Ilonggo former SC justice supports Iloilo as regular bar exam center

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Retired Supreme Court Justice Francis H. Jardeleza has expressed his support for establishing Iloilo City as a regular testing center for the annual bar examinations.

“I am so happy that we have a regional testing center here in Iloilo. Traveling to distant testing centers can be expensive,” Jardeleza said in an interview on September 9.

For this year’s bar exams, Central Philippine University (CPU) in Jaro, Iloilo City, is among the 13 local testing centers nationwide, expecting over 600 examinees during the three-day exam period.

“I hope the Supreme Court considers making Iloilo City a permanent site for the bar exams,” he said, noting Iloilo’s status as the regional center of Western Visayas.

Jardeleza also addressed the logistical challenges for examinees from Cebu and nearby areas.

“We need to ask the Supreme Court to consider these factors, as conditions change every year,” he added.

He agreed that holding the exams over three days is a better option, pointing out that stretching the exams over a month would be too long.

Jardeleza emphasized the need for more lawyers nationwide, particularly in underserved provinces.

“The country needs as many lawyers as possible. There is a shortage, especially in the provinces,” he stressed.

As a message to bar examinees, Jardeleza urged them to pray and endure the three-day examination.

“Do your best and persevere. With God’s help and your dedication, I hope you will succeed,” he encouraged.

The 2024 Bar Exams commenced on September 8, with additional testing dates scheduled for September 11 and 15.

According to Associate Justice and 2024 Bar Chair Mario Lopez, more than 10,000 aspiring lawyers are taking part in this year’s examinations.