By Nikolai Ordoña

An estimated 9,207 examinees convened at 14 testing centers nationwide, Wednesday, November 9, with the hope of passing the 2022 Bar Examinations. 

Prior to this, preparations were made in the perimeter within the testing sites, including the National Capital Region Police Office which deployed around 500 police personnel for security and emergency response. 

Meanwhile, road closures, traffic rerouting, and a liquor ban were also put in place in cities such as Manila and Cebu.

According to Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Sabater Caguioa, chairperson of the bar examinations, the first day went “well and smoothly”. 

He added that he hopes for the same results on the next exam days, which are scheduled on November 13, 16, and 20. 

According to the Supreme Court, a total of 10,006 candidates are set to take the exams this year, higher than the takers in 2019 (7,685) but lower than the previous 2020-2021 Bar Exams (11,402); 2,529 of which are anticipated to take it in the Ateneo de Manila University, the highest expected out of the 14 local testing centers nationwide.

In light of this, the Ateneo High School has announced that the Junior High School and Senior High School Complexes will be off-limits to students and employees. 

In the meantime, classes in the said departments are to be held online from November 7-21. 

The rest of the Loyola Campus will continue normal operations; however, the public is advised to plan accordingly as heavy traffic within and around the campus is expected on the days of bar examinations.

Thumbnail from the Supreme Court – Public Information Office