
Private sector
- Manuel Montecillo - Name Partner, Siguion Reyna Montecillo & Ongsiako (oldest law firm); 1st placer, 1948 Bar Exams
- Manuel S. Abello - Founding Partner, Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz (ACCRALAW) ; 1st placer, 1958 Bar Exams
- Nelly Favis-Villafuerte - Editor, Manila Bulletin; 7th placer, 1959 Bar Exams
- Avelino V. Cruz - Founding Partner, ACCRALAW; youngest to top the bar, 1st placer, 1962 Bar Exams
- Mercedita V. Santiago-Nolledo - Corporate Secretary, Ayala Corporation; 2nd placer, 1965 Bar Exams
- Rodolfo D. Robles - General practitioner; 1st placer, 1967 Bar Exams
- Januario B. Soller Jr. - Co-founder, Soller Chain of Pawnshops; 1st placer, 1972 Bar Exams
- Jesus M. Manalastas - Name Partner, PECABAR Law Firm; 2nd placer, 1972 Bar Exams
- Victor P. Lazatin - Senior Partner, ACCRALAW; 3rd placer, 1972 Bar Exams
- Barbara Anne Migallos - Name Partner, Roco Buñag Kapunan Migallos Law Firm; Co-founder, Migallos & Luna Law Office; 3rd placer, 1979 Bar Exams
- Mario Luz Bautista - Co-founder, Poblador Bautista Reyes Law Firm; 6th placer, 1979 Bar Exams
- Arthur Lim - former National President, Integrated Bar of the PhilippinesIntegrated Bar of the PhilippinesThe Integrated Bar of the Philippines is the national organization of lawyers in the Philippines. It is the mandatory bar association for Filipino lawyers.-History:...
; 3rd placer, 1981 Bar Exams - Ray C. Espinosa - Partner, SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan; Executive Director, Philippine Long Distance Telephone CompanyPhilippine Long Distance Telephone CompanyThe Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company commonly known as PLDT, is the largest telecommunications company in the Philippines. PLDT is also the largest company in the Philippines, ranked 1138th in the April 2009 update, and 1080th in the April 2010 update, of Forbes' Global 2000 list...
; President and CEO, ePLDT; President and CEO, Associated Broadcasting Corporation; Vice Chairman, Philweb Corporation; 1st placer, 1982 Bar Exams - Agerico T. Paras - Founding Partner and Managing Partner, Paras and Manlapaz Lawyers; 6th placer, 1983 Bar Exams
- Menardo L. Guevarra - Co-founder, Serapio Guevarra Medialdea Law Firm; 2nd placer, 1985 Bar Exams
- Marlon Manuel - Director, SALIGAN (non-profit legal assistance group); 5th placer, 1994 Bar Exams
- Patricia-ann T. Prodigalidad - Partner, ACCRALAW; 1st placer, 1996 Bar Exams
- Maria Celia H. Fernandez - In-house counsel, Yuchengco group of companies; 1st placer, 1997 Bar Exams
- Jose Raulito E. Paras - Partner, Andres Marcelo Padernal Guerrero & Paras; 5th placer, 1997 Bar Exams
- Eliseo M. Zuñiga Jr. - Partner, Quisumbing Torres Law Firm; 1st placer, 2000 Bar Exams
- Valerie Feria Amante- Legal Division Head, Jollibee Group of Companies; 7th placer, 2000 Bar Exams
- Rodolfo Ma. A. Ponferrada - Associate, SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan; 1st placer, 2001 Bar Exams
- Ma. Theresa U. Ballelos - Associate, Quisumbing Torres Law Firm; 6th placer, 2001 Bar Exams
- Arlene Maneja - Associate, Siguion Reyna Montecillo & Ongsiako; 1st placer, 2002 Bar Exams
- Aeneas Eli S. Diaz - Associate, Villaraza & Angangco; 1st placer, 2003 Bar Exams
- January A. Sanchez - Consultant, Asian Development BankAsian Development BankThe Asian Development Bank is a regional development bank established on 22 August 1966 to facilitate economic development of countries in Asia...
; 1st placer, 2004 Bar Exams - Joan A. De Venecia - Associate, SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan; 1st placer, 2005 Bar Exams
- Noel Neil Q. Malimban - Associate, Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon & San Jose; 1st placer, 2006 Bar Exams
- Filemon Ray L. Javier - Associate, Quisumbing Torres Law Firm; 2nd placer, 2010 Bar Exams
1st place in the Philippine Bar Examinations
| Name | Year | School | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epifanio de los Santos y Cristobal Epifanio de los Santos Epifanio de los Santos y Cristóbal, sometimes known as Don Pañong or Don Panyong was a noted Filipino historian, literary critic, art critic, jurist, prosecutor, antiquarian, archivist, scholar, painter, poet, musician, musicologist, philosopher, philologist, bibliographer, translator,... |
1898 | University of Santo Tomas University of Santo Tomas The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines , is a private Roman Catholic university run by the Order of Preachers in Manila. Founded on April 28, 1611 by archbishop of Manila Miguel de Benavides, it has the oldest extant university charter in the... |
Malabon, Rizal Rizal Rizal is a province located in the CALABARZON , just 16 kilometers east of Manila. The province was named after the country's national hero, José Rizal. Rizal Governor Casimiro A. Ynares III on June 17, 2008 announced the transfer of the Capitol from Pasig. Its P 270-million capitol building,... |
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| Manuel Roxas Manuel Roxas Manuel Acuña Roxas was the first president of the independent Third Republic of the Philippines and fifth president overall. He served as president from the granting of independence in 1946 until his abrupt death in 1948... |
1913 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
Roxas City, Capiz |
| Manuel Goyena | 1914 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Francisco Villanueva Francisco Villanueva Francisco Villanueva is a Mexican boxer in the Light Middleweight division and is the former WBC Mundo Hispano Light Middleweight Champion.-Pro career:... |
1915 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Paulino Gullas | 1916 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Felipe Ismael | 1917 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Alejo Labrador | 1918 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
San Narciso, Zambales San Narciso, Zambales San Narciso is a 4th class municipality in the province of Zambales, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 24,856 people in 5,319 households.San Narciso is famous for its beaches that is suited for surfing... |
| Gregorio Anonas | 1919 | Philippine Law School | |
| Adolfo Brillantes | 1920 | Escuela de Derecha | |
| Pablo C. Payawal | 1921 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Amando L. Velila | 1922 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Roque Desquitado | 1923 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Roberto Concepcion Roberto Concepcion Roberto Concepción was the Chief Justice of the Philippines from June 17, 1966, until April 18, 1973. Apparently, he took a leave 50 days earlier from his scheduled mandatory retirement... |
1924 | University of Santo Tomas University of Santo Tomas The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines , is a private Roman Catholic university run by the Order of Preachers in Manila. Founded on April 28, 1611 by archbishop of Manila Miguel de Benavides, it has the oldest extant university charter in the... |
Manila Manila Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,... |
| Rafael Dinglasan | 1925 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Eugeniano Perez | 1926 | Philippine Law School | |
| Cesar Kintanar | 1927 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Filomeno B. Pascual | 1928 | Philippine Law School | |
| Lorenzo Sumulong Lorenzo Sumulong Lorenzo Sumulong was a Filipino politician who served in the Philippine Senate for four decades, and as a delegate of his country to the United Nations... |
1929 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
Antipolo City Antipolo City Antipolo is a city in the Philippines located in the province of Rizal; about 25 kilometers east of Manila. It is the largest city in the Calabarzon Region in terms of population... |
| Tecla San Andres | 1930 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Jose Leuterio | 1931 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Hermenegildo Atienza | 1932 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Lope C. Quimbo | 1933 | University of Manila University of Manila The University of Manila is a university located in the heart of Sampaloc in Manila, Philippines, more commonly known as the University Belt area. It was founded in 1913 by five young college students, the three de Los santos siblings and two of their friends.-External links:*... |
Catbalogan, Samar |
| Miguel Aragon | 1934 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Enrique Estrellado | 1935 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Diosdado Macapagal Diosdado Macapagal Diosdado Pangan Macapagal was the ninth President of the Philippines, serving from 1961 to 1965, and the sixth Vice President, serving from 1957 to 1961. He also served as a member of the House of Representatives, and headed the Constitutional Convention of 1970... |
1936 | University of Santo Tomas University of Santo Tomas The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines , is a private Roman Catholic university run by the Order of Preachers in Manila. Founded on April 28, 1611 by archbishop of Manila Miguel de Benavides, it has the oldest extant university charter in the... |
Lubao, Pampanga Lubao, Pampanga Lubao is a 1st class municipality in the province of Pampanga, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 143,058 people in 23,446 households... |
| Cecilia Muñoz-Palma Cecilia Muñoz-Palma Cecilia Muñoz-Palma was a Filipino jurist and the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of the Philippines... |
1937 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
Bauan, Batangas Bauan, Batangas The Municipality of Bauan is a first class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 79,831 people in 15,353 households.- Barangays :... |
| Emmanuel Pelaez Emmanuel Pelaez Emmanuel Neri Pelaez was a politician and Vice-President of the Philippines.-Early life and career:Pelaez was born in Medina, Misamis Oriental to Gregorio Pelaez, Sr. and Felipa Neri. He was fourth among eight children: Rosario, Concepcion, Gregorio Jr., Emmanuel, Jose Ma., Lourdes , Antonio, and... |
1938 | University of Manila University of Manila The University of Manila is a university located in the heart of Sampaloc in Manila, Philippines, more commonly known as the University Belt area. It was founded in 1913 by five young college students, the three de Los santos siblings and two of their friends.-External links:*... |
Medina, Misamis Oriental Medina, Misamis Oriental Medina is a 4th class municipality in the province of Misamis Oriental, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 28, 484 people in 4,945 households.-Barangays:Medina is politically subdivided into 20 barangays, namely:* Bangbang... |
| Ferdinand Marcos Ferdinand Marcos Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr. was a Filipino leader and an authoritarian President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He was a lawyer, member of the Philippine House of Representatives and a member of the Philippine Senate... |
1939 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
Sarrat, Ilocos Norte Sarrat, Ilocos Norte Sarrat is a fourth class municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines. It is situated geographically east of Laoag City. Other municipalities that form part of its boundaries are: Vintar, Piddig, Solsona and San Nicolas... |
| Claudio Teehankee Claudio Teehankee, Sr. Claudio Teehankee was the 16th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.He was also the most senior associate justice and chairman of the First Division of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.... |
1940 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
Manila Manila Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,... |
| Emmet P.D. Shea | 1941 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Jovito Salonga Jovito Salonga Jovito "Jovy" Reyes Salonga is a Filipino nationalist politician and lawyer, as well as a leading opposition leader during the Marcos regime from 1972, when Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law, until 1986, when Marcos was deposed as a result of a bloodless revolution... |
1944 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
Pasig, Rizal Pasig City The City of Pasig is one of the city municipalities of Metro Manila in the Philippines and was the former capital of the province of Rizal prior to the formation of this grouping of cities designated as the National Capital Region... |
| Jose Diokno José Diokno Jose "Pepe" Wright Diokno was a Filipino nationalist. He served as Senator of the Philippines, Secretary of Justice, founding chair of the Commission on Human Rights, and founder of the Free Legal Assistance Group.... |
Special (University of Santo Tomas University of Santo Tomas The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines , is a private Roman Catholic university run by the Order of Preachers in Manila. Founded on April 28, 1611 by archbishop of Manila Miguel de Benavides, it has the oldest extant university charter in the... ) |
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| Gregoria Cruz | 1945 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Pedro Yap Pedro Yap Pedro Yap was the Chief Justice of the Philippines in 1988. He briefly served for two and a half months from April 19, 1988 to June 30, 1988.... |
1946 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
San Isidro, Leyte San Isidro, Leyte San Isidro is a 4th class municipality in the province of Leyte, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 29,410 people in 6,611 households.-Barangays:San Isidro is politically subdivided into 19 barangays.* Banat-e* Basud... |
| Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera | 1947 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Manuel Montecillo | 1948 | Far Eastern University Far Eastern University Far Eastern University in the University Belt area, West Sampaloc, City of Manila, is a nonsectarian, private university in the Philippines. Created by the merger of Far Eastern College and the Institute of Accounts, Business and Finance, FEU became a university in 1934 under the guidance of... |
Candelaria, Quezon Candelaria, Quezon Candelaria is a first class municipality in the province of Quezon, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 105,997. The town is 107 kilometers south of Manila and approximately 23 kilometers from Lucena City... |
| Anacleto C. Mañgaser | 1949 | Philippine Law School | Caba, La Union Caba, La Union Caba is a 4th class municipality in the province of La Union, Philippines. Caba is the birth place of Diego Silang. According to the latest census, it has a population of 20,927 people in 3,880 households.... |
| Carolina A. Griño-Aquino | 1950 | Special (Colegio de San Agustin University of San Agustin The University of San Agustin is a private Catholic university in Iloilo City, Philippines, the first in Western Visayas.-History:Augustinian friars from Spain belonging to the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus of the Philippines founded the University of San Agustin on July 15, 1904. They... , University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... ) |
Capiz Capiz Capiz is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Roxas City and is located at the northeastern portion of Panay Island, bordering Aklan and Antique to the west, and Iloilo to the south. Capiz faces the Sibuyan Sea to the north... |
| Vicente R. Acsay | 1951 | University of Manila University of Manila The University of Manila is a university located in the heart of Sampaloc in Manila, Philippines, more commonly known as the University Belt area. It was founded in 1913 by five young college students, the three de Los santos siblings and two of their friends.-External links:*... |
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| Pedro Samson C. Animas | 1952 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Leonardo A. Amores | 1953 | University of Manila University of Manila The University of Manila is a university located in the heart of Sampaloc in Manila, Philippines, more commonly known as the University Belt area. It was founded in 1913 by five young college students, the three de Los santos siblings and two of their friends.-External links:*... |
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| Florenz D. Regalado | 1954 | San Beda College San Beda College San Beda College or Dalubhasaan ng San Beda in Filipino is a Private Benedictine college run by the Benedictine monks in the Philippines. It is located on Mendiola Street in San Miguel, Manila... |
Concepcion, Iloilo Concepcion, Iloilo The Municipality of Concepcion is a 4th class, coastal municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. As of 2007, it had a population of 36,881.-Geography:... |
| Tomas P. Matic, Jr. | 1955 | Far Eastern University Far Eastern University Far Eastern University in the University Belt area, West Sampaloc, City of Manila, is a nonsectarian, private university in the Philippines. Created by the merger of Far Eastern College and the Institute of Accounts, Business and Finance, FEU became a university in 1934 under the guidance of... |
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| Francisco C. Catral | 1956 | San Beda College San Beda College San Beda College or Dalubhasaan ng San Beda in Filipino is a Private Benedictine college run by the Benedictine monks in the Philippines. It is located on Mendiola Street in San Miguel, Manila... |
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| Gregorio R. Castillo | 1957 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Manuel G. Abello | 1958 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Agustin O. Benitez | 1959 | Far Eastern University Far Eastern University Far Eastern University in the University Belt area, West Sampaloc, City of Manila, is a nonsectarian, private university in the Philippines. Created by the merger of Far Eastern College and the Institute of Accounts, Business and Finance, FEU became a university in 1934 under the guidance of... |
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| Ismael Andres | 1960 | Manuel L. Quezon University Manuel L. Quezon University The Manuel L. Quezon University is a private university in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines. It is a member of the Colleges and Universities Sports Association . It offers academic programs at the pre-school, elementary, high school, tertiary, and graduate levels. It is named for Philippine president... |
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| Avelino V. Cruz | 1961 | San Beda College San Beda College San Beda College or Dalubhasaan ng San Beda in Filipino is a Private Benedictine college run by the Benedictine monks in the Philippines. It is located on Mendiola Street in San Miguel, Manila... |
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| Deogracias G. Eufemio | 1962 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Cornelio C. Gison | 1963 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
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| Jesus P. Castelo | 1964 | San Beda College San Beda College San Beda College or Dalubhasaan ng San Beda in Filipino is a Private Benedictine college run by the Benedictine monks in the Philippines. It is located on Mendiola Street in San Miguel, Manila... |
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| Victor S. de la Serna | 1965 | San Beda College San Beda College San Beda College or Dalubhasaan ng San Beda in Filipino is a Private Benedictine college run by the Benedictine monks in the Philippines. It is located on Mendiola Street in San Miguel, Manila... |
Tagbilaran City Tagbilaran City Tagbilaran City is a 2nd class component city in the island province of Bohol, Philippines and serves as its capital. Tagbilaran lies on the southwestern part of the province, and has a total land area of 32.7 km², with about 13 km of coastline... , Bohol Bohol Bohol is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, consisting of Bohol Island and 75 minor surrounding islands. Its capital is Tagbilaran City. With a land area of and a coastline long, Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines... |
| Roberto San Jose | 1966 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Rodolfo D. Robles | 1967 | San Beda College San Beda College San Beda College or Dalubhasaan ng San Beda in Filipino is a Private Benedictine college run by the Benedictine monks in the Philippines. It is located on Mendiola Street in San Miguel, Manila... |
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| Oscar B. Glovasa | 1968 | Divine Word College of Tagbilaran Holy Name University Holy Name University or HNU is a Catholic institution of higher learning located in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines. It is a private, non-profit, co-educational university run by the Society of the Divine Word or SVD... |
Tagbilaran City Tagbilaran City Tagbilaran City is a 2nd class component city in the island province of Bohol, Philippines and serves as its capital. Tagbilaran lies on the southwestern part of the province, and has a total land area of 32.7 km², with about 13 km of coastline... , Bohol Bohol Bohol is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, consisting of Bohol Island and 75 minor surrounding islands. Its capital is Tagbilaran City. With a land area of and a coastline long, Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines... |
| Ronaldo B. Zamora | 1969 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Romulo D. San Juan | 1970 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Henry R. Villarica | 1971 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Januario B. Soller, Jr. | 1972 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
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| Vicente R. Solis | 1973 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
Zamboanga City Zamboanga City The City of Zamboanga : is a highly urbanized, independent and a chartered city located in Mindanao, Philippines.... |
| Arturo D. Brion | 1974 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
Manila Manila Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,... |
| Nicanor B. Padilla, Jr. | 1975 | University of the East University of the East The University of the East is a private nonsectarian university located in University Belt Area, district of Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines. The university was founded in 1946 as a coeducational institution... |
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| Enrique Teehankee | 1976 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Virgilio B. Gesmundo | 1977 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
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| Cosme D. Rosell | 1978 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Gregorio M. Batiller, Jr. | 1979 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
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| Rafael R. Lagos | 1980 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Irene Ragodon-Guevarra | 1981 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
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| Ray C. Espinosa | 1982 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
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| Manuel Antonio J. Teehankee | 1983 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
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| Richard M. Chiu | 1984 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental |
| Janette Susan L. Peña | 1985 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Laurence L. Go | 1986 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
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| Mario P. Victoriano | 1987 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
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| Maria Yvette O. Navarro | 1988 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. | 1989 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Aquilino Pimentel III Aquilino Pimentel III Aquilino Martin de la Llana Pimentel III commonly known as Koko Pimentel, is the son of the former senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. and Lourdes dela Llana-Pimentel. He was proclaimed on August 11, 2011 as the 12th winning senator in the 2007 election... |
1990 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
Cagayan de Oro City Cagayan de Oro City Cagayan de Oro; , officially the City of Cagayan de Oro, is the provincial capital city of the province of Misamis Oriental in the Philippines... |
| Joseph P. San Pedro | 1991 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
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| Jayme A. Sy, Jr. | 1992 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
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| Anna Leah Fidelis T. Castañeda | 1993 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
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| Francisco Noel R. Fernandez | 1994 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Leonor Y. Dicdican | 1995 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Patrcia-ann T. Progalidad | 1996 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Ma. Cecilia H. Fernandez | 1997 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Janet B. Abuel | 1998 | University of the Cordilleras University of the Cordilleras The University of the Cordilleras, formerly known as Baguio Colleges Foundation , is a private university in Baguio City, Philippines... |
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| Florin Hilbay | 1999 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Edwin R. Enrile | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
Naga City, Camarines Sur | |
| Eliseo M. Zuñiga, Jr. | 2000 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Rodolfo Ma. A. Ponferrada | 2001 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Arlene Maneja | 2002 | University of Santo Tomas University of Santo Tomas The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines , is a private Roman Catholic university run by the Order of Preachers in Manila. Founded on April 28, 1611 by archbishop of Manila Miguel de Benavides, it has the oldest extant university charter in the... |
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| Aeneas Eli S. Diaz | 2003 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
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| January A. Sanchez | 2004 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Joan A. De Venecia | 2005 | University of the Philippines University of the Philippines The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No... |
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| Noel Neil Q. Malimban | 2006 | University of the Cordilleras University of the Cordilleras The University of the Cordilleras, formerly known as Baguio Colleges Foundation , is a private university in Baguio City, Philippines... |
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| Mercedita L. Ona | 2007 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
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| Judy A. Lardizabal | 2008 | San Sebastian College - Recoletos San Sebastian College - Recoletos San Sebastian College – Recoletos de Manila or commonly known by their nickname Bastê, is a Catholic institution of higher learning in the Philippines... |
Imus, Cavite Imus, Cavite The Municipality of Imus is a first-class municipality in the province of Cavite, Philippines, and it is the officially designated capital of Cavite... |
| Reinier Paul Yebra | 2009 | San Beda College San Beda College San Beda College or Dalubhasaan ng San Beda in Filipino is a Private Benedictine college run by the Benedictine monks in the Philippines. It is located on Mendiola Street in San Miguel, Manila... |
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| Cesareo Antonio Singzon, Jr. | 2010 | Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits... |
Catbalogan, Samar |
Fraternities and the Bar
From Tau Kappa Phi of the FEU Institute of Law to Tau Lambda Kappa, Epsilon Sigma Lambda Phi and Beta Alpha Lambda of the UE College of Law to Mu Kappa Phi and Tri-Delta Lex of the MLQU School of Law to Lambda Rho Beta, Alpha Phi Beta and Lex Talionis of the SBC College of Law and Gamma Delta Epsilon, Suprema Lex and Aegis Juris of the UST Faculty of Civil Law, fraternities and sororities have played a significant role in the lives of law students especially at the point of taking the Philippine Bar Exams. Below is a listing of fraternities and sororities which have produced first placers in the bar exams:Aquila Legis FraternityAquila LegisThe Aquila Legis is a Filipino fraternity based in the Ateneo de Manila School of Law. Founded in 1949, it was the first fraternity founded by Ateneo Law School students, and the first fraternity in the Philippines using Latin nomenclature, preceding a number of Philippine law-based fraternities...
- Januario B. Soller Jr. (1972)
- Vicente R. Solis (1973)
- Virgilio B. Gesmundo (1977)
- Gregorio M. Batiller Jr. (1979)
- Cesareo Antonio S. Singzon, Jr. (2010)
Fraternal Order of Utopia
- Cornelio C. Gison (1963)
- Arturo D. Brion (1974)
- Jayme A. Sy Jr. (1992)
Portia Sorority
- Cecilia A. Munoz (1937)
- Amuerfina A. Melencio (1947)
- Maria Yvette O. Navarro (1988)
External links
- Supreme Court of the Philippines
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines - Negros Oriental Chapter
- http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080419-131471/How-to-pass-nay-top-the-bar-examsChief Justice Artemio PanganibanArtemio PanganibanArtemio V. Panganiban , "The Renaissance Jurist of the 21st Century" was the 21st Supreme Court Chief Justice of the Philippines.-Early life and education:...
, With Due Respect,How to pass, nay, top the bar exams]
See also
- Legal education in the PhilippinesLegal education in the PhilippinesLegal education in the Philippines is developed and offered by Philippine law schools, supervised by the Legal Education Board, that has replaced the Commission on Higher Education in respect to legal education. The Supreme Court regulates admission to the Bar and administers the Bar Examinations...
- Integrated Bar of the PhilippinesIntegrated Bar of the PhilippinesThe Integrated Bar of the Philippines is the national organization of lawyers in the Philippines. It is the mandatory bar association for Filipino lawyers.-History:...
- Supreme Court of the PhilippinesSupreme Court of the PhilippinesThe Supreme Court of the Philippines is the Philippines' highest judicial court, as well as the court of last resort. The court consists of 14 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice...
- 2010 Philippine Bar exam bombing2010 Philippine Bar exam bombingThe 2010 Philippine Bar exam bombing occurred on Taft Avenue near De La Salle University , located in Malate, Manila, Philippines, on September 26, 2010, at 5:05 pm PST, a few minutes after Philippine Bar examinees began exiting DLSU. An Mk2 grenade was thrown at a group of Alpha Phi Beta...