2017 bar exams end safely

With a greater number of security personnel than last year, this year’s bar examinations concluded safely last Sunday, Nov. 26.

Chief Supt. Gen. Joel Coronel, director of the Manila Police District (MPD), confirmed more than 700 policemen, along with other officials, were deployed on the last day of the examination.

“For the past four sundays, there are no reported untoward incidents, no acts of violence or disruptions. Wala naman tayong report na natanggap na threatening the conduct of the bar examinations,” Coronel said.

He added, “Only that we received reports that there are several fraternities [and] school organizations that might be involved in interfraternity violence.”

Strict security measures were implemented from the personnel of Philippine National Police, MPD, Supreme Court, UST Security Office, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Manila City Hall.

With some closed roads around the campus, police remained vigilant as groups of supporters for various universities and colleges wait for the exit of the bar examinees.

“Pumunta kami ngayon dito para suportahan ‘yung mga Barrister namin…and ‘yung iba [pa] sa iba’t ibang school. Since we all have the same dream, we all support each other here,” Erika Pimentel, a supporter of La Salle schools, said.

According to the police, an estimated 6,290 aspiring lawmakers out of 7,227 applicants took the examination, which is dubbed as the toughest professional exam in the country.

“Hopeful ako na [makapasa sa exam],” Maria Luisa Guzman, a bar candidate from Cagayan State University, expressed in an interview with the Dapitan Post.

Results are expected to be released either on the first week of May or the last week of April next year.