3,812 pass 2023 Bar exams

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 2:41 p.m.) — The Supreme Court (SC) announced on Tuesday that 3,812 out of 10,387 examinees passed the 2023 Bar, resulting in a passing rate of 33.77%.

“A total of 3,812 will be having a grand Christmas,” Associate Justice Raul Paul Hernando, 2023 Bar exams chair, said in a speech at the SC grounds. 

Ephraim Bie, a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, topped the Bar exams. Bie obtained a grade of 89.2625%.

The top law schools with more than 100 Bar candidates were: 

• Ateneo De Manila University with a passing rate of 94.08%
• San Beda University with a passing rate of 92.20%
• University of San Carlos with a passing rate of 90.91%
• University of the Philippines with a passing rate of 89.45%
• University of Santo Tomas with a passing rate of 85.25%

“There are things we cannot change, but I would like you to believe that the efforts you have expended to pass the Bar are absolute. Dreams shall come true at their own time. Perhaps, and for most of you, that time is now,” Hernando told Bar takers. 

“Whatever happens, whether you see your name on the screen today or someday, may you have all the grace and grit to accept what is about to transpire, and the strength to hope and persevere for the best that is about to come,” he added. 

This year's passing rate is lower than last year's 43.47%.

The oath taking and the roll signing ceremonies of successful Bar examinees will take place at the SMX Convention Center on December 22.

The third digitalized Bar examinations were held on September 17, 20 and 24 in 14 testing centers across the country. This year’s tests had a 96.26% turnout.

The exams covered the following core subjects: political and public international law, commercial and taxation laws, civil law, labor law and social legislation, criminal law, and remedial law, legal and judicial ethics with practical exercises.