USC graduate 10th in Bar exams

CEBU, Philippines - A graduate from the University of San Carlos made it to the Top 10 of the September 2010 Bar examinations that was marred by grenade explosion that left close to 50 persons injured.

The 10th placer, Glenn C. Carampatana, who earned a score of 84.55, said he never anticipated that he would make it, much more land in the top 10.

“Unexpected and blessing from God. Wala gyud ko motuo, wala ko nag-expect,” Carampatana said over GMA 7 - Balitang Bisdak.

Carampatana who tied with a graduate from the Arellano University in the 10th place said he went to Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral to pray while waiting for the results to be released by the Supreme Court.

 “Grabe akong pagpa-ningkamot ug pagtuon kay dili man na basta-basta,” Carampatana recalled.

Only 982 passed the examination which represents 20.26 percent of the total 4, 847 who took the exams. The number was the second lowest in the last 10 years. The passing rate for 2010 is also the second lowest in the past decade, which is next only to 2002 when only 19.68 percent passed the Bar exams.

This passing rate shows a decline by 3.7 percent as compared to last year’s results.

Associate Justice Conchita Carpio - Morales, chair of the 2010 Committee on Bar Examinations, announced the results at around 5:30 p.m. before a crowd visibly smaller than the previous years.

Cesareo Antonio Singzon Jr., of Ateneo de Manila University Law School, topped the Bar exam with an average score of 89 percent.

The last to top the Bar from Ateneo was Atty. Mercedita Ona in 2007.

Singzon was followed by schoolmate Filemon Ray Javier in second place with an average of 86.95 percent.

On third place was Paolo Carlo Tolentino of Arellano University with 86.8 percent.

Janette Ancog, of Ateneo de Davao University, placed fourth with 85.9 percent, followed by another ADMU law school graduate, Johana Sunga in fifth with 85.85 percent.

Four bets from the University of the Philippines College of Law also made it to the Top 10: Krizelle Marie Poblacion in sixth place with 85.65 percent, Ma. Christina Ortua and Krystal Lyn Uy tied in seventh place with 85.05 percent, and Joanna Eileen Capones in eighth place with 84.8 percent.

Another ADMU bet, William Benson Gan, placed ninth with 84.75 percent.

Darren Salipsip of Arellano University tied with Carampatana on the 10th place.

Justice Morales announced that oathtaking of successful Bar candidates has been set at 10 a.m. on April 14 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

From a total of 5,038 applicants to the 2010 Bar exams, seven were disqualified and 19 withdrew, while 4,847 examinees completed the four Sundays of the examinations.

It was learned that the justices decided during special full court session in the morning to lower to 72.5 percent the passing grade from the previous 75 percent.

Compared to previous years, the decoding of the examination booklets of the examinees is now being done earlier.

Likewise, the SC is set to issue a new policy that there will be no more disqualification for the next succeeding Bar exams.

Associate Justice Roberto Abas will head the next examination committee for the Bar, which will apply new rules and format including multiple-choice type of questions.

Of the 99 Bar top number ones so far, 47 were graduates of the University of the Philippines; 20 were from Ateneo de Manila University; seven from San Beda College; five from Philippine Law School; four from the University of Manila; and three each from the University of Sto. Tomas and Far Eastern University. (FREEMAN)