MANILA, Philippines – Takers of the 2022 Bar Examinations who did not disclose their COVID-19 status and who brought phones into testing centers will be disqualified from the test, the Supreme Court (SC) announced on Sunday, February 6.

“For their infractions, I am exercising my prerogative as Bar Chairperson to disqualify these examinees from the 2020/21 Bar Examinations,” the SC statement said, which was signed by Associate Justice Marvic Leonen.

Leonen said the examinees broke the honor code. The SC did not disclose how many were disqualified. (READ: After long wait and isolation comes the real test for thousands of law graduates)

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Leonen said he came to the decision after receiving reports examinees who did not disclose that they tested positive ahead of the exams, and examinees who “smuggled” phones into testing centers and accessed social media during lunch break.

“I take my constant message of honor to the examinees seriously. I owe it not only to those who risked their lives just to make the 2020/21 Bar Examinations happen despite all the odds, but especially those examinees who could have taken the Bar Examinations were it not for their positive COVID-19 test results,” Leonen added.

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According to the Supreme Court, some 219 registered examinees were not able to take the test after they yielded a positive COVID test result ahead of the big day.

The Philippine Bar Exam is one of the most difficult and highly regarded tests in the country. Examinees study months and years ahead, and even so many fail and take the test multiple times before finally being admitted into the Philippine Bar.

Leonen said the disqualification will only apply to the recently held bar exam.

“For now, reflect on what you have done, but know that you can still change your narrative. 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,” Leonen said. – Rappler.com