Leonen

SC bares COVID guidelines for Bar examinees

January 10, 2022 Hector Lawas 411 views

THE Supreme Court on Monday came up with another Bar bulletin urging examinees for the 2020-2021 examinations scheduled on January 23 and 25, to go on self-quarantine starting January 10, 2022.

The SC reiterated that Bar examinees who will test positive for COVID-19 – whether symptomatic or asymptomatic – both under an antigen test or RT-PCR test will automatically be denied entry to their local testing centers.

Likewise, fully-vaccinated examinees will undergo one antigen test within 48 hours before the first examination, and those who will test positive shall be required to comply with the guidelines of their local government units.

On the other hand, unvaccinated examinees will be required to present negative nasal or saliva RT-PCR test results taken within 72 hours before the first examination.

As to examinees who have recovered from COVID-19, they are still be required to undergo an antigen test or RT-PCR test before the first examination.

Examinees who present a positive test result but have since recovered from COVID-19 up to a month before the first Bar examination day shall be required to present an affidavit stating under oath that (1) they are considered by the local government unit as a “recovered” case and (2) they have completed the required isolation period.

As they take the examinations, Bar exam personnel will verify with the concerned local government unit as to their status as “recovered.”

Any false statement shall be cause for outright disqualification.

As an added layer of protection, especially against the new Omicron variant, all unvaccinated Bar examinees are also highly encouraged to get vaccinated before the Bar Examinations.

“Study patiently as you count down the days remaining. Keep fit, eat wisely, get the right amount of sleep, converse with friends and family, and be positive. For those who have already been infected, recover soonest by giving priority to your body and mind as it heals. You will all need the stamina to be able to hurdle the examinations and to also become good lawyers,” the Bar bulletin, signed by senior SC Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, read.

Just recently, the SC, in an unprecedented move, has reduced the coverage of the 2020-2021 Bar examinations scheduled this month, and also shortened its duration.

This was pro has vice or for this occasion alone, the SC clarified.

The high court considered the extraordinary events happening around – the fresh spike in COVID-19 and the devastation left by Typhoon Odette in Visayas and Mindanao.

Examinees will take four sets of tests, encompassing the usual eight (8) subjects. These are:

(1) The Law Pertaining to the State and Its Relationship with Its Citizens (formerly Political Law, Labor Law, and Taxation Law); (2) Criminal Law; (3) The Law Pertaining to Private Personal and Commercial Relations (formerly Civil Law and Commercial Law); and (4) Procedure and Professional Ethics (formerly Remedial Law, Legal Ethics, and Practical Exercises).

“The Court noted that the Bar examinees for this coming Bar has reviewed for longer than all the other batches taking the Bar exams under very difficult conditions,” the SC said in a statement.

” These changes pro hac vice seek to meet the demand for new lawyers amid the disasters plaguing the country. The Philippines has produced no new lawyer since the pandemic.”

“But while the Bar Examinations may no longer be postponed, it can be held in a way that is more humane. With these changes, the Court strikes that balance,” the SC said.

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