MALACAÑANG on Friday, May 3, congratulated the successful takers of the 2018 Bar examinations.
Of the 8,158 examinees, 1,800 passed, translating to a passing rate of 22.07 percent, lower than the 2017 bar exams' passing rate of 25.5 percent.
Ateneo de Manila University graduate Sean James Borja topped the exams, with a rating of 89.306 percent. Two other Ateneo graduates landed in the top 10.
Four graduates of the University of San Carlos (USC) in Cebu, two from the University of the Philippines, and one from De La Salle University comprised the rest of the top 10.
"Congratulations to last year's bar passers as they celebrate and savor one of the most joyous moments of their lives after days of anxiety and apprehension," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
"Congratulations likewise go to the parents and to those who provided the means for these new lawyers to graduate from law schools, for the sacrifices as they toiled to shepherd these new gladiators of law," he added.
Panelo said the Palace wishes the Bar exam passers all the best, as they begin to pursue a path "that is exciting as it is rewarding even if at times perilous."
The Palace official reminded that learning the law is a "never ending process."
"Its practice is faced with endless challenges and a constant wrestling with conscience as we ought to remove our partisanship, personal feelings and biases as well as prejudices when a question of law or a case subject of litigation is thrown to our lap for the application of the letter and spirit of the law," he said.
Panelo said the executive branch was optimistic that many of the successful examinees would seek careers in government.
He acknowledged that Bar exam passers' "youth, idealism, academic competence and personal integrity" are welcome "under the present Administration, and should be in succeeding administrations as well."
"As they prepare to take their oaths and sign in the roll of attorneys, we urge them to inculcate in their minds that integrity is the highest in the hierarchy of virtues in the legal profession," he said.
"We hope that many of our country’s new lawyers consider pursuing a career in the government and help build a progressive and peaceful nation that will provide a comfortable life for all," he added.
The Bar passers are set to take their oath on June 13 at Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), said 2018 Bar chairperson Mariano C. Del Castillo. Signing of the Roll of Attorneys will start the following day, June 14. (SunStar Philippines)