By Rey G. Panaligan
One-thousand, seven-hundred twenty-four law graduates passed the 2017 Bar examinations, the Supreme Court announced yesterday.
Mark John H. Simondo of the University of Saint La Salle in Bacolod City topped the examinations with an overall rating of 91.05 percent.
Second was Christianne Mae C. Balili of the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, 90.80, and third was Camille B. Remoroza of the Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City, 90.70.
Rounding up the Top 10 were Ivanne D’laureil I. Hisoler, University of San Carlos, 89.55; Monica Anne Yap, San Beda College-Manila, 89.45; Lorenzo Luigi T. Gayya, University of Santo Tomas, 89.10; Rheland S. Servacio, University of San Carlos, 89; Krizza Fe P. Alcantara-Bagni, St. Mary’s University, and Algie Kwillon B. Mariacos, San Beda College-Manila, 88.90; Klinton M. Torralba, University of Santo Tomas, 88.65; and Emma Ruby J. Aguilar, University of Santo Tomas.
Justice Lucas P. Bersamin, chairperson of the 2017 Bar examinations committee, said 25.5 percent of the 6,748 examinees passed the examinations held in four Sundays last November. Bersamin said that for the first time, the SC announced the Top 20 placers in the examinations.
The oath-taking of the new lawyers will be held on June 1 at 2:30 p.m. at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
Assistant Bar Confidant Amor Entila said successful examinees may secure their clearances from the Office of the Bar Confidant from May 7 to May 31.
