By Karren Jay G. Asgar
The CPU Senior High School Building is the venue of the 2024 Bar Examinations.
The three-day 2024 Bar Examinations, conducted by the Supreme Court across 13 local testing centers nationwide, including Central Philippine University (CPU), successfully commenced on September 8 and will continue until September 15.
During the February 2020–2021 Bar examinations, CPU was selected as one of 31 testing sites nationwide. This year, CPU is proud to act as a local testing center for the second time, reflecting its continued dedication to supporting the legal community.
In collaboration with the Iloilo City government, several measures have been implemented to ensure a smooth and efficient testing process. These include restricted access to specific campus areas, designated entrance and exit gates for vehicles and pedestrians, a transition to online classes, the establishment of the 2024 Philippine Bar Examinations Coordinating Team for the Iloilo site, and temporary road closures.
CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy expressed his enthusiasm about the successful start of the exams. “Praying for our CPU Bar Exam Team, the examinees, the Iloilo City government, and all others who are engaged in this huge endeavor.”
During a press conference in Manila, Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez, 2024 Bar Examinations Committee Chairman, reported that while 12,246 applicants initially registered, some withdrew due to graduation issues or unforeseen circumstances. The breakdown of applicants is as follows: 5,234 new applicants, 4,060 previous takers, and 1,189 refreshers. There are more female than male examinees for the 2024 Bar at 6,108 and 4,375, respectively. The youngest Bar examinee is 23 years old, while the oldest is 78 years old.
The following are local testing centers and their corresponding number of examinees:
- University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City (1,023)
- University of Santo Tomas, Sampaloc, Manila (785)
- San Beda University, San Miguel, Manila (1,455)
- Manila Adventist College, Pasay City (438)
- University of the Philippines-Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (739)
- San Beda College Alabang, Muntinlupa City (579)
- Saint Louis University, Baguio City (1,158)
- University of Nueva Caceres, Naga City, Camarines Sur (527)
- University of San Jose-Recoletos, Basak Campus, Cebu City (1,055)
- Central Philippine University, Jaro, Iloilo City (582)
- V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation, Tacloban City (461)
- Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City (598)
- Ateneo de Davao University, Bangkal, Davao City (1,081)
The results are tentatively scheduled to be released in early December, with the oath-taking and signing of the Roll of Attorneys set for January 24, 2025.
As the final day of exams approaches, CPU’s role as a testing center not only highlights its ongoing commitment to excellence in legal education but also reinforces its dedication to providing a supportive environment for future legal professionals.