2K aspiring lawyers to face 2025 Bar exams; CPU tapped as Region 6 testing center

By Gerome Dalipe IV

Some 12,114 aspiring lawyers will march into 13 testing centers nationwide on Sept. 7, 10, and 14 — all chasing the same prize: the coveted “dot.”

Central Philippine University (CPU) in Iloilo City has been designated by the Supreme Court as one of the local testing centers for the grueling #AMYzingBar2025, which is expected to draw hundreds of barristers from CPU, University of San Agustin, West Visayas State University, and nearby provincial law schools.

The three-day exam will test candidates on core subjects including Political and Public International Law; Commercial and Taxation Laws; Civil Law; Labor Law and Social Legislation; Criminal Law; Remedial Law; and Legal and Judicial Ethics with Practical Exercises.

Bar chair, Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, steadied nerves with a rallying cry: “There is no need to panic. Your greatest weapon is clarity. Be calm, confident, and direct. Answer only what is asked, nothing more.” She stressed the Bar exams are “meant to pass, not to fail” and looks forward to oath-taking day in January 2026.

Dean Ralph A. Sarmiento of the University of St. La Salle College of Law in Bacolod City warned that the Bar is more than a test of memory — it is “Judgment Day” for law students. “It separates the sheep from the goats,” Sarmiento wrote on his blog, describing the emotional stakes and public scrutiny that follow results day.

Why many fail, Sarmiento observed, boils down to three essentials: Logic, Language, and Law. Logic failures show up as poor issue-spotting and faulty reasoning. Language failures appear as sloppy writing, bad grammar, or illegible handwriting. Law failures stem from gaps in doctrine, outdated knowledge, or weak application of legal rules.

Sarmiento urged Bar takers to treat preparation as a mission. “Know your strengths and weaknesses by reviewing law school records and subject grades,” stressed Sarmiento.

He urged examinees to allocate more time to morning papers, especially Remedial Law, and adjust for subjects you find hardest. “Confirm you have all the books, outlines, and materials for every topic,” he said.

Sarmiento also challenged barristers to train themselves under pressure by taking simulation exam conditions with full-length, timed papers to test stamina and pacing.

He reminded Bar examinees to maintain sleep, nutrition, and exercise; physical and emotional readiness matters.

Likewise, Sarmiento also cautioned against overreliance on rote recall. “The Bar exams test your ability to analyze legal problems and apply relevant laws and jurisprudence,” he said. He advised examinees to concentrate on crafting clear, direct answers rather than attempting showy or speculative responses.