SC ready for Bar exams tomorrow

MANILA, Philippines - Security measures have been put in place for Bar exams tomorrow, one that will feature for the first time multiple-choice questions, the Supreme Court (SC) said yesterday.

The SC reiterated its ban on Bar operations within the vicinity of the exam venue, the University of Santo Tomas. Fraternities, sororities and law school organizations traditionally encourage Bar examinees by setting up banners, streamers or tents as well as holding sendoffs and organizing cheering squads near the exam venue.

Bar Confidant and SC deputy clerk of court Ma. Cristina Layusa said the ban is to prevent a repeat of the grenade attack that marred the conclusion of the Bar exams in September last year, which left around 50 persons, mostly law students, injured.

The SC advised motorists to avoid España Boulevard, Lacson street, Padre Noval street, and Dapitan street on Bar exam dates Nov. 6, 13, 20, and 27. Heavy traffic is expected to extend to Quiapo district and Blumentritt street.

The SC advisory also stated that all UST gates – except the Lacson and P. Noval gates, which are nearest the UST Hospital and the Santisimo Rosario Church, respectively – will be closed on the exam dates.

A parallel advisory from the Office of Justice Roberto Abad, chair of the 2011 Committee on Bar Examinations, said the España gates will be open only to Bar candidates and Bar personnel; the P. Noval gates for parishioners and only during mass hours; the Lacson gates, for hospital patrons; and the Dapitan gate only for lunchtime.

To maintain peace and order during the Bar examinations, Layusa said the high court will be assisted by uniformed police officers and plainclothes agents of the National Bureau of Investigation.

A total of 6,200 law graduates are set to take this year’s Bar exams.