11th time’s the charm: 59-year-old finally conquers Bar exams
MANILA, Philippines — After more than three decades of perseverance, Eduardo Rivera Regio, 59, has finally passed the 2025 Bar Exams on his 11th attempt, proving that determination and persistence can defy age and setbacks.
Regio said he first took the Bar exams in 1993.
"Ayoko na sana, pero sa paniniwala ko na baka kayanin, 'for the last time' para may susundan ang mga anak ko," Regio said in an interview with reporters.
(I actually wanted to stop but I believed I might be able to do it 'for the last time' so my children would be inspired.)
He said he was initially barred from taking the Bar exams in 2005 when the Supreme Court implemented the "five-strike rule," which limited examinees to five attempts and required a one-year refresher course for the 4th and 5th tries.
Regio said that he was able to take the Bar examinations again in 2015, a year after the said Bar matter was lifted by the Supreme Court.
When asked what made him keep going despite repeated attempts, he said he wanted to inspire his children.
"Wala namang mawawala eh (There's nothing to lose)," he said.
The results of the 2025 Bar examinations were released on January 7. There were 5,594 Bar examinees who passed the exams, yielding a passing rate of 48.98%.
The oath-taking and the roll signing of the Bar takers who passed the exams will be on February 6 at the Philippine Arena.
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