Bar Exam preparations in Cebu all set

CEBU, Philippines — It’s all systems go for the upcoming 2024 Bar Exams on September 8, 11 and 15 at the University of San Jose Recoletos-Basak Cebu City campus, which is one of the testing centers nationwide.

USJR School of Law Dean Jonathan Capanas, in an interview with The Freeman yesterday, said that they are preparing 1,500 rooms, although the Supreme Court has only asked them to prepare 1,250 rooms for the examinees.

“Nag-andam lang gyud mi og 1,500 rooms bisan 1,250 ra ang gi ingon sa Supreme Court nga ipa reserve. Just in case lang mo sobra sa 1,250 examinees, at least naa na mi gi andam nga extra rooms,” said Capanas.

Basak-Pardo barangay captain Dave Tumulak said that he has already asked residents living near the campus that no videoke and other unnecessary noises are allowed from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the said dates.

The Visayan Electric Co. (VECO) has also said that it is actively preparing contingency plans for the upcoming Bar Exams.

“We have scheduled an inspection of power lines around the USJ-R area to check for vegetation overgrowth and other potential line hazards that could affect service reliability,” said Quennie Bronce, VECO head for Reputation Enhancement Department.

Bronce further assured that there will be no planned outages in the area during this period.

However, she said that in the event of an emergency outage, an emergency crew will be stationed nearby to promptly address any electrical issues.

“Additionally, our System Operations engineers will be on standby to ensure swift resolution of any unforeseen incidents,” Bronce said.

Meanwhile, Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario Lopez, 2024 Bar Exams chairperson, in his message to the over 12,000 bar examinees nationwide, urged the bar examinees to believe in the power of their preparation and the strength of their resilience and perseverance as they are on the brink of turning their dreams into reality.

“It is understandable that you feel tired and anxious. Your studies and review have brought you unprecedented pressures. But the exhaustion and anxiety are small pains compared to the lifetime of glory that awaits you,” Lopez said.

According to the associate justice, the #BarNiJLo2024 will be neither difficult nor easy, as it will be "exacto lang,” adding, “the questions will focus on practical skills, jurisprudential perspectives, and analytical and problem-solving abilities."

He disclosed that the exams are designed to bridge the gap between the study and the practice of law.

“They will guide you in your transition from law students to fundamentally "practice-ready” and "potentially capable" lawyers,” he said.

He advised the examinees that as they prepare, it will be beneficial to follow a structured methodology in answering the bar exam questions that incorporates legal basis, application, and conclusion.

“Begin with a clear and concise response to the question to set the stage for your analysis. Next, support your answer with relevant legal principles, citing applicable statutes, case law, or doctrines. Finally, apply these principles to the facts of the case or scenario presented in your conclusion.’Be sure to read the Bar Bulletins, advisories, and informative materials published to guide you throughout your

#MarVeLous Bar journey,” Lopez said.

He told the examinees that as they move forward with confidence to remember that their #MostValuableLaban represents all that they have worked for - every obstacle they have overcome and the future they are building for themselves and those counting on them to succeed.

“Embrace this challenge with a heart of faithfulness, knowing that your dreams are worth fighting for. Let your resolve, grit, and unyielding spirit define you. Trust in your capabilities and preparation, and carry with you the love, support, and assurance of those who believe in you. The #BarNiJLo2024 is yours to conquer,” Lopez further said. —/ATO (FREEMAN)