sign in sign up
<<
Home , Adolfo Azcuna, Ambrosio Padilla, Andres Narvasa, Arturo Tolentino, Claudio Teehankee, Enrique Fernando

Philippine Bar Examination . 12.1.1 Presidents and Vice- Presidents From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia . 12.1.2 Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Justices The Philippine Bar Examination is the professional . 12.1.3 Senators and Representatives licensure examination for lawyers in the . . 12.1.4 Appointees and career service officials 12.1.5 Local officials It is the only professional licensure exam in the . 12.1.6 Academe country that is not supervised by the Professional . 12.1.7 Private sector Regulation Commission. The exam is exclusively . administered by the Supreme Court of the Philippines  13 1st place in the Philippine Bar Examinations through the Supreme Court Bar Examination Committee.  14 External links  15 See also Contents  16 References

 1 Brief history Brief history  2 Admission requirements The first Philippine Bar Exams was given in 1903 but  3 Committee of Bar Examiners the results were released in 1905. Jose I. Quintos  4 Bar review programs obtained the highest rating of 96.33%, Sergio Osmena, 5 Venue and itinerary  Sr. was second with 95.66%, F. Salas was third with  6 Coverage 94.5% and Manuel L. fourth with 87.83%. The  7 Grading system first bar exam was held in 1903, with 13 examinees, o 7.1 Passing average vs. Passing rate while the 2008 bar examination is the 107th (given o 7.2 Passing Percentage (1978-2012) per Article 8, Section 5, 1987 Constitution). The o 7.3 Law school passing rates 2001 bar exam had the highest number of passers—1,266 o 7.4 Role of the Supreme Court, Criticisms out of 3,849 examinees, or 32.89%, while 2006 had the o 7.5 Bar topnotchers highest examinees -.6,187. However, the Supreme Court . 7.5.1 Highest and lowest topnotcher of the Philippines' Office of the Bar Confidant grades announced that (a new and official record of) 6,533 . 7.5.2 Highest scores in specific bar law graduates will take the 2008 Bar examinations.[1] subjects  8 Increasing difficulty The most notable was the 1999 bar examinations which  9 Waiting period recorded the lowest passing rate of 16.59% or with a  10 Admission of successful bar examinees total number of 660 successful examinees. Also, the  11 Controversies 2003 bar exam was marred by controversy when the  12 Bar Topnotchers List Court ordered a retake of the Mercantile law due to o 12.1 Famous bar topnotchers questionnaire leakage.[2] In 2005, the High Tribunal implemented the "five-strike" rule, which disqualifies five-time flunkers from taking future Philippine Government d. present proof of completing bar exams.[3] a separate bachelors degree

Admission requirements Committee of Bar Examiners

A bar candidate must meet the following academic The Supreme Court appoints memberships in the qualifications: Committee of Bar Examiners, the official task force for formulating bar exam questions, instituting  Holder of a professional degree in law from a policy directives, executing procedures, grading bar recognized law school in the Philippines[4] examination papers, and releasing the results of the [7]  Holder of a bachelor's degree with academic annual bar examination. credits in certain required subjects from a recognized college or university in the The committee is chaired by an incumbent Justice of Philippines or abroad.[5] the Supreme Court, who is designated by the Supreme Court to serve for a term of one year. The members of He or she should also meet certain non-academic the committee includes eight (8) members of the requisites:[6] Integrated Bar of the Philippines, who also hold office for a term of one year.[8] While the Justice who shall act as Chairman is immediately known,  A Filipino citizen. committee members must exert every effort to conceal At least twenty-one (21) years of age.  their identities until the oath-taking of the  A resident of the Philippines. successful bar examinees, approximately six months  Satisfactory evidence of good moral character after the bar exam.[9] (usually a certificate from the dean of law school or an immediate superior at work). Bar review programs  No charges involving moral turpitude have been filed against the candidate or are pending in Candidates who meet all the admission requirements any court in the Philippines. usually enroll in special review classes after graduating from law school. These programs are held In March 2010 the Philippine Supreme Court Issued Bar from April to September in law schools, colleges, Matter 1153 amending provisions in sec 5 and 6 of universities, and review centers. rule 138 of the rules of court now allowing Filipino Program schedule, content, and delivery differs from foreign law school graduates to take the bar exam one review program to another. Lecturers in these provided that they comply with the following: a. programs are called bar reviewers. They are usually completion of all courses leading to a degree of full-time professors and part-time professorial or its equivalent b. recognition or lecturers in law schools and universities. Most accreditation of the law school by proper authority review programs invite incumbent and retired justices c. completion of all fourth year subjects in a and high ranking public officials both as a marketing program of a law school duly accredited by the tool and as a program innovation.[10]

Venue and itinerary  Labor and Social Legislation In recent years, the examinations were held o Labor Law (Labor Code of the Philippines, during the four Sundays of September of every year at excluding the implementing rules and the campus of - along regulations) Taft Avenue, Manila. Starting 2011, the exams will be o Social Legislation moved to November, and will be held at the University . Social Security Law of Santo Tomas' campus along España Boulevard, in . Revised Government Service Insurance Sampaloc, Manila. Act of 1977 (including Employees On February 8, 2011, the Supreme Court resolved to Compensation Act of 1977) approve changes to the Rules of Court, thereby . Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law [11] altering the schedule for the examinations. The  Civil Law schedule is now as follows: o Civil Code of the Philippines (excluding  First Sunday: the Code of Muslim Personal Laws, Water o Political and International Law, Labor and Code, Rental Law, Law on Sale of Social Legislation (morning session) Subdivision of Lots and Condominiums) o Taxation (afternoon session) o Family Code of the Philippines (including  Second Sunday: the Child and Youth Welfare Code) o Civil Law (morning session) o Property Registration Decree (excluding o Mercantile Law (afternoon session) the Public Land Law)  Third Sunday: o Conflict of Laws (Private International o Remedial Law, Legal Ethics (morning Law) session)  Taxation o Criminal Law (afternoon session) o General principles of Taxation  Fourth Sunday: o Republic Act No. 1125, creating the Court o Trial Memorandum (morning session) of Tax Appeals o Legal Opinion with one legal form o National Internal Revenue Code (including (afternoon session) the Expanded Value Added Tax or EVAT) Coverage o Tariff and Customs Code (excluding The examination covers the following topics, Arrastre and Classification of popularly known as the bar subjects:[12] Commodities)  Political and Public International Law o Constitutional Law  Mercantile Law o Political Law o Negotiable Instruments Law and Other o Administrative Law (only the basic Allied Laws doctrines, excluding implementing rules . Negotiable Instruments Law (with the and regulations of government agencies) Uniform Currency Act) o Law on Public Officers . Merchants and Commercial o Public Corporations Transactions (including Articles 1 o Suffrage o Public International Law to 63 of the Code of Commerce, o Heinous Crimes Law (excluding penalties) Retail Trade Law, Bulk Sales Law)  Remedial Law . Letters of Credit under the Code of o Revised Rules of Court Commerce o 1991 Revised Rule on Summary Procedure o Insurance Code o Local Government Code on Conciliation o Transportation Laws Procedures (Chapter VII) . Common Carriers (Articles 1732 to o Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 1766 of the New Civil Code) (excluding purely administrative . Commercial Contracts for provisions, Military Justice Law, Transportation Over Land (Articles Judiciary Act of 1948, and the Law 349 to 379 of the Code of Commerce) Reorganizing the Court of Agrarian . Maritime Commerce Relations) . Public Service Act  Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises o Corporation Law o Legal Ethics . Corporation Code o Judicial Ethics . Securities Act o Code of Professional Responsibility . Banking Laws o Grievance Procedures (Rules 139-B, Revised . Laws on Secrecy of Bank Rules of Court) Deposits o Forms . Deposit Insurance Corporation Grading system . Trust Receipts Law (excluding The eight bar subjects are separately graded. the General Banking Act) Each subject contributes to the general average in . Other Special Laws the following proportion:[13] Chattel Mortgage Law . Subject Weight' . Warehouse Receipts Law . Laws on Intellectual Creations Civil Law 15% . Copyright Law Labor Law and Social Legislation 10% . Patent Law Mercantile Law 15% . Trademark Law Criminal Law 10% . Insolvency Law . Truth in Lending Act Political and International Law 15%  Criminal Law Taxation 10% o Revised Penal Code (Books I & II excluding Remedial Law 20% penalties for specific felonies) Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises 5% o Indeterminate Sentence Law The passing average fixed by law is 75%, with o Probation Law [14] o Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act no grade falling below 50% in any bar subject. o Anti-Fencing Law o Bouncing Checks Law o Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972 Passing average vs. Passing rate Year Passing Percentage 2002 19.68% (917 out of 4,659) The passing average is the minimum grade in the exam 2001 32.89% (1,266 out of 3,849) required to be admitted to the practice of law. The passing rate is the proportion of total number of bar 2000 20.84% (979 out of 4,698) passers in relation to the total number of bar 1999 16.59% (660 out of 3,978) examinees. It is usually computed on two levels—the 1998 39.63% national level (national bar passing rate), and the 1997 18.11% (710 out of 3,921) law school level (law school passing rate). 1996 31.21% (1,217 out of 3,900) In the past, passing averages were considerably lower 1995 30.90% (987 out of 3,194) to admit more new lawyers (i.e. 69% in 1947, 69.45% 1994 30.87% in 1946, 70% in 1948). Since 1982, the passing 1993 21.65% average has been fixed at 75%. This has led to a dramatic decrease in the national passing rate of bar 1992 17.25% examinees, from an all-time high of 75.17% in 1954 to 1991 17.81% (569 out of 3,194) an all-time low of 16.59% in 1999 (all-time low 1990 27.94% (866 out of 3,100) should have been the single digit 5% national passing 1989 21.22% (639 out of 3,012) rate for the 2007 bar examination if the Supreme 1988 24.26% (689 out of 2,840) Court did not lower the passing average to 70% and lowered the disqualification rate in 3 subjects). In 1987 16.95% (480 out of 2,832) recent years, the annual national bar passing rate 1986 18.88% (491 out of 2,600) [15] ranges from 20% to 30%. 1985 25.78% (701 out of 2,719) 1984 21.80% (563 out of 2,582) Passing Percentage (1978-2012) 1983 21.30% (523 out of 2,455) Year Passing Percentage 1982 20.50% (433 out of 2,112) 1981 43.71% (841 out of 1,924) 2012 17.76% (949 out of 5,343) 1980 33.61% (605 out of 1,800) 2011 31.95% (1,913 out of 5,987) 2010 20.26% (982 out of 4,847) 1979 49.51% (903 out of 1,824) 2009 24.58% (1,451 out of 5,903) 1978 56.93% (1,076 out of 1,890) 2008 20.58% (1,310 out of 6,364) Law school passing rates 2007 22.91% (1,289 out of 5,626) 2006 30.60% (1,893 out of 6,187) The Legal Education Board's ranking for top ten law 2005 27.22% (1,526 out of 5,607) schools in the Philippines is based on the passing [16] 2004 31.61% (1,659 out of 5,249) rate from 2001 to 2010: 2003 20.71% (1,108 out of 5,349) Excellence in Legal Education (top five) highest at 75.17%. In 1999, moves to lower the passing grade to 74% failed, after Justice Fidel 1. University of (89.03) Purisima, bar committee chairman failed to disclose 2. (85.74) that his nephew took the examination. He was censured 3. University of the Philippines College of Law and his honoraria was reduced to half.[17] (79.84) 4. Ateneo de Davao College of Law (64.99) Bar topnotchers 5. University of San Carlos College of Law (61.23) Bar topnotchers are bar examinees who garnered the Outstanding Law Schools (rest of the top ten) highest bar exam grades in a particular year. Every year, the Supreme Court releases the bar top ten 1. University of Batangas (90.22) list. The list contains the names of bar examinees 2. Law Foundation (42.90) who obtained the ten highest grades. It is possible 3. Xavier University - Ateneo de College for more than ten examinees to place in the top ten of Law (38.90) because numerical ties in the computation of grades 4. Institute of Law (33.14) usually occur.[18] 5. University of San Agustin College of Law (31.63) From 1913 to 2013, schools which have produced bar topnotchers (1st placers) are as follows:[18] Role of the Supreme Court, Criticisms  University of the Philippines College of Law - In 2007, only 5% (of the 5,626 who took the 2007 forty-seven (47) bar topnotchers tests, or less than 300) got the passing grade of  Ateneo de Manila Law School - twenty-one (21) 75%. Thus, the Supreme Court adjusted the standard to bar topnotchers 70% and the disqualification rate in 3 subjects  San Beda College of Law - seven (7) bar (civil, labor and criminal law) from 50 to 45%. topnotchers Accordingly, 1,289 or 22.91%, "passed." This passing  - five (5) bar grade reduction is highly unusual, since it last topnotchers happened in the 1981 exam when the passing grade was  Far Eastern University Institute of Law - four lowered to 72.5%. Prior to 1982, the passing mark (4) bar topnotchers jumped unpredictably from year to year: 69.45 percent  College of Law - four (4) in 1946; 69 in 1947; 70 in 1948, 1963, 1972 and 1974; bar topnotchers 71 in 1961; 71.5 in 1953, 1964 and 1965; 72 in 1957,  University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law 1958, 1959, 1960 and 1967; 72.5 in 1954, 1962 and - three (3) bar topnotchers 1981; 73 in 1950, 1956, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1975, 1978  University of the Cordilleras (formerly Baguio and 1980; 73.5 in 1955 and 1979; 74 in 1949, 1951, Colleges Foundation) College of Law - two (2) 1952, 1966, 1971, 1973 and 1977; and 74.5 in 1976. In bar topnotchers 1954, the Court lowered the passing grade to 72.5%, Manila Law College Foundation (formerly Escuela even if the passing percentage was already at its  de Derecho de Manila) - one (1) bar topnotcher  Manuel L. Quezon University College of Law - Agustin in . Ms. Aquino was advised to one (1) bar topnotcher take her last two years of law school in UP by  Holy Name University (formerly Divine Word Colegio de San Agustin Law Dean Felipe Ysmael. College of Tagbilaran) - one (1) bar topnotcher Coincidentally, Mr. Ysmael (a UP Law graduate  College of Law - one (1) himself) placed number 1 in the 1917 Bar Exams. bar topnotcher Since Ms. Aquino only took her last two years San Sebastian College - Recoletos - one (1) bar of law at UP, she can't be certified as an  [19] topnotcher official UP law graduate. Both spouses Aquino  - one (1) bar topnotcher (in addition to being topnotchers) also served as Justices of the Supreme Court.[20] Two bar examinees topped the bar exams without officially graduating from any Philippine law In the past, non-law school graduates were allowed to school:[18] take the bar. However, the Revised Rules of Court and Supreme Court Circulars allow Filipino graduates of Philippine law schools (and subject to certain  Jose W. Diokno - former Senator of the conditions, Filipino graduates of foreign law Philippines; 1st placer, 1945 bar exams. Mr. schools) to take the bar, necessarily excluding non- Diokno, who tied for Number One with Mr. Jovito law graduates and foreigners who have law degrees Salonga in the 1945 Bar Exams, would have from taking part in the exercise.[4] graduated from the University of Santo Tomas had not World War II supervened. Mr. Diokno's success in the bar exams is further underscored While not a guarantee for topping the bar, academic by the fact that he was also under-age[19] and excellence in law school is a good indicator of an that he also placed number 1 in the 1940 CPA examinee's fortune in the bar exams. Ateneo Law Board exams which he took while in law school, School's only summa cum laude graduate, , placed number one in the 1940 Bar after graduating summa cum laude from then De [18] La Salle College at the age of 17. This double Exams. It is worth noting that Teehankee's son, number 1 feat may never be paralleled. The Manuel Antonio, followed in his footsteps by closest may have been Cesar L. Villanueva (from graduating at the top of his Ateneo Law School class the Ateneo Law School) who placed second in the (albeit, not as summa cum laude) and placing first in 1981 Bar Exams and sixth place in the 1982 CPA the 1983 bar exams. Claudio's nephew, Enrique (a cum Board Exams. laude graduate from the UP College of Law), also placed number one in the 1976 bar exams. Claudio Carolina C. Griño-Aquino - former Associate  eventually became Supreme Court Chief Justice, Manuel Justice of the Supreme Court; 1st placer, 1950 was formerly Department of Justice Undersecretary and bar exams. Ms. Aquino (who later became the Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World wife of Mr. , 6th placer in 1939 Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland while Bar Exams) was a special student of the UP Enrique is a successful private practitioner. College of Law, where she finished her last two years of law school having taken her first two years of law school at the Colegio de San This father-son-nephew feat has yet to (and, perhaps, may never) be equalled in the annals of Philippine Bar. For siblings, the closest is when Manuel B. the Ateneo Law School, got a grade of 94.35% when he Zamora, Jr. placed third in the 1961 Bar Exams and topped the examinations. This record was obliterated younger brother Ronaldo placed first in the 1969 Bar four years later in 1944 when and Jose Exams. W. Diokno tied with the highest score of 95.3%. This was the first time that first place ended in a tie. The UST Faculty of Civil Law's sole summa cum laude When they took the 1944 Bar Exams, Atty. Salonga was graduate, Roberto B. Concepcion, placed first in the an undergraduate at the UP College of Law while Atty. 1924 Bar Exams.[18] He later served as Chief Justice Diokno (future Senator) was an undergraduate of the of the Supreme Court. University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law. After passing the bar, Atty. Salonga (future Senate The San Beda College of Law's sole magna cum laude President) went back to UP to complete his bacholer's graduate, Florenz Regalado,[21] ranked 1st in the 1954 degree in law, earning it in 1946. The only other Bar exams with a mark of 96.70%. The record is the instance of a tie at first place of the bar exams was highest average in the Philippine Bar Examinations, when Edwin Enrile (salutatorian of his Ateneo Law to date. Regalado later served as an Associate School class) and (an honor student of Justice of the Supreme Court. the UP College of Law) both garnered the same score in 1999. Atty. Enrile served as Deputy Executive The UP College of Law (which has yet to produce a Secretary to President Gloria Arroyo and as a summa cum laude graduate) had five of its seventeen Professorial Lecturer at the Ateneo Law School while Atty. Hilbay is a Professor of Law at the UP College magna cum laude graduates (the College of Law first [19] conferred the honor to Rafael Dinglasan in 1925 and, of Law. to date, last conferred the same honor to Dionne Marie Sanchez in 2007) place number one in their After another four years, the "bar" was raised a few respective bar exams: Rafael Dinglasan in 1925, notches when Manuel G. Montecillo of the Far Eastern Lorenzo Sumulong in 1929, Deogracias Eufemio in 1962, University Institute of Law got a grade of 95.50% Roberto San Jose in 1966 and in when he bested all the bar examinees of 1948. The 1969.[18] Dinglasan became a Judge of the Court of following year, another record was set when Anacleto First Instance of Manila, Sumulong became Senator of C. Mañgaser, an alumnus of the Philippine Law School, the Republic and a renowned statesman, Eufemio and got a grade of 95.85% when he topped the 1949 bar San Jose established their respective successful exams. private law practices while Zamora became Executive Secretary to then President and is (future President of the currently the Minority Leader in the House of Philippines) of the UP College of Law scored 98.8% Representatives. when he topped the 1939 Philippine Bar Examinations. But this result is disputed as the Supreme Court Highest and lowest topnotcher grades officially recognizes Florenz D. Regalado's (San Beda College) score of 96.7% in the 1954 Bar Examinations A standard was created in 1940, when Claudio as the highest score ever to be made in the Teehankee (future Supreme Court Chief Justice), from Philippine Bar. Marcos' official bar score is at 92.35%. [22] The lowest grade was obtained by Ateneo Law School's 4th 194 Jovito R. University of the Mercedita L. Ona, 83.55%, 2008, which erased the (tie 95.300

4 Salonga Philippines prior record of 84.10%, obtained by Adolfo Brillantes ) of Escuela de Derecho de Manila (now Manila Law 194 Claudio Ateneo de Manila College Foundation) in 1920.[18][23] Atty. Ona was the 6th 94.350 0 Teehankee University just the latest of women first placers. In 1930, Pedro Tecla San Andres (an alumna of the UP College of Law 195 University of the 7th Samson C. 94.250 and future Senator) broke the proverbial "glass 2 Philippines ceiling" when she became the first woman to top the Animas 195 Leonardo A. University of bar with a grade of 89.4%. Ameurfina A. Melencio 8th 94.050 (also an alumna of the UP College of Law and who 3 Amores Manila later became a Justice of the Supreme Court) has the Ameurfina highest grade of all female bar topnotchers in 194 A. University of the 9th 93.850 recorded history, when she obtained a 93.85% rating 7 Melencio- Philippines

in 1947. Herrera Rodolfo Ma. 200 University of the Below is a listing of all 100 first-placers (from 10th A. 93.800 1 Philippines 1913 to 2012) ranked from highest to lowest in terms Ponferrada of rating obtained. It should be noted however that 11th bar ratings are not exactly comparable from year-to- 191 Manuel C. University of the (tie 93.000 4 Goyena Philippines year as the difficulty of the exams varies through ) the years. 11th 191 Paulino University of the (tie 93.000 Yea 6 Gullas Philippines Rank Name School Rating ) r 11th 98.800 193 Hermenegild University of the 193 Ferdinand University of the (tie 93.000 1st (92.35% 2 o Atienza Philippines 9 E. Marcos Philippines ) Official)[24] 200 Arlene M. University of 96.700 14th 92.900 195 Florenz D. 2 Maneja Santo Tomas 2nd San Beda College (Official)[25 4 Regalado ] 198 Richard M. Ateneo de Manila 15th 92.850 4 Chiu University 194 Anacleto C. Philippine Law 3rd 95.850 193 Cecilia University of the 9 Mañgaser School 16th 92.600

7 Muñoz-Palma Philippines 194 Manuel G. Far Eastern 4th 95.500 192 Lorenzo S. University of the 8 Montecillo University 17th 92.500 9 Sumulong Philippines 4th Special 194 Jose W. 197 Cosme D. University of the (tie (University of 95.300 18th 92.475 4 Diokno ) Santo Tomas) 8 Rosell Philippines 193 Lope C. University of 6 19th 92.450 3 Quimbo Manila 197 Arturo D. Ateneo de Manila 31st 91.650 197 Henry R. University of the 4 Brion University 20th 92.400 1 Villarica Philippines 32nd Gregorio M. 197 Ateneo de Manila 21st (tie Batiller, 91.400 195 Vicente R. University of 9 University (tie 92.250 ) Jr. 1 Acsay Manila ) 32nd Manuel 198 Ateneo de Manila Aug (tie Antonio J. 91.400 22nd 3 University - Gregoria T. University of the ) Teehankee (tie 92.250 194 Cruz Philippines 193 Emmanuel N. University of ) 34th 91.300 6 8 Pelaez Manila Special (Colegio 199 Leonor Y. University of the de San 35th 91.200 195 Carolina C. 5 Dicdican Philippines 23rd Agustin,Universit 92.050 0 Griño 192 Rafael University of the y of the 36th 91.100 5 Dinglasan Philippines Philippines) 37th 24th 196 Avelino V. 191 Manuel A. University of the (tie San Beda College 90.950 (tie 92.000 1 Cruz

3 Roxas Philippines ) ) 37th Irene 24th 198 Ateneo de Manila 191 Felipe University of the (tie Ragodon- 90.950 (tie 92.000 1 University 7 Ysmael Philippines ) Guevarra ) 37th 25th 198 Ray C. Ateneo de Manila 197 Virgilio B. Ateneo de Manila (tie 90.950 (tie 91.800 2 Espinosa University 7 Gesmundo University ) ) 192 Roque V. University of the 25th 40th 90.900 199 Janet B. Baguio Colleges 3 Desquitado Philippines (tie 91.800 8 Abuel Foundation 41st ) 196 Deogracias University of the (tie 90.800 27th 2 G. Eufemio Philippines 193 Miguel University of the ) (tie 91.700 4 Aragon Philippines 41st ) 197 Enrique Y. University of the (tie 90.800 27th 6 Teehankee Philippines 196 Ismael Manuel L. Quezon ) (tie 91.700 0 Andres University 43rd ) 196 Roberto V. University of the (tie 90.600 27th Nov 6 San Jose Philippines Pedro L. University of the ) (tie - 91.700 Yap Philippines ) 194 44th 199 Patricia University of the 90.600 (tie 6 Ann T. Philippines 0 Lagos Philippines ) Prodigalida 193 Marciano P. Philippine Law 59th 89.700 d 4 Catral School 44th 200 Eliseo M. University of the 196 Rodolfo D. (tie 90.600 60th San Beda College 89.600 0 Zuñiga, Jr. Philippines 7 Robles ) 61st 193 Tecla San University of the 195 Tomas P. Far Eastern (tie 89.400 47th 90.550 0 Andres Philippines 5 Matic, Jr. University ) 48th 61st 192 Filomeno B. Philippine Law 193 Jose University of the (tie 90.300 (tie 89.400 8 Pascual School 1 Leuterio Philippines ) ) 48th 61st Janette 197 Vicente R. Ateneo de Manila 198 University of the (tie 90.300 (tie Susan L. 89.400 3 Solis University 5 Philippines ) ) Peña 50th 194 Emmet P.D. University of the 195 Manuel G. University of the (tie 90.200 64th 89.250 1 Shea Philippines 8 Abello Philippines ) 65th 50th 195 Agustin O. Far Eastern 195 Francisco (tie 89.200 (tie San Beda College 90.200 9 Benitez University 6 C. Catral ) ) 65th Francisco Ma. Cecilia 199 University of the 199 University of the (tie Noel R. 89.200 52nd H. 90.025 4 Philippines 7 Philippines ) Fernandez Fernandez 195 Gregorio R. University of the Francisco 67th 89.150 191 University of the 7 Castillo Philippines 53rd Villanueva, 90.000 5 Philippines 68th Jr. 192 Pablo University of the (tie 89.100 199 Joseph P. Ateneo de Manila 1 Payawal Philippines 54th 89.950 ) 1 San Pedro University 68th 192 Amado L. University of the 55th (tie 89.100 193 Diosdado P. University of 2 Velilla Philippines (tie 89.850 ) 6 Macapagal Santo Tomas ) 68th 55th Aquilino L. 192 Roberto B. University of 199 University of the (tie 89.100 (tie Pimentel 89.850 4 Concepcion Santo Tomas 0 Philippines ) ) III Cesareo 196 Victor S. 201 Antonio S. Ateneo de Manila 57th San Beda College 89.800 71st 89.000 5 dela Serna 0 Singzon, University 58th 198 Rafael R. University of the 89.750 Jr. 198 Laurence L. Ateneo de Manila 200 Joan de University of the 72nd 88.600 87th 87.200 6 Go University 5 Venecia Philippines 198 Mario P. Ateneo de Manila 197 Januario B. Ateneo de Manila 73rd 88.550 88th 87.130 7 Victoriano University 2 Soller, Jr. University 200 Aeneas Eli Ateneo de Manila 89th 74th 88.530 191 Alejo University of the 3 S. Diaz University (tie 87.000 8 Labrador Philippines 75th ) 199 Edwin R. Ateneo de Manila (tie 88.500 89th 9 Enrile University 191 Gregorio Philippine Law ) (tie 87.000 9 Anonas School 75th ) 199 Florin T. University of the (tie 88.500 89th 9 Hilbay Philippines 199 Jayme A. Sy Ateneo de Manila ) (tie 87.000 2 Jr. University 196 Jesus P. ) 77th San Beda College 88.400 4 Castelo Nicanor B. 197 University of the Anna Leah 92nd Padilla, 86.700 199 Ateneo de Manila 5 East 78th Fidelis T. 88.325 Jr. 3 University Castañeda 196 Cornelio C. Ateneo de Manila 93rd 86.350 Maria 3 Gison University 198 University of the 79th Yvette O. 88.120 Gilberto C. 8 Philippines 198 University of the Navarro 94th Teodoro, 86.185 9 Philippines 192 Eugeniano Philippine Law Jr. 80th 88.100 6 Perez School 201 Nielson G. University of the 95th 85.800 192 Cesar University of the 3 Pangan Philippines 81st 87.700 7 Kintanar Philippines 200 Judy A. San Sebastian 96th 85.700 200 Noel Neil University of the 8 Lardizabal College 82nd 87.600 6 Q. Malimban Cordilleras Ignatius 201 Ateneo de Manila 197 Romulo D. Far Eastern 97th Michael D. 85.640 83rd 87.500 2 University 0 San Juan University[26] Ingles Raoul 84th Divine World 201 Ateneo de Manila 196 Oscar B. 98th Angelo D. 85.536 (tie College of 87.450 1 University 8 Glovasa ) Tagbilaran Atadero 84th Reinier 200 January A. University of the 200 (tie 87.450 99th Paul R. San Beda College 84.800 4 Sanchez Philippines 9 ) Yebra 196 Ronaldo B. University of the 100t 192 Adolfo Escuela de 86th 87.300 84.100 9 Zamora Philippines h 0 Brillantes Derecho Highest scores in specific bar subjects Legal Ethics[citation needed] and emerged as the year's bar topnotcher.[18] While no bar examinee has ever reached a 100% general average, several bar examinees have garnered perfect In 2001, Rodolfo Ma. A. Ponferrada, that year's and near-perfect grades in specific bar subjects. valedictorian of the University of the Philippines College of Law, obtained a perfect score of 100% in In 1930, Tecla San Andres-Ziga (future Senator) of Remedial Law[citation needed], the highest weighted of the the University of the Philippines got a grade of 99% bar subjects. The difference (3.75%) between his in Remedial Law.[27] She also placed number one in the final bar examination score (93.80%) and that of the bar exams of the same year. second-placer, Jesus Paolo U. Protacio (90.05%), that year's valedictorian of the Ateneo de Manila Law In 1949, Anacleto C. Mañgaser of the Philippine Law School and who got a perfect score of 100% in [citation needed] School earned 100% in Mercantile Law, and placed 1st Criminal Law, is the highest of all time. in the bar exams of that year. His average of 95.85% Notably, that year's valedictorian of the San Beda broke all prior records before it was bested by College of Law, Adonis V. Gabriel, obtained a perfect [citation needed] Florenz Regalado in 1954.[18] Mañgaser's bar rating score of 100% in Political Law and placed [18][30] remains the second highest of all time. 8th (88.25%). The 3.75% difference between No. 1 and No. 2 eclipsed the previous highest difference of In 1953, (future Defense Minister 2.10% registered in 1966 when Roberto V. San Jose and Senate President) of the University of the (valedictorian of the UP College of Law) garnered a Philippines College of Law, where he graduated grade of 90.6% versus the 88.5% of the tied second salutatorian and cum laude, earned 100% in Mercantile placers, Ruben F. Balane (salutatorian of the UP Law[28] and placed 11th in the bar exams of that College of Law) and Pablo S. Trillana III year.[28] (valedictorian of the San Beda College of Law).

In 1955, Raul Gonzales (future Congressman, Secretary In 2005, Gladys V. Gervacio of the University of of Justice and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel) of Perpetual Help- earned a perfect 100% in two bar subjects—Legal Ethics[citation needed] and Labor Law[citation the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law needed] earned 99% in Remedial Law[citation needed] and 95% in . She placed 6th in the bar exams of that year. [citation needed] In 2011, she passed the California State Bar International Law. However, he did not [18] place in the top ten.[18] examinations.

In 1973, Renato Franciso (Executive Judge of RTC Increasing difficulty Malolos, ) of the Ateneo de Manila Law School obtained a perfect score of 100% in Criminal Law.[29] The difficulty of the recent bar examinations, compared to exams of the past, can be attributed to [15] In 1997, Maria Celia H. Fernandez of the University the following factors: of the Philippines College of Law, where she graduated salutatorian and cum laude, earned 100% in  The growing volume of Philippine case and passing rate for that year dropped dramatically to statutory laws is unprecedented. Laws, 26.8%, with a mortality rate of 73.2%. That ratio has jurisprudence, and legal doctrines of the past been invariably maintained in the 50+ years since.[35] constitute only a small fraction of contemporary Philippine legal materials, which Waiting period are increasing on a daily basis.[31]  The 75% passing average with no grade lower The largely essay-type exams are manually checked by than 50% in any subject is already fixed by members of the Committee of Bar Examiners. Candidates law. Actual candidates who scored 74.99% in the have to wait from the last Sunday of the bar exams in general average were not admitted to the September up to the date of the release of results, practice of law, unless they retake the bar which traditionally happens before or during the Holy exams.[15] Week (the last week of March or the first week of  The Three-Failure Rule is now in place. April) of the following year. Candidates who have failed the bar exams for three times are not permitted to take another During this period, candidates (who already hold law bar exam until they re-enroll and pass regular and bachelor's degrees) may opt to work in law firms fourth-year review classes and attend a pre-bar and courts as legal researchers, teach in liberal review course in an approved law school.[32] arts and business colleges, function in companies and  The Five-Strike Rule is implemented since 2005. organizations using their pre-law degrees (i.e. The rule limits to five the number of times a Communication Arts, Accounting, Economics, candidate may take the Bar exams. The rule Journalism, etc.), help run the family business, or disqualifies a candidate after failing in three take a long vacation.[36] examinations. However, he is permitted to take fourth and fifth examinations if he Admission of successful bar examinees successfully completes a one year refresher [33] course for each examination. The Office of the Bar Confidant of the Philippine  The four-year bachelor's degree is required Supreme Court releases the Official List of before admission to law school. Hence, every Successful Bar Examinees, usually during the last bar examinee has to hold at least two degrees— week of March or the first week of April of every one in law and one in another field. In the year. Candidates whose names appear in the list are past, law schools readily admit high school required to take and subscribe before the Supreme graduates and two-year Associate in Arts degree Court the corresponding Oath of Office.[37] holders.[34] Candidates shall take an Oath of Office and sign After the end of the Second World War, the passing their names in the Roll of Attorneys of the Supreme rate in the succeeding years was remarkably high, Court.[38] The oath-taking is usually held in May at ranging from 56 to 72% percent. However, after the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Associate Justice J.B.L. Reyes, a noted scholar, was with a formal program where all Justices of the appointed Chairman of the 1955 Bar Examinations, the Supreme Court, sitting en banc, formally approve the applications of the successful bar candidates. The On September 24, 2003, the Supreme Court, per a eight bar examiners are officially introduced to the bleary-eyed Associate Justice Jose Vitug, annulled public. A message to the newly inducted lawyers is the tests results on mercantile law after delivered by one of the justices. Candidates who made "confirmation of what could be the most widespread the bar top ten list are also introduced and honored. case of cheating in the 104-year-old bar exams".[40] The deans of all Philippine law schools are requested to attend the ceremony and grace the front seats of Bar Topnotchers List the plenary hall.[12] The Office of the Bar Confidant releases an official Controversies Bar Topnotchers list list together with the list of names of all successful bar examinees. The Bar In the 1930s, a distant relative of Imelda Romualdez Topnotchers list contains the names of the candidates Marcos who was a Justice in the High Court resigned who garnered the highest general averages in the bar after a controversy involving the bar examinations. exam for that year. The highest ranking candidate in Justice Ramon Fernandez was forced to protect his the list is known as the bar topnotcher. The list has name and honor when he resigned because of a bar always been the subject of much media attention and examination scandal.[1] public speculation.[41]

On November 23, 1979, the High Court, per Justice Making a place in the list is widely regarded as an Pacifico de Castro ordered new examinations in labor important life achievement, an attractive and social legislation and taxation. professional qualification, and a necessary improvement in a lawyer's professional and social On May 7, 1982, 12 of the Supreme Court's 14 justices status.[41] resigned amid expose "that the court fixed the bar- examination score of a member's son so that he would Famous bar topnotchers pass." Justice Vicente Ericta was accused to have personally approached the bar chairman to inquire Prominent lawyers who made the bar top ten whether his (Ericta's) son passed the bar. Ferdinand include:[42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51] Marcos accepted the resignations and appointed the new Justices. Chief Justice wept at Presidents and Vice-Presidents a news conference as he accepted responsibility for rechecking and changing the exam score of Gustavo  Manuel A. Roxas - fifth President of the Ericta, son of Justice Vicente Ericta.[39] Philippines; 1st placer (92%), 1913 Bar Exams (UP) Associate Justice Fidel Purisima, chairman of the bar  Diosdado P. Macapagal - ninth President of the committee, did not disclose that he had a nephew who Philippines; 1st placer (89.85%), 1936 Bar was taking the bar examination in that year. He was Exams (UST) merely censured and his honoraria as bar examiner were forfeited.  Ferdinand E. Marcos - tenth President of the Liberal Party lost to President Ramos of Lakas-NUCD Philippines; 1st placer (98.80%), 1939 Bar in the 1992 presidential elections.[52] Exams (UP)  José P. Laurel - third President of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Justices Philippines; 2nd placer, 1915 Bar Exams (UP)  Elpidio C. - sixth President of the  - 6th Philippine Chief Justice; 3rd Philippines; 2nd placer, 1915 Bar Exams (UP) placer, 1913 Bar Exams (UP College of Law)  Sergio S. Osmeña - fifth President of the  - 8th Philippine Chief Justice; Philippines; 2nd placer, 1903 Bar Exams (UST) 2nd placer, 1913 Bar Exams (UP College of Law)  Manuel L. Quezon - second President of the  César Bengzon - 9th Philippine Chief Justice; Philippines; 4th placer, 1903 Bar Exams (UST) 2nd placer, 1919 Bar Exams (UP College of Law)  Carlos P. García - eighth President of the  - 10th Philippine Chief Philippines; 7th placer, 1923 Bar Exams (PLS) Justice; 1st placer, 1924 Bar Exams (UST  Emmanuel N. Pelaez - former Vice-President of Faculty of Civil Law) the Philippines; 1st placer, 1938 Bar Exams  Querube Makalintal - 11th Philippine Chief (UM) Justice; 7th placer, 1933 Bar Exams (UP College  Arturo M. Tolentino - former Vice-President of of Civil Law) the Philippines; 2nd placer, 1934 Bar Exams  Enrique Ma. Fernando - 13th Philippine Chief (UP) Justice; 13th placer, 1938 Bar Exams (UP College of Law) Incidentally, each President who happened to be a  Ramon Aquino - 15th Philippine Chief Justice; lawyer was also a bar placer. In the 2010 9th placer, 1939 Bar Exams (UP College of Law) presidential elections, candidate Gilberto Teodoro  Claudio Teehankee - 16th Philippine Chief (an alumnus of the University of the Philippines) Justice; 1st placer, 1940 Bar Exams (Ateneo Law placed first in the 1989 Bar Exams, with a grade of School) 86.185%. He however was fourth in the elections,  - 17th Philippine Chief Justice; 1st losing to Benigno S. Aquino III. A lawyer, Jejomar C. placer, 1946 Bar Exams (UP College of Law) Binay (also from UP), won the Vice-presidency when he  - 19th Philippine Chief Justice; bested former Senator Manuel A. Roxas II (a grandson 2nd placer, 1951 Bar Exams (UST Faculty of of the first bar topnotcher, President Manuel A. Civil Law) Roxas).  - 21st Philippine Chief Justice; 6th placer, 1960 Bar Exams (FEU Two other topnotchers have sought previously failed Institute of Law) to secure the presidency. Vice-President Pelaez (1938  José P. Laurel - former Philippine Supreme Bar Topnotcher) lost the Court Justice; 2nd placer, 1915 Bar Exams nomination to President Marcos (1939 Bar Topnotcher)  J. B. L. Reyes - former Philippine Supreme in the 1965 presidential elections, while Senate Court Justice; 6th placer, 1922 Bar Exams President Jovito Salonga (1944 Bar Topnotcher) of the  Cecilia Muñoz Palma - former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 1st placer, 1937 Bar Exams  - former Philippine Supreme  Oscar M. Herrera - former Philippine Court of Court Justice; 3rd placer, 1934 Bar Exams Appeals Justice; 8th placer, 1953 Bar Exams  Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera - former Philippine  Demetrio Demetria - former Philippine Court of Supreme Court Justice; 1st placer, 1947 Bar Appeals Justice; 2nd placer, 1964 Bar Exams Exams  Mario Guariña III - former Philippine Court of  Irene Cortes - former Philippine Supreme Court Appeals Justice; 2nd placer, 1967 Bar Exams Justice; 9th placer, 1948 Bar Exams  - Philippine Court of Appeals  Carolina A. Griño-Aquino - former Philippine Justice; 9th placer, 1973 Bar Exams Supreme Court Justice; 1st placer, 1950 Bar  Celia Librea-Leagogo - Philippine Court of Exams Appeals Justice; 5th placer, 1981 Bar Exams  Isagani A. Cruz - former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 8th placer, 1951 Bar Exams Only eleven of the 22 jurists who rose to become  Rafael C. Climaco - former Philippine Court of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court were bar placers, Appeals Justice; 5th placer, 1939 Bar Exams ( starting with José Yulo (3rd in 1913), followed by Ferdinand Marcos placed 1st ) Ricardo Paras (2nd in 1913), then by César Bengzon  Florentino Feliciano - former Philippine (2nd in 1919), then by Roberto Concepcion (1st in Supreme Court Justice and Chair, WTO Appellate 1924), then by Querube Makalintal (7th in 1933) then Tribunal; 6th placer, 1952 Bar Exams by Enrique Fernando (13th in 1938), then by Ramon  Florenz D. Regalado - former Philippine Supreme Aquino (6th in 1939), then by Claudio Teehankee, Sr. Court Justice; 1st placer, 1954 Bar Exams (1st in 1940), then by Pedro Yap (1st in November  Adolfo Azcuna - Philippine Supreme Court 1946), then by Andres Narvasa (2nd in 1951) and Justice; 4th placer, 1962 Bar Exams finally by Artemio Panganiban (6th in 1960). However,  Antonio Eduardo Nachura - Philippine Supreme the first four chief magistrates (, Court Justice; 7th placer, 1967 Bar Exams , Manuel Araullo and Ramón Avanceña)  Presbitero Velasco, Jr. - Philippine Supreme became lawyers (all after graduating from the UST Court Justice; 6th placer, 1971 Bar Exams Faculty of Civil Law) before the establishment of the  - Philippine Supreme Court Bar Exams in 1901 while the fifth head of the Justice; 6th placer, 1975 Bar Exams judiciary (Jose Abad Santos) graduated from a foreign law school and was admitted to the Philippine bar in  Arturo D. Brion - Philippine Supreme Court 1911. Six Chief Justices did not place in the Bar Justice; former Philippine Court of Appeals Exams: (the father of Philippine Justice; 1st placer, 1974 Bar Exams remedial law), (the father of the Bienvenido V. Reyes - former Philippine Court  Integrated Bar of the Philippines), Felix Makasiar, of Appeals Presiding Justice; 5th placer, 1954 , Hilario Davide and the incumbent Bar Exams ).  Salome A. Montoya - former Philippine Court of Appeals Presiding Justice; 6th placer, 1954 Bar Of the candidates to become the next Chief Justice Exams (to replace the retiring Reynato Puno) only two were Alicia V. Sempio-Diy - former Philippine Court  bar placers: Antonio Carpio (6th in 1975) of the UP of Appeals Justice; 5th placer, 1950 Bar Exams College of Law and Arturo Brion (1st in 1974) of the  Jose Y. Yulo - former Speaker of the House of Ateneo Law School. Both Carpio and Brion graduated Representatives; 3rd placer, 1913 Bar Exams valedictorian of their respective law classes.  Aguedo F. Agbayani - former However, neither topnotcher made it to the apex of Representative; 5th placer, 1947 Bar Exams the judicial summit, as Atenean Renato C. Corona was  Antonio Eduardo Nachura - former appointed the chief magistrate. Representative; 7th placer, 1967 Bar Exams  Ronaldo B. Zamora - San Juan Representative; Senators and Representatives 1st placer, 1969 Bar Exams  - Speaker of the House of  Manuel A. Roxas - former Philippine Senate Representatives; 2nd placer, 1971 Bar Exams President and Speaker of the House of  Arturo D. Brion - Assemblyman, Philippine Representatives; 1st placer, 1913 Bar Exams National Assembly; 1st placer, 1974 Bar Exams  Manuel L. Quezon - former Philippine Senate  Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo C. Teodoro, Jr. - President; 4th placer, 1903 Bar Exams former Representative; 1st placer, 1989  Arturo M. Tolentino - former Philippine Senate Bar Exams President; 2nd placer, 1934 Bar Exams  José P. Laurel- former Senator; 2nd Placer 1915  Ferdinand E. Marcos - former Philippine Senate  Xavier Jesus Romualdo- incumbent President; 1st placer, 1939 Bar Exams Representative, 4th placer, 2012 Bar Exams  Jovito Salonga - former Philippine Senate President; 1st placer, 1944 Bar Exams Of the lawyers who became President of the Senate,  - former Philippine Senate only the following were bar placers: Manuel Quezon President; 9th placer, 1949 Bar Exams (4th in 1903), (1st in 1913), Ferdinand  Rodolfo Ganzon - former Philippine Senator and Marcos (1st in 1939), (2nd in 1934), Mayor; 2nd Placer, 1950 Bar Exams Jovito Salonga (1st in 1944), Neptali Gonzales (9th  Ernesto M. Maceda - former Philippine Senate in 1949), (10th in 1956), Franklin President; 10th placer, 1956 Bar Exams Drilon (3rd in 1969) and Juan Ponce Enrile (11th in  Franklin M. Drilon - former Philippine Senate 1953). Of the incumbent senators with terms expiring President; 3rd placer, 1969 Bar Exams in 2013, five are lawyers (Ateneo Law School's Alan  Lorenzo Sumulong - former Philippine Senator; Peter Cayetano as well as , Joker 1st placer, 1929 Bar Exams Arroyo, , and of  Jose W. Diokno - former Philippine Senator; 1st the UP College of Law) and none of whom were previous placer, 1944 Bar Exams bar placers. Curiously, Aquilino Pimentel III of the  Renato V. Saguisag (Rene Saguisag) - former UP College of Law (who is contesting the seat Philippine Senator; 6th placer, 1963 Bar Exams occupied by Sen. ) placed 1st in the 1990 Bar Exams.  Aquilino Pimentel III () - Philippine Senator; 1st placer, 1990 Bar Exams  Sergio S. Osmeña - former Speaker of the House On the other hand, of those who became Speaker of the of Representatives; 2nd placer, 1903 Bar Exams House of Representatives, only the following were bar placers: Sergio Osmena, Sr. (2nd in 1903), Manuel Roxas (1st in 1913), José Yulo (3rd in 1913) Querube  Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera - Chancellor, Makalintal (7th in 1933) and Prospero Nograles (2nd Philippine Judicial Academy; Chairperson, Legal in 1971). Of the chamber's other officers, only Publications Committee, Supreme Court Centenary Ronaldo Zamora was a former bar topnotcher (1st in Celebrations; 1st placer, 1947 Bar Exams 1969).  Alicia V. Sempio-Dy - Member, Philippine Civil Code Revision Committee; former Commissioner, Curiously, the incumbent heads of both houses of National Commission on Women; 5th placer, 1950 Congress were previous bar placers: Ateneo Law Bar Exams School's Nograles for the lower house and UP College  Andres Narvasa - Chairman, Preparatory of Law's Ponce Enrile for the upper house. After the Commission for Constitutional Reform; 2nd 2010 elections, former Rep. Nograles (who did not run placer, 1951 Bar Exams for re-election) was replaced by lawyer Feliciano R.  Gabriel Singson - former Governor of the Belmonte, Jr. (from Lyceum of the Philippines) as Central Bank of the Philippines; 2nd placer, Speaker. Sen. Enrile retained his post as Senate 1952 Bar Exams President.  Florentino Feliciano - Chairman, Feliciano Commission investigating the Oakwood Mutiny; Appointees and career service officials 6th placer, 1952 Bar Exams  Florenz D. Regalado - Member, 1986  Roberto Concepcion - Member, 1986 Constitutional Commission; 1st placer, 1954 Bar Constitutional Commission; 1st placer, 1924 Bar Exams Exams  Jose Nolledo - Delegate, 1971 Constitutional  Lorenzo Sumulong - Member, 1986 Constitutional Convention & Member, 1986 Constitutional Commission; 1st placer, 1929 Bar Exams Commission; 3rd placer, 1958 Bar Exams  Arturo Tolentino - Member, Philippine Civil  - former Chairperson, Presidential Code Commission; former Minister of Foreign Commission on Good Government; former Affairs; 2nd placer, 1934 Bar Exams Commissioner, Commission on Elections; 8th  Ambrosio Padilla - Member, 1986 Constitutional placer, 1962 Bar Exams Commission; 3rd placer, 1934 Bar Exams  Adolfo Azcuna - Member, 1986 Constitutional  - President, ; 4th placer, 1962 Bar Exams Constitutional Convention of 1971; 1st placer,  Joaquin G. Bernas - Member, 1986 Constitutional 1936 Bar Exams Commission; Member, Feliciano Commission  Cecilia Muñoz-Palma - President, Philippine investigating the Oakwood mutiny; 9th placer, Constitutional Commission of 1986; Chairperson, 1962 Bar Exam Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office; 1st  Anacleto C. Mañgaser (var. Mangaser) - former placer, 1937 Bar Exams Chairman, Reparations Commission; 1st placer,  Jovito Salonga - former Chairman, Presidential 1949 Bar Exams Commission on Good Government; 1st placer, 1944  Sergio A. Apostol - Chief Presidential Legal Bar Exams Counsel; 7th placer, 1958 Bar Exams  Ismael G. Khan, Jr. - former Spokesperson,  Persida V. Rueda-Acosta - Chief Public Attorney Philippine Supreme Court; 6th placer, 1959 Bar of the Philippines; 5th placer, 1989 Bar Exams Exams  Ruben Carranza, Jr. - Commissioner,  Antonio Eduardo Nachura - former Solicitor Presidential Commission on Good Government; 8th General; 7th placer, 1967 Bar Exams placer, 1990 Bar Exams  Fulgencio S. Factoran, Jr. - former Executive  Maria Celia H. Fernandez - former Chief, Secretary; 9th placer, 1967 Bar Exams Presidential Management Staff; 1st placer, 1997  Jose Mario Buñag - former Bureau of Internal Bar Exams Revenue Commissioner; 2nd placer, 1968 Bar  Janet B. Abuel - Asst.Secretary Dept. Of Budget Exams and Management; 1st placer, 1998 Bar Exams  Ronaldo B. Zamora - former Executive Secretary;  Edwin R. Enrile - former Assistant Executive 1st placer, 1969 Bar Exams Secretary, Office of the President; Deputy  Gregorio Cabantac - former Undersecretary, Executive Secretary, Office of the President; Department of Environment and Natural 1st placer, 1999 Bar Exams Resources, 5th Placer, 1995 Bar Exams  Rodolfo Ma. A. Ponferrada - former Assistant  - former Secretary of Labor and Chief of Staff, Office of the Vice President; Employment; 3rd placer, 1969 Bar Exams 1st placer, 2001 Bar Exams  Jess Dureza - Super Region In-charge;  - current Secretary of Justice; 10th placer, 1973 Bar Exams former Commission on Human Rights (CHR)  Arturo D. Brion - Secretary of Labor and Chairperson; 8th placer, 1985 Bar Exams Employment; 1st placer, 1974 Bar Exams  Antonio Carpio - former Chief Presidential Local officials Legal Counsel; 6th placer, 1975 Bar Exams  Avelino Cruz, Jr. - former Secretary of  Pablo P. Garcia - former Governor of ; 3rd National Defense; 7th placer, 1977 Bar Exams placer, 1951 Bar Exams  Simeon Marcelo - former Philippine Ombudsman;  Aguedo F. Agbayani - former Governor of 5th placer, 1979 Bar Exams Pangasinan; 5th placer, 1947 Bar Exams  Manuel Antonio J. Teehankee - former  Isidoro E. Real, Jr. - former Governor / Undersecretary of Justice; Ambassador to the Congressman of ; 7th placer, World Trade Organization; 1st placer, 1983 Bar 1961 Bar Exams Exams  Roldan Dalman - former Governor of Zamboanga  Rabbi Elamparo Deloso - former Chief of Staff, del Norte;former Presidential Assistant for Philippine Senate, 16th Placer, 2000 Bar Exams Regional Concerns, Western Mindanao 6th placer,  Antonio M. Bernardo - former Bureau of Customs 1975 Bar Exams Commissioner; 2nd placer, 1988 Bar Exams  Douglas RA. Cagas - incumbent Governor / former  Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo C. Teodoro, Jr. - Congressman of ; 4th placer 1967 Secretary of National Defense; 1st placer, 1989 Bar Exams Bar Exams Academe  Joaquin G. Bernas - former President, Ateneo de University College of Law; 10th Placer, 1963 Manila University; Dean Emeritus, Ateneo Law Bar Examinations School; 9th placer, 1962 Bar Exam  Roberto San Jose - Law Professor and Bar  Jovito Salonga - former Dean, Far Eastern Reviewer; 1st placer, 1966 Bar Exams University Institute of Law; 1st placer, 1944  Ruben F. Balane - Law Professor and Bar Bar Exams Reviewer; 2nd placer, 1966 Bar Exams  Neptali Gonzales - former Dean, Far Eastern  Hildegardo F. Iñigo - former Dean, Ateneo de University Institute of Law; 9th placer, 1949 Davao University College of Law and Bar Bar Exams Reviewer, 8th placer, 1966 Bar Exams  Andres Narvasa - former Dean, University of  Jacinto D. Jimenez (Jack Jimenez) - Law Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law; 2nd placer, Professor and Bar Reviewer; 3rd placer, 1968 1951 Bar Exams Bar Exams  Norberto S. Gonzales - Dean, Manuel L. Quezon  Arturo de Castro - Law Professor and Bar University School of Law; 5th placer, 1958 Bar Reviewer; 3rd placer, 1970 Bar Exams Exams  Rene Gorospe - Law Professor and Bar Reviewer;  Custodio O. Parlade - President Emeritus, 2nd placer, 1979 Bar Exams Philippine Dispute Resolution Centre; Lecturer  Manuel J. Laserna, Jr. - law professor and bar and Bar Reviewer; 4th placer, 1959 Bar Exams reviewer (FEU, 1985-2006); 3rd placer, 1984 Bar  Agustin O. Benitez - former Dean, University of Examinations (90.95%) the East College of Law; 1st placer, 1959 bar  Abelardo T. Domondon - Law Professor and Bar Exams Reviewer; 4th placer, 1985 Bar Exams, graduate  Virgilio B. Jara - Dean, San Beda College of of College of Law Law 5th placer, 1962 Bar Exams  Roberto A. Gana - Law Professor and Bar  Cesar L. Villanueva - Dean, Ateneo Law School; Reviewer; 5th placer, 1986 Bar Exams 2nd placer, 1981 Bar Exams  Jose Maria G. Hofileña - Law Professor and Bar  Jose Jesus G. Laurel - former Dean, Lyceum of Reviewer; 10th placer, 1987 Bar Exams the Philippines College of Law; 6th placer,  Michael G. Aguinaldo - Law Professor; 7th 1981 Bar Exams placer, 1992 Bar Exams  Roy Joseph M. Rafols - former Dean,  Anna Leah Fidelis T. Castañeda - Law Professor; State University College of Law; 2nd placer, 1st placer, 1993 Bar Exams 1984 Bar Exams  Shirley F. Alinea UP Law (6th Place, 1996 Bar  Pacifico N. Castro - Law Professor and Bar Exams) - Law Professor (UE, Lyceum, San Reviewer; 8th placer, 1954 Bar Exams Sebastian)  Manuel T. Muro - Law Professor and Bar  Rabbi Elamparo Deloso - Law Professor, FEU Reviewer, former Trial Court Judge; 6th placer, Institute of Law, University of Bristol School 1955 Bar Exams of Law Lecturer; 16th placer, 2000 Bar Exams  Antonio H. Abad, Jr. - Law Professor and Bar  Maria Socorro Z. Manguiat - Law Professor; 10th Reviewer; former Dean of the FEU Institute of placer, 1993 Bar Exams Law and presently Dean of the Adamson  Ralph A. Sarmiento - Dean, University of St. La  Guillermo A. Villasor, Jr. - former Dean, Salle College of Law; International Law Bar University of - Recoletos Reviewer; 10th placer, 1997 Bar Exams School of Law; 10th placer,1979 Bar Exams  Shennan A. Sy - Law Professor; 6th placer, 1995  Marforth T. Fua - Law Professor (SBC, PLP), 8th Bar Exams place, 2007 Bar Exams  Arnold De Vera - Law Professor; 8th placer,  Reinier Paul R. Yebra - Professor, San Beda 1987 Bar Exams College of Law; 1st placer, 2009 Bar Exams  Rhett Emmanuel C. Serfino - Practicing Lawyer;  Teodoro Almase - Dean, University of the Professor and Bar Reviewer (MLQU, PUP, Visayas, 4th place ); 3rd placer, 1997 Bar Exams Private sector  Florin T. Hilbay - Law Professor; 1st placer, 1999 Bar Exams  Manuel Montecillo - Name Partner, Siguion Reyna  Rodolfo Ma. A. Ponferrada - Professor of Law Montecillo & Ongsiako (oldest law firm); 1st (UP and Ateneo); 1st placer, 2001 Bar Exams placer, 1948 Bar Exams  Solomon F. Lumba - Professor of Law (UP); 4th  Manuel S. Abello - Founding Partner, Angara placer, 2001 Bar Exams Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz (ACCRALAW) ;  Adonis V. Gabriel - Professor of Law (SBC); 8th 1st placer, 1958 Bar Exams placer, 2001 Bar Exams  Nelly Favis-Villafuerte - Editor, Manila  Samson S. Alcantara - Practicing Lawyer; Bulletin; 7th placer, 1959 Bar Exams Professor and Bar Reviewer (MLQU); Author-  Avelino V. Cruz - Founding Partner, ACCRALAW; Philippine Labor and Social Legislation; 3rd youngest to top the bar, 1st placer, 1962 Bar placer, Bar Exams Exams  Connie Chu - Professor(Ateneo), 2nd Place, 2002  Mercedita V. Santiago-Nolledo - Corporate Bar Exams Secretary, Ayala Corporation; 2nd placer, 1965  Ma. Ngina Chan-Gonzaga - Professor(Ateneo), 4th Bar Exams Place, 2002 Bar Exams  Rodolfo D. Robles - General practitioner; 1st  Michelle Juan - Professor(Ateneo, FEU-DLSU, placer, 1967 Bar Exams PLM), 4th Place, 2002 Bar Exams  Leonor Dicdican - Associate, Gordon & Reese Law  Nyerson Dexter Tito Q. Tualla - Corporate Firm, California; 1st placer, 1996 Bar Exams Attorney, TransCo; Civil Law Lecturer, Manuel  Januario B. Soller, Jr. - Co-founder, Soller L. Quezon University; 4th placer, 2005 Bar Chain of Pawnshops; 1st placer, 1972 Bar Exams Exams  Jesus M. Manalastas - Name Partner, PECABAR Law  Pedro Jose F. Bernardo - Professor (Ateneo, Firm; 2nd placer, 1972 Bar Exams FEU-DLSU, PLP), 8th Place, 2005 Bar Exams  Victor P. Lazatin - Senior Partner, ACCRALAW;  Noel Neil Q. Malimban - Business Law Lecturer 3rd placer, 1972 Bar Exams and Reviewer, University of the Cordilleras;  Barbara Anne Migallos - Name Partner, Roco 1st placer, 2006 Bar Exams Buñag Kapunan Migallos Law Firm; Co-founder, Migallos & Luna Law Office; 3rd placer, 1979  Rodolfo Ma. A. Ponferrada - Associate, SyCip Bar Exams Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan; 1st placer, 2001  Mario Luz Bautista - Co-founder, Poblador Bar Exams Bautista Reyes Law Firm; 6th placer, 1979 Bar  Ma. Theresa U. Ballelos - Associate, Quisumbing Exams Torres Law Firm; 6th placer, 2001 Bar Exams  Arthur Lim - former National President,  Arlene Maneja - Associate, Siguion Reyna Integrated Bar of the Philippines; 3rd placer, Montecillo & Ongsiako; 1st placer, 2002 Bar 1981 Bar Exams Exams  Ray C. Espinosa - Partner, SyCip Salazar  Aeneas Eli S. Diaz - Associate, Villaraza & Hernandez & Gatmaitan; Executive Director, Angangco; 1st placer, 2003 Bar Exams Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company;  January A. Sanchez - Consultant, Asian President and CEO, ePLDT; President and CEO, Development Bank; 1st placer, 2004 Bar Exams Associated Broadcasting Corporation; Vice  Joan A. De Venecia - Associate, SyCip Salazar Chairman, Philweb Corporation; 1st placer, 1982 Hernandez & Gatmaitan; 1st placer, 2005 Bar Bar Exams Exams  Agerico T. Paras - Founding Partner and  Noel Neil Q. Malimban - Associate, Castillo Managing Partner, Paras and Manlapaz Lawyers; Laman Tan Pantaleon & San Jose; 1st placer, 6th placer, 1983 Bar Exams 2006 Bar Exams  Menardo L. Guevarra - Co-founder, Serapio  Reinier Paul R. Yebra - Associate, ACCRALAW; Guevarra Medialdea Law Firm; 2nd placer, 1985 1st placer, 2009 Bar Exams Bar Exams  Cesareo Antonio S. Singzon Jr. - Associate,  Marlon Manuel - Director, SALIGAN (non-profit ACCRALAW; 1st placer, 2010 Bar Exams legal assistance group); 5th placer, 1994 Bar  Filemon Ray L. Javier - Associate, ACCRALAW; Exams 2nd placer, 2010 Bar Exams  Patricia-ann T. Prodigalidad - Partner, ACCRALAW; 1st placer, 1996 Bar Exams 1st place in the Philippine Bar Examinations  Maria Celia H. Fernandez - In-house counsel, Yuchengco group of companies; 1st placer, 1997 Bar Exams Name Year School Hometown Epifanio de los  Jose Raulito E. Paras - Partner, Andres Marcelo University of Malabon, Padernal Guerrero & Paras; 5th placer, 1997 Bar Santos y 1898

Santo Tomas Rizal Exams Cristobal [53]  Eliseo M. Zuñiga, Jr. - Partner, Quisumbing 1899 Torres Law Firm; 1st placer, 2000 Bar Exams 1900  Valerie Feria Amante- Legal Division Head, 1901 Jollibee Group of Companies; 7th placer, 2000 Bar Exams 1902

1903

1904 Rafael University of the 1925 1905 Dinglasan Philippines

1906 Philippine Law Eugeniano Perez 1926 School 1907 University of the 1908 Cesar Kintanar 1927 Philippines 1909 Filomeno B. Philippine Law 1928

1910 Pascual School

1911 Lorenzo University of the

1929 City 1912 Sumulong Philippines

Tecla San University of the University of the Roxas City, 1930 Manuel Roxas 1913 Andres Philippines Philippines University of the University of the Jose Leuterio 1931 Manuel Goyena 1914 Philippines Philippines Francisco University of the Hermenegildo University of the 1915 1932 Atienza Philippines Villanueva Philippines University of the University of Catbalogan, Lope C. Quimbo 1933 Paulino Gullas 1916 Manila Samar Philippines University of the Philippine Law Marciano Catral 1934 Felipe Ismael 1917 School Philippines Enrique University of the University of the San Narciso, 1935 Alejo Labrador 1918 Estrellado Philippines Philippines Diosdado University of Lubao, Philippine Law 1936 Gregorio Anonas 1919 Macapagal Santo Tomas School Cecilia Muñoz- University of the Bauan, Adolfo 1937 1920 Escuela de Derecha Palma Philippines Batangas Brillantes Pablo C. University of the Medina, 1921 University of Emmanuel Pelaez 1938 Misamis Payawal Philippines Manila

Oriental Amando L. University of the 1922 Ferdinand University of the Sarrat, Velila Philippines 1939

Marcos Philippines Roque University of the 1923 Claudio Ateneo de Manila Desquitado Philippines 1940 Manila

Teehankee University Roberto University of

1924 Manila Emmet P.D. Shea 1941 University of the Concepcion Santo Tomas Philippines Catral 1942 Gregorio R. University of the 1957 1943 Castillo Philippines

Manuel G. University of the University of the 1958 Jovito Salonga , Rizal Abello Philippines Philippines Agustin O. Far Eastern 1944 Special 1959

Benitez University (University of

Santo Tomas) Manuel L. Quezon

Ismael Andres 1960 University of the University

Gregoria Cruz 1945

Philippines Avelino V. Cruz 1961 San Beda College

University of the San Isidro, Deogracias G. University of the

Pedro Yap 1946 1962

Philippines Eufemio Philippines Ameurfina Cornelio C. Ateneo de Manila University of the 1963

Melencio- 1947 Gison University

Philippines Herrera Jesus P.

1964 San Beda College

Manuel Far Eastern Candelaria, Castelo 1948 Montecillo University Quezon Victor S. de la Tagbilaran

1965 San Beda College

Anacleto C. Philippine Law Caba, La Serna City, 1949 Mañgaser School Union Roberto San University of the 1966

Special (Colegio Jose Philippines Carolina A. de San Agustin, Rodolfo D. 1950 Capiz 1967 San Beda College Griño-Aquino University of the Robles Philippines) Divine Word Vicente R. University of Oscar B. Tagbilaran 1951 1968 College of Glovasa City, Bohol Acsay Manila Tagbilaran Pedro Samson C. University of the Ronaldo B. University of the 1952 1969 Animas Philippines Zamora Philippines Leonardo A. University of Romulo D. San University of the 1953 1970 Amores Manila Juan Philippines Florenz D. Concepcion, Henry R. University of the 1954 San Beda College 1971 Regalado Iloilo Villarica Philippines Tomas P. Matic, Far Eastern Januario B. Ateneo de Manila 1955 1972 Jr. University Soller, Jr. University

Francisco C. 1956 San Beda College Vicente R. 1973 Ateneo de Manila Zamboanga Solis University City Aquilino University of the Cagayan de 1990 Ateneo de Manila Pimentel III Philippines Oro City

Arturo D. Brion 1974 Manila

University Joseph P. San Ateneo de Manila 1991 Nicanor B. University of the Pedro University 1975

Padilla, Jr. East Jayme A. Sy, Ateneo de Manila 1992 Enrique University of the Jr. University 1976

Teehankee Philippines Anna Leah Ateneo de Manila Virgilio B. Ateneo de Manila Fidelis T. 1993 1977 University Castañeda Gesmundo University University of the Francisco Noel University of the 1994 Cebu City Cosme D. Rosell 1978 R. Fernandez Philippines Philippines Gregorio M. Ateneo de Manila Leonor Y. University of the 1979 1995 Cebu City Dicdican Philippines Batiller, Jr. University Patrcia-ann T. University of the University of the 1996 Rafael R. Lagos 1980 Progalidad Philippines Philippines Irene Ragodon- Ateneo de Manila Ma. Cecilia H. University of the 1981 1997 Fernandez Philippines Guevarra University Ateneo de Manila University of the Janet B. Abuel 1998 Ray C. Espinosa 1982 Cordilleras University Manuel Antonio Ateneo de Manila University of the 1983 Florin Hilbay Philippines J. Teehankee University 1999 Dumaguete Ateneo de Manila Naga City, Ateneo de Manila Edwin R. Enrile University Richard M. Chiu 1984 City, Negros

University

Oriental Eliseo M. University of the 2000 Janette Susan University of the Zuñiga, Jr. Philippines 1985

L. Peña Philippines Rodolfo Ma. A. University of the 2001 Ateneo de Manila Ponferrada Philippines

Laurence L. Go 1986

University University of

Arlene Maneja 2002 Mario P. Ateneo de Manila Santo Tomas 1987

Victoriano University Aeneas Eli S. Ateneo de Manila 2003 Maria Yvette O. University of the Diaz University 1988

Navarro Philippines January A. University of the 2004 Gilberto University of the Sanchez Philippines 1989

Teodoro, Jr. Philippines Joan A. De 2005 University of the

Venecia Philippines Noel Neil Q. University of the 2006

Malimban Cordilleras Mercedita L. Ateneo de Manila 2007

Ona University San Sebastian Judy A.

2008 College - Imus,

Lardizabal

Recoletos Reinier Paul

2009 San Beda College

Yebra Cesareo Antonio Ateneo de Manila Catbalogan, 2010

Singzon, Jr. University Samar Raoul Angelo Ateneo de Manila Meycauayan 2011

Atadero University City, Bulacan Ignatius Ateneo de Manila Michaeal D. 2012

University

Ingles Nielson G. University of the 2013

Pangan Philippines