In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled by its new dominant variant (Omicron), and the effects of Typhoon Odette, the Supreme Court, upon the recommendation of the Bar Chairperson, has resolved to (a) reduce the coverage and (b) shorten the duration of the 2020/21 Bar Examinations pro hac vice. The Court noted that the bar examinees for this coming bar have reviewed for longer than all the other batches taking the bar exams under very difficult conditions.
Per the Court En Banc’s January 4, 2022 Resolution, the examinations with the revised coverage will be held on January 23, 2022, Sunday; and on January 25, 2022, Tuesday.
Examinees will take four sets of examinations, encompassing the usual eight subjects: (1) The Law Pertaining to the State and Its Relationship with Its Citizens (formerly Political Law, Labor Law, and Taxation Law); (2) Criminal Law; (3) The Law Pertaining to Private Personal and Commercial Relations (formerly Civil Law and Commercial Law); and (4) Procedure and Professional Ethics (formerly Remedial Law, Legal Ethics, and Practical Exercises).
The Bar Chairperson will release Bar Bulletin No. 31, s. 2022 which provides the revised coverage for each examination.
All examinees are strongly advised to self-quarantine starting January 9, 2022, or at least two weeks before the Bar Examinations.
These changes pro hac vice seek to meet the demand for new lawyers amid the disasters plaguing the country. The Philippines has produced no new lawyer since the pandemic. But while the Bar Examinations may no longer be postponed, it can be held in a way that is more humane. With these changes, the Court strikes that balance. (SC statement) -rir
