Some bar takers were disqualified for hiding their COVID status

After two years of being put on hold, the Supreme Court combined the 2020 and 2021 batches for this year’s Bar examination. While it’s a great opportunity for aspiring lawyers, a number of takers have been disqualified for breaking the Honor Code and policies while taking the exam.

According to Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, some examinees who were previously infected with COVID-19 still entered their respective testing centers without disclosing their status. Other violations included smuggling mobile phones inside the room and accessing social media within the premises during lunch break.

‘For their infractions, I am exercising my prerogative as Bar Chairperson to disqualify these examinees from the 2020/21 Bar Examinations,’ Leonen clarified. ‘I take my constant message of honor to the examinees seriously.’

#Bar2020_21 Update: Read BAR BULLETIN NO. 39, S. 2022
DISQUALIFICATION OF BAR EXAMINEES WHO VIOLATED THE HONOR CODE#BestBarEver2020_21 pic.twitter.com/6MBKunl9eL

— Philippine Supreme Court Public Information Office (@SCPh_PIO) February 6, 2022

Leonen also pointed out that he owes his decision to other aspiring lawyers who risked their lives just to take the 2020/2021 Bar exams, but also to those who could’ve taken it if it were not for their COVID-19 positive results. The Supreme Court stated that 219 registered examinees didn’t take the test after they received a positive COVID test result ahead of the big day.

11,378 examinees took the exams on Feb. 4, Friday, at 31 testing sites spread across 22 local government units across the country. The first digital and localized test in the examination’s history seemed to go well after it garnered a 96.5% turnout.

To examinees who were disqualified, Leonen advises them to “reflect” on their actions, and that they can still change their narrative. Applicants who don’t pass the Bar Exam are allowed to retake it as many times as necessary.

Leonen added, ‘You will not end up as the examinee who lost your honor forever in your desperation to pass an examination. Learn from your mistake, and earn your honor back.’

Banner: (L) Mike Gonzales / Wikimedia Commons | (R) Unsplash/robin_rednine

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Source: we the pvblic