Philippine Bar Examination

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Philippine Bar Examination
Type Bar examination
Developer / Supreme Court Bar Examination
administrator Committee
Purpose Admission to practice law
Year started 1901
Four (4) Sundays of November of
Offered every year (Held every four Sundays of
September until 2010)
 75% passing average with no
grade lower than 50% in any
subject
 Candidates who have failed
the bar exams for three times
are not permitted to take
Restrictions another bar exam until they
on attempts re-enroll and pass regular
fourth-year review classes and
attend a pre-bar review course
in an approved law school
 Candidates are limited to take
the Bar exams only five times

Countries /
Philippines
regions
Annual
number of 8,155 (in 2018)[1]
test takers
Prerequisites
/ eligibility see Admission requirements
criteria
Qualification
20–30% average passing rate
rate
Website sc.judiciary.gov.ph/baradmission/

The Philippine Bar Examination is the professional licensure examination for lawyers in the
Philippines. The exam is exclusively administered by the Supreme Court of the Philippines
through the Supreme Court Bar Examination Committee.[2]
Contents
 1 Brief history
 2 Admission requirements
 3 Committee of Bar Examiners
 4 Bar review programs
 5 Coverage
o 5.1 Grading system
o 5.2 Passing average vs. Passing rate
o 5.3 Law school passing rates
o 5.4 Role of the Supreme Court, Criticisms
 6 Increasing difficulty
 7 Waiting period
 8 Admission of successful bar examinees
 9 Controversies
 10 Bar topnotchers
o 10.1 Bar Topnotchers List
 10.1.1 Highest and lowest topnotcher grades
 10.1.2 Highest scores in specific bar subjects
o 10.2 Famous bar topnotchers
 10.2.1 Presidents and Vice-Presidents
 10.2.2 Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Justices
 10.2.3 Senators and Representatives
 10.2.4 Appointees and career service officials
 10.2.5 Local officials
 10.2.6 Academe
 10.2.7 Private Sector
 11 See also
 12 References
 13 External links

Brief history
The first Philippine Bar Exams was conducted in 1901 with only thirteen (13) examinees. The
third Philippine Bar Exam took place in 1903 but the results were released in 1905. José I.
Quintos obtained the highest rating of 96.33%, Sergio Osmeña, Sr. was second with 95.66%, F.
Salas was third with 94.5% and Manuel L. Quezon fourth with 87.83%. The first bar exam in
1901 has only 13 examinees, while the 2008 bar examination is the 107th (given per Article 8,
Section 5, 1987 Constitution). The 2016 bar exam had the highest number of passers 3747 out of
6344 (59.06 percent) examinees, However, the Supreme Court of the Philippines' Office of the
Bar Confidant announced that (a new and official record of) 7,227 candidates will take the 2017
Bar examinations.[3]
Past Bar examinations were conducted every September at De La Salle University, however, due
to security concerns after the 2010 Philippine Bar exam bombing, The Supreme Court moved the
examinations to University of Santo Tomas every November.

The most notable was the 1999 bar examinations which recorded the lowest passing rate of
16.59% or with a total number of 660 successful examinees. Also, the 2003 bar exam was
marred by controversy when the Court ordered a retake of the Mercantile law due to
questionnaire leakage.[4] In 2005, the High Tribunal implemented the "five-strike" rule, which
disqualifies five-time flunkers from taking future bar exams.[5]

Admission requirements
Further information: Legal education in the Philippines

A bar candidate must meet the following academic qualifications:

 Holder of a professional degree in law from a recognized law school in the Philippines[6]
 Holder of a bachelor's degree with academic credits in certain required subjects from a
recognized college or university in the Philippines or abroad.[7]

He or she should also meet certain non-academic requisites:[8]

 A Filipino citizen.
 At least twenty-one (21) years of age.
 A resident of the Philippines.
 Satisfactory evidence of good moral character (usually a certificate from the dean of law
school or an immediate superior at work).
 No charges involving moral turpitude have been filed against the candidate or are
pending in any court in the Philippines.

In March 2010 the Philippine Supreme Court Issued Bar Matter 1153 amending provisions in sec
5 and 6 of rule 138 of the rules of court now allowing Filipino foreign law school graduates to
take the bar exam provided that they comply with the following: a. completion of all courses
leading to a degree of Bachelor of laws or its equivalent b. recognition or accreditation of the law
school by proper authority c. completion of all fourth year subjects in a program of a law school
duly accredited by the Philippine Government d. present proof of completing a separate
bachelor's degree

Committee of Bar Examiners

The Supreme Court appoints memberships in the Committee of Bar Examiners, the official
task force for formulating bar exam questions, instituting policy directives, executing procedures,
grading bar examination papers, and releasing the results of the annual bar examination.[9]
The committee is chaired by an incumbent Justice of the Supreme Court, who is designated by
the Supreme Court to serve for a term of one year. The members of the committee includes eight
(8) members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, who also hold office for a term of one
year.[9] While the Justice who shall act as chairman is immediately known, committee members
must exert every effort to conceal their identities until the oath-taking of the successful bar
examinees, approximately six months after the bar exam.[9]

Bar review programs

Candidates who meet all the admission requirements usually enroll in special review classes after
graduating from law school. These programs are held from April to September in law schools,
colleges, universities, and review centers.

Program schedule, content, and delivery differs from one review program to another. Lecturers
in these programs are called bar reviewers. They are usually full-time professors and part-time
professorial lecturers in law schools and universities. Most review programs invite incumbent
and retired justices and high ranking public officials both as a marketing tool and as a program
innovation.[10]

Coverage
Bar examinations is conducted during all four Sundays of the month of November. Two bar
subjects shall be taken every week, one is scheduled in the morning while another is in the
afternoon. The examination covers the following topics and their associated subtopic, popularly
known as the bar subjects:[11]

First Week Second Week Third Week Fourth Week

 Political Law  Civil Law  Mercantile Laws  Remedial Law

 Constituti  Persons  Letters of  Rules on

onal Law and Credit Civil
 Administ Family  Warehou Procedur
rative Relatio se e
Law ns Receipts  Rules on
 Law on  Propert Law Special
Public y  Trust Proceedi
Officers  Obligat Receipts ngs
 Election ions Law  Rules on
Law and  Negotiab Criminal
 Local Contrac le Procedur
Governm ts Instrume e
ent Code  Sales nts Law  Rules on
 Success  Insurance Evidence
ion Code
  Public  Lease  Transport  Legal and
Internatio  Agency ation Judicial Ethics
nal Law and Law
Partner  Corporati  Practice
 Labor Law ship on Law of Law
 Trusts  Securitie  Code of
 Labor  Credit s Professio
Standards Transac Regulatio nal
 Labor tions n Code Responsi
Relations  Land  Banking bility
 Social Title Laws  Code of
Legislatio and  Special Judicial
n Deeds Commer Conduct
 Torts cial Laws  Practical
and  Intellectu Exercise
Damag al s
es Property
Law
 Taxation
 Criminal Law
 General
Principl  Revised
es Penal
 Nationa Code
l  Special
Taxatio Penal
n Laws
 Local
Taxatio
n
 Tariff
and
Custom
s Code
 Judicial
Remedi
es
(Revise
d Rules
of the
Court
of Tax
Appeal
s
Grading system

The eight bar subjects are separately graded. Each subject contributes to the general average in
the following proportion:[12]

Subject Weight'
Civil Law 15%
Labor Law and Social Legislation 10%
Mercantile Law 15%
Criminal Law 10%
Political and International Law 15%
Taxation 10%
Remedial Law 20%
Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises 5%

The passing average fixed by law is 75%, with no grade falling below 50% in any bar subject.[12]

Passing average vs. Passing rate

The passing average is the minimum grade in the exam required to be admitted to the practice
of law. The passing rate is the proportion of total number of bar passers in relation to the total
number of bar examinees. It is usually computed on two levels—the national level (national bar
passing rate), and the law school level (law school passing rate).

In the past, passing averages were considerably lower to admit more new lawyers (i.e. 69% in
1947, 69.45% in 1946, 70% in 1948). Since 1982, the passing average has been fixed at 75%.
This has led to a dramatic decrease in the national passing rate of bar examinees, from an all-
time high of 75.17% in 1954 to an all-time low of 16.59% in 1999 (all-time low should have
been the single digit 5% national passing rate for the 2007 bar examination if the Supreme Court
did not lower the passing average to 70% and lowered the disqualification rate in 3 subjects). In
recent years, the annual national bar passing rate ranges from 20% to 30%.[13]

Law school passing rates

The most recent ranking (December 2015) for the top ten law schools in the Philippines by the
Legal Education Board is based on the cumulative performance of law schools in the 2012, 2013
and 2014 Bar Examinations. The list only included law schools which had 20 or more
examinees:[14]

1. University of the Philippines (73.71%)

2. Ateneo de Manila University (67.55%)
3. San Beda College-Manila (67.13%)
4. University of San Carlos (58.00%)
5. Ateneo de Davao University (53.02%)
 6. University of Santo Tomas (43.98%)
7. University of Cebu (41.49%)
8. San Beda College-Alabang (39.10%)
9. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (35.80%)
10. Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan (32.20%)

Role of the Supreme Court, Criticisms

In 2007, only 5% (of the 5,626 who took the 2007 tests, or less than 300) got the passing grade
of 75%. Thus, the Supreme Court adjusted the standard to 70% and the disqualification rate in 3
subjects (civil, labor and criminal law) from 50 to 45%. Accordingly, 1,289 or 22.91%, "passed."
This passing grade reduction is highly unusual, since it last happened in the 1981 exam when the
passing grade was lowered to 72.5%. Prior to 1982, the passing mark jumped unpredictably from
year to year: 69.45 percent in 1946; 69 in 1947; 70 in 1948, 1963, 1972 and 1974; 71 in 1961;
71.5 in 1953, 1964 and 1965; 72 in 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960 and 1967; 72.5 in 1954, 1962 and
1981; 73 in 1950, 1956, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1975, 1978 and 1980; 73.5 in 1955 and 1979; 74 in
1949, 1951, 1952, 1966, 1971, 1973 and 1977; and 74.5 in 1976. In 1954, the Court lowered the
passing grade to 72.5%, even if the passing percentage was already at its highest at 75.17%. In
1999, moves to lower the passing grade to 74% failed, after Justice Fidel Purisima, bar
committee chairman failed to disclose that his nephew took the examination. He was censured
and his honoraria was reduced to half.[15]

Increasing difficulty
The difficulty of the recent bar examinations, compared to exams of the past, can be attributed to
the following factors:[13]

 The growing volume of Philippine case and statutory laws is unprecedented. Laws,
jurisprudence, and legal doctrines of the past constitute only a small fraction of
contemporary Philippine legal materials, which are increasing on a daily basis.[16]
 The 75% passing average with no grade lower than 50% in any subject is already fixed
by law. Actual candidates who scored 74.99% in the general average were not admitted
to the practice of law, unless they retake the bar exams.[13]
 The Three-Failure Rule is now in place. Candidates who have failed the bar exams for
three times are not permitted to take another bar exam until they re-enroll and pass
regular fourth-year review classes and attend a pre-bar review course in an approved law
school.[7]
 The Five-Strike Rule is implemented since 2005. The rule limits to five the number of
times a candidate may take the Bar exams. The rule disqualifies a candidate after failing
in three examinations. However, he is permitted to take fourth and fifth examinations if
he successfully completes a one-year refresher course for each examination.[17] On
September 3, 2013, the Supreme Court, issued a resolution, lifting the five-strike rule on
bar repeaters.[18]
 The four-year bachelor's degree is required before admission to law school. Hence, every
bar examinee has to hold at least two degrees—one in law and one in another field. In the
 past, law schools readily admit high school graduates and two-year Associate in Arts
degree holders.[7]

After the end of the Second World War, the passing rate in the succeeding years was remarkably
high, ranging from 56 to 72% percent. However, after Associate Justice J.B.L. Reyes, a noted
scholar, was appointed Chairman of the 1955 Bar Examinations, the passing rate for that year
dropped dramatically to 26.8%, with a mortality rate of 73.2%. That ratio has been invariably
maintained in the 50+ years since.[19]

Waiting period
The largely essay-type exams are manually checked by members of the Committee of Bar
Examiners. Candidates have to wait from the last Sunday of the bar exams in September up to
the date of the release of results, which traditionally happens before or during the Holy Week
(the last week of March or the first week of April) of the following year.

During this period, candidates (who already hold law and bachelor's degrees) may opt to work in
law firms and courts as legal researchers, teach in liberal arts and business colleges, function in
companies and organizations using their pre-law degrees (i.e. Communication Arts, Accounting,
Economics, Journalism, etc.), help run the family business, or take a long vacation.[20]

Admission of successful bar examinees

The Office of the Bar Confidant of the Philippine Supreme Court releases the Official List of
Successful Bar Examinees, usually during the last week of March or the first week of April of
every year. Candidates whose names appear in the list are required to take and subscribe before
the Supreme Court the corresponding Oath of Office.[21]

Candidates shall take an Oath of Office and sign their names in the Roll of Attorneys of the
Supreme Court.[22] The oath-taking is usually held in May at the Philippine International
Convention Center (PICC) with a formal program where all Justices of the Supreme Court,
sitting en banc, formally approve the applications of the successful bar candidates. The eight bar
examiners are officially introduced to the public. A message to the newly inducted lawyers is
delivered by one of the justices. Candidates who made the bar top ten list are also introduced and
honored. The deans of all Philippine law schools are requested to attend the ceremony and grace
the front seats of the plenary hall.[11]

Controversies
In the 1930s, a distant relative of Imelda Romualdez Marcos who was a Justice in the High Court
resigned after a controversy involving the bar examinations. Justice Ramon Fernandez was
forced to protect his name and honor when he resigned because of a bar examination scandal.[23]

On November 23, 1979, the High Court, per Justice Pacifico de Castro ordered new
examinations in labor and social legislation and taxation.
On May 7, 1982, 12 of the Supreme Court's 14 justices resigned amid expose "that the court
fixed the bar-examination score of a member's son so that he would pass." Justice Vicente Ericta
was accused to have personally approached the bar chairman to inquire whether his (Ericta's) son
passed the bar. Ferdinand Marcos accepted the resignations and appointed the new Justices.
Chief Justice Enrique Fernando wept at a news conference as he accepted responsibility for
rechecking and changing the exam score of Gustavo Ericta, son of Justice Vicente Ericta.[24]

Associate Justice Fidel Purisima, chairman of the bar committee, did not disclose that he had a
nephew who was taking the bar examination in that year. He was merely censured and his
honoraria as bar examiner were forfeited.

On September 24, 2003, the Supreme Court, per a bleary-eyed Associate Justice Jose Vitug,
annulled the tests results on mercantile law after "confirmation of what could be the most
widespread case of cheating in the 104-year-old bar exams".[25]

Bar topnotchers
Bar topnotchers are bar examinees who garnered the highest bar exam grades in a particular
year. Every year, the Supreme Court releases the bar top ten list. The list contains the names of
bar examinees who obtained the ten highest grades. It is possible for more than ten examinees to
place in the top ten because numerical ties in the computation of grades usually occur.[26]

From 1913 to 2016, schools which have produced bar topnotchers (1st placers) are as follows:[26]

 University of the Philippines College of Law – forty-nine (49) bar topnotchers

 Ateneo de Manila Law School – twenty-two (22) bar topnotchers
 San Beda College of Law – eight (8) bar topnotchers
 Philippine Law School – five (5) bar topnotchers
 Far Eastern University Institute of Law – four (4) bar topnotchers
 University of Manila College of Law – four (4) bar topnotchers
 University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law – three (3) bar topnotchers
 University of the Cordilleras (formerly Baguio Colleges Foundation) College of Law –
two (2) bar topnotchers
 Bulacan State University College of Law – one (1) bar topnotcher
 Manila Law College Foundation (formerly Escuela de Derecho de Manila) – one (1) bar
topnotcher
 Manuel L. Quezon University College of Law – one (1) bar topnotcher
 Holy Name University (formerly Divine Word College of Tagbilaran) – one (1) bar
topnotcher
 University of the East College of Law – one (1) bar topnotcher
 San Sebastian College - Recoletos – one (1) bar topnotcher
 Notre Dame University (Philippines) – one (1) bar topnotcher
 University of San Carlos School of Law and Governance – one (1) bar topnotcher

Two bar examinees topped the bar exams without officially graduating from any Philippine law
school:[26]
  Jose W. Diokno – former Senator of the Philippines; 1st placer, 1945 bar exams. Mr.
Diokno, who tied for Number One with former Senate President Jovito Salonga in the
1945 Bar Exams, would have graduated from the University of Santo Tomas had not
World War II supervened. Mr. Diokno's success in the bar exams is further underscored
by the fact that he was also under-age[27] and that he also placed number 1 in the 1940
CPA Board exams which he took while in law school, summa cum laude[28] after
graduating from then De La Salle College[29] at the age of 17. This double number 1 feat
may never be paralleled. The closest may have been Cesar L. Villanueva (from the
Ateneo Law School) who placed second in the 1981 Bar Exams and sixth place in the
1982 CPA Board Exams and Reginald Laco (from the De La Salle Lipa Law School)
who placed fourth in the 2015 Bar Exams and second in the 2009 CPA Board Exams.[30]
 Carolina C. Griño-Aquino – former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court; 1st placer,
1950 bar exams. Ms. Aquino (who later became the wife of Mr. Ramon Aquino, 6th
placer in 1939 Bar Exams) was a special student of the UP College of Law, where she
finished her last two years of law school having taken her first two years of law school at
the Colegio de San Agustin in Iloilo. Ms. Aquino was advised to take her last two years
of law school in UP by Colegio de San Agustin Law Dean Felipe Ysmael.
Coincidentally, Mr. Ysmael (a UP Law graduate himself) placed number 1 in the 1917
Bar Exams. Since Ms. Aquino only took her last two years of law at UP, she can't be
certified as an official UP law graduate.[27] Both spouses Aquino (in addition to being
topnotchers) also served as Justices of the Supreme Court.[31]

In the past, non-law school graduates were allowed to take the bar. However, the Revised Rules
of Court and Supreme Court Circulars allow Filipino graduates of Philippine law schools (and
subject to certain conditions, Filipino graduates of foreign law schools) to take the bar,
necessarily excluding non-law graduates and foreigners who have law degrees from taking part
in the exercise.[6]

While not a guarantee for topping the bar, academic excellence in law school is a good indicator
of an examinee's fortune in the bar exams. Ateneo Law School's only summa cum laude
graduate, Claudio Teehankee, placed number one in the 1940 Bar Exams.[26] It is worth noting
that Teehankee's son, Manuel Antonio, followed in his footsteps by graduating at the top of his
Ateneo Law School class (albeit, not as summa cum laude) and placing first in the 1983 bar
exams. Claudio's nephew, Enrique (a cum laude graduate from the UP College of Law), also
placed number one in the 1976 bar exams. Claudio eventually became Supreme Court Chief
Justice, Manuel was formerly Department of Justice Undersecretary and Ambassador and
Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland while
Enrique is a successful private practitioner.

This father-son-nephew feat has yet to (and, perhaps, may never) be equalled in the annals of
Philippine Bar. For siblings, the closest is when Manuel B. Zamora, Jr. placed third in the 1961
Bar Exams and younger brother Ronaldo placed first in the 1969 Bar Exams.

The UST Faculty of Civil Law's sole summa cum laude graduate, Roberto B. Concepcion, placed
first in the 1924 Bar Exams.[26] He later served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
The San Beda College[32] of Law's sole magna cum laude graduate, Florenz Regalado,[33] ranked
1st in the 1954 Bar exams with a mark of 96.70%. The record is the highest average in the
Philippine Bar Examinations, to date. Regalado later served as an Associate Justice of the
Supreme Court.

The UP College of Law (which has yet to produce a summa cum laude graduate) had five of its
seventeen magna cum laude graduates (the College of Law first conferred the honor to Rafael
Dinglasan in 1925 and, to date, last conferred the same honor to Dionne Marie Sanchez in 2007)
place number one in their respective bar exams: Rafael Dinglasan in 1925, Lorenzo Sumulong in
1929, Deogracias Eufemio in 1962, Roberto San Jose in 1966 and Ronaldo Zamora in 1969.[26]
Dinglasan became a Judge of the Court of First Instance of Manila, Sumulong became Senator of
the Republic and a renowned statesman, Eufemio and San Jose established their respective
successful private law practices while Zamora became Executive Secretary to then President
Joseph Estrada and is currently the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives.

Bar Topnotchers List

The Office of the Bar Confidant releases an official Bar Topnotchers list together with the list
of names of all successful bar examinees. The Bar Topnotchers list contains the names of the
candidates who garnered the highest general averages in the bar exam for that year. The highest
ranking candidate in the list is known as the bar topnotcher. The list has always been the
subject of much media attention and public speculation.[34]

Making a place in the list is widely regarded as an important life achievement, an attractive
professional qualification, and a necessary improvement in a lawyer's professional and social
status.[34]

Below is a listing of all 106 first-placers (from 1913 to 2017) and can be rearranged from highest
to lowest in terms of rating obtained. It should be noted however that bar ratings are not exactly
comparable from year-to-year as the difficulty of the exams varies through the years. Two (2) bar
examinations took place in 1946, first in August to cover the absence of the examination the
previous year and in November for the present year. There was a tie in first place in two
occasions – in 1944 and in 1999.

Passing
Year Name Average School Hometown
Percentage[35]
1901
1902
30.76% (4 out
1903 Jose L. Quintos 96.33 Escuela de Derecho Baliuag, Bulacan
of 13)[36]
1904
1905
1906
1907
 Passing
Year Name Average School Hometown
Percentage[35]
1908
1909
1910
1911
1912
University of the
1913 Manuel A. Roxas 92 Roxas City, Capiz
Philippines
University of the Manila, Metro
1914 Manuel C. Goyena 93
Philippines Manila
Francisco University of the Manila, Metro
1915 90
Villanueva, Jr. Philippines Manila
University of the
1916 Paulino Gullas 93 Cebu City, Cebu
Philippines
University of the
1917 Felipe Ysmael 92 Iloilo City, Iloilo
Philippines
University of the San Narciso,
1918 Alejo Labrador 87
Philippines Zambales
Philippine Law
1919 Gregorio Anonas 87 Iba, Zambales
School
1920 Adolfo Brillantes 84.1 Escuela de Derecho Bangued, Abra
University of the
1921 Pablo C. Payawal 89.1 San Miguel, Bulacan
Philippines
University of the
1922 Amando L. Velilla 89.1 Balasan, Iloilo
Philippines
University of the
1923 Roque V. Desquitado 90.9 Bantayan, Cebu
Philippines
Roberto R. University of Santo Manila, Metro
1924 89.1
Concepcion Tomas Manila
University of the
1925 Rafael Dinglasan 91.1 Roxas City, Capiz
Philippines
Philippine Law
1926 Eugeniano Perez 88.1 Mandaue, Cebu
School
University of the
1927 Cesar Kintanar 87.7 Argao, Cebu
Philippines
Philippine Law Sagay, Negros
1928 Filomeno B. Pascual 90.3
School Occidental
Lorenzo S. University of the
1929 92.5 Antipolo, Rizal
Sumulong Philippines
 Passing
Year Name Average School Hometown
Percentage[35]
University of the
1930 Tecla San Andres 89.4 Naga, Camarines Sur
Philippines
University of the
1931 Jose N. Leuterio 89.4 Boac, Marinduque
Philippines
Hermenegildo University of the Manila, Metro
1932 93
Atienza Philippines Manila
University of
1933 Lope C. Quimbo 92.45 Calbiga, Samar
Manila
Philippine Law
1934 Marciano P. Catral 89.7 Luna, Isabela
School
University of the
1935 Enrique Estrellado 91.7 San Pablo, Laguna
Philippines
Diosdado P. University of Santo
1936 89.85 Lubao, Pampanga
Macapagal Tomas
Cecilia A. Muñoz- University of the
1937 92.6 Bauan, Batangas
Palma Philippines
University of Medina, Misamis
1938 Emmanuel N. Pelaez 91.3
Manila Oriental
University of the
1939 Ferdinand E. Marcos 92.35 Sarrat, Ilocos Norte
Philippines
Ateneo de Manila Manila, Metro
1940 Claudio Teehankee 94.35
University Manila
University of the Manila, Metro
1941 Emmet P.D. Shea 90.2
Philippines Manila
University of the
Jovito R. Salonga Pasig, Metro Manila
Philippines
1944 95.3
Special (University Manila, Metro
Jose W. Diokno
of Santo Tomas) Manila
Gregoria T. Cruz – University of the Manila, Metro 46.63% (97
92.25
(August 1946) Philippines Manila out of 208)
1946
Pedro L. Yap – University of the 56.69% (271
91.7 San Isidro, Leyte
(November 1946) Philippines out of 478)
Ameurfina A. University of the Manila, Metro 59.87% (428
1947 93.85
Melencio-Herrera Philippines Manila out of 755)
Manuel G. Far Eastern 62.26% (561
1948 95.5 Liliw, Laguna
Montecillo University out of 901)
Anacleto C. Philippine Law 56.14% (686
1949 95.85 Caba, La Union
Mañgaser School out of 1,222)
Special (Colegio de 31.92% (423
1950 Carolina C. Griño 92.05 Leganes, Iloilo
San Agustin and out of 1,325)
 Passing
Year Name Average School Hometown
Percentage[35]
University of the
Philippines)
57.19%
University of
1951 Vicente R. Acsay 92.25 Bugasong, Antique (1.189 out of
Manila
2,079)
62.02%
Pedro Samson C. University of the Ozamiz, Misamis
1952 94.25 (1,705 out of
Animas Philippines Occidental
2,749)
72.42%
University of
1953 Leonardo A. Amores 94.05 Roxas City, Capiz (1,851 out of
Manila
2,556)
75.17%
1954 Florenz D. Regalado 96.7 San Beda College Concepcion, Iloilo (2,409 out of
3,206)
Far Eastern 27.29% (815
1955 Tomas P. Matic, Jr. 90.55 Concepcion, Tarlac
University out of 2,987)
62.60%
1956 Francisco C. Catral 90.2 San Beda College Lal-lo, Cagayan (2,283 out of
3,647)
University of the 19.77% (615
1957 Gregorio R. Castillo 89.15 Buhi, Camarines Sur
Philippines out of 3,110)
University of the Isabela, Negros 21.97% (868
1958 Manuel G. Abello 89.25
Philippines Occidental out of 3,951)
Far Eastern Cabadbaran, Agusan 21.21% (796
1959 Agustin O. Benitez 89.2
University del Norte out of 3,754)
Manuel L. Quezon 39.9% (1,667
1960 Ismael Andres 91.7 Looc, Romblon
University out of 4,178)
19.34 (845
1961 Avelino V. Cruz 90.95 San Beda College Pasig, Metro Manila
out of 4,370)
Deogracias G. University of the Manila, Metro 19.4% (899
1962 90.8
Eufemio Philippines Manila out of 4,635)
22.26%
Ateneo de Manila
1963 Cornelio C. Gison 86.35 Arevalo, Iloilo City (1,213 out of
University
5,453)
San Isidro, Nueva 25.09% (902
1964 Jesus P. Castelo 88.4 San Beda College
Ecija out of 3,596)
32.66% (642
1965 Victor S. de la Serna 89.8 San Beda College Tagbilaran, Bohol
out of 1,965)
University of the Manila, Metro 36.71% (715
1966 Roberto V. San Jose 90.6
Philippines Manila out of 1,947)
 Passing
Year Name Average School Hometown
Percentage[35]
22.8% (411
1967 Rodolfo D. Robles 89.6 San Beda College Tiaong, Quezon
out of 1,803)
Divine Word
Cogon, Tagbilaran, 21.11% (347
1968 Oscar B. Glovasa 87.45 College of
Bohol out of 1,643)
Tagbilaran
University of the 28.6 (495 out
1969 Ronaldo B. Zamora 87.3 Calumpit, Bulacan
Philippines of 1,731)
Far Eastern 27.9% (491
1970 Romulo D. San Juan 87.5 San Jacinto, Masbate
University out of 1,761)
University of the Meycauayan, 33.84% (621
1971 Henry R. Villarica 92.4
Philippines Bulacan out of 1,835)
Ateneo de Manila Manila, Metro 26.68% (509
1972 Januario B. Soller, Jr. 87.13
University Manila out of 1,907)
Ateneo de Manila Zamboanga City, 37.4% (610
1973 Vicente R. Solis 90.3
University Zamboanga del Sur out of 1,631)
Ateneo de Manila 35.02% (685
1974 Arturo D. Brion 91.65 San Pablo, Laguna
University out of 1,956)
Nicanor B. Padilla, University of the 35.18% (686
1975 86.7 Cebu City, Cebu
Jr. East out of 1,950)
Enrique Y. University of the Manila, Metro 49.77% (926
1976 90.8
Teehankee Philippines Manila out of 1,979)
60.56%
Virgilio B. Ateneo de Manila
1977 91.8 San Pablo, Laguna (1,038 out of
Gesmundo University
1,714)
56.93%
University of the
1978 Cosme D. Rosell 92.475 Daanbantayan, Cebu (1,076 out of
Philippines
1,890)
Gregorio M. Batiller, Ateneo de Manila Davao City, Davao 49.51% (903
1979 91.4
Jr. University del Sur out of 1,824)
University of the Manila, Metro 33.61% (605
1980 Rafael R. Lagos 89.75
Philippines Manila out of 1,800)
Irene Ragodon- Ateneo de Manila Manila, Metro 43.71% (787
1981 90.95
Guevarra University Manila out of 1,800)
Ateneo de Manila Manila, Metro 20.5% (432
1982 Ray C. Espinosa 90.95
University Manila out of 2,112)
Manuel Antonio J. Ateneo de Manila Manila, Metro 21.3% (523
1983 91.4
Teehankee University Manila out of 2,455)
Ateneo de Manila Dumaguete, Negros 25.55% (638
1984 Richard M. Chiu 92.85
University Oriental out of 2,497)
 Passing
Year Name Average School Hometown
Percentage[35]
Janette Susan L. University of the San Juan, Metro 25.78% (701
1985 89.4
Peña Philippines Manila out of 2,719)
Ateneo de Manila Pagadian, 18.88% (493
1986 Laurence L. Go 88.6
University Zamboanga del Sur out of 2,609)
Ateneo de Manila Dumaguete, Negros 17.90 (480
1987 Mario P. Victoriano 88.55
University Oriental out of 2,682)
Maria Yvette O. University of the Manila, Metro 24.40% (689
1988 88.12
Navarro Philippines Manila out of 2,824)
Gilberto Eduardo
University of the Manila, Metro 21.26% (639
1989 Gerardo C. Teodoro, 86.185
Philippines Manila out of 3,006)
Jr.
Aquilino L. Pimentel University of the Cagayan de Oro City, 27.94% (866
1990 89.85
III Philippines Misamis Oriental out of 3,100)
Ateneo de Manila 17.81% (569
1991 Joseph P. San Pedro 89.95 Malolos, Bulacan
University out of 3,194)
Ateneo de Manila Sagay, Negros 17.25% (499
1992 Jayme A. Sy, Jr. 87
University Occidental out of 2,892)
Anna Leah Fidelis T. Ateneo de Manila Manila, Metro 21.65% (725
1993 88.325
Castañeda University Manila out of 3,348)
30.87%
Francisco Noel R. University of the Butuan, Agusan del
1994 89.2 (1,030 out of
Fernandez Philippines Norte
3,337)
University of the Davao City, Davao 30.90% (987
1995 Leonor Y. Dicdican 91.2
Philippines del Sur out of 3,194)
31.21%
Patricia-Ann T. University of the Brooklyn, New York,
1996 90.6 (1,217 out of
Prodigalidad Philippines US
3,900)
Ma. Cecilia H. University of the Makati, Metro 18.11% (710
1997 90.025
Fernandez Philippines Manila out of 3,921)
39.63%
Baguio Colleges
1998 Janet B. Abuel 91.8 Dagupan, Pangasinan (1,465 out of
Foundation
3,697)
Ateneo de Manila
Edwin R. Enrile Naga, Camarines Sur
University 16.59% (660
1999 88.5
University of the Manila, Metro out of 3,978)
Florin T. Hilbay
Philippines Manila
University of the Mandaluyong, Metro 20.84% (979
2000 Eliseo M. Zuñiga, Jr. 90.6
Philippines Manila out of 4,698)
Rodolfo Ma. A. University of the Quezon City, Metro 32.895 (1,266
2001 93.8
Ponferrada Philippines Manila out of 3,849)
 Passing
Year Name Average School Hometown
Percentage[35]
University of Santo Quezon City, Metro 19.86% (917
2002 Arlene M. Maneja 92.9
Tomas Manila out of 4,659)
20.71%
Ateneo de Manila Sorsogon City,
2003 Aeneas Eli S. Diaz 88.53 (1,108 out of
University Sorsogon
5,349)
31.61%
University of the
2004 January A. Sanchez 87.45 Santa Maria, Bulacan (1,659 out of
Philippines
5,249)
27.22%
University of the
2005 Joan A. De Venecia 87.2 Dagupan, Pangasinan (1,526 out of
Philippines
5,607)
Noel Neil Q. University of the 30.6% (1,893
2006 87.6 Baguio City, Benguet
Malimban Cordilleras out of 6,187)
22. 91%
Ateneo de Manila
2007 Mercedita L. Ona 83.55 San Jose, Batangas (1,289 out of
University
5,626)
San Sebastian 20.58 (1,310
2008 Judy A. Lardizabal 85.7 Imus, Cavite
College out of 6.364)
24.58%
Reinier Paul R. Daet, Camarines
2009 84.8 San Beda College (1,451 out of
Yebra Norte
5,093)
Cesareo Antonio S. Ateneo de Manila 20.26% (982
2010 89 Catbalogan, Samar
Singzon Jr. University out of 4,847)
31.95&
Raoul Angelo D. Ateneo de Manila Quezon City, Metro
2011 85.536 (1,913 out of
Atadero University Manila
5,987)
Ignatius Michael D. Ateneo de Manila Quezon City, Metro 17.76% (949
2012 85.64
Ingles University Manila out of 5,343 )
22.18%
University of the Manila, Metro
2013 Nielson G. Pangan 85.8 (1,174 out of
Philippines Manila
5,293)
18.82%
Irene Mae B. San Remigio,
2014 85.5 San Beda College (1,126 out of
Alcobilla Antique
5,984)
26.21%
Rachel Angeli B. University of the Quezon City, Metro
2015 87.4 (1,731 out of
Miranda Philippines Manila
7,146)
59.06%
University of San Kalilangan,
2016 Karen Mae L. Calam 89.05 (3,747 out of
Carlos Bukidnon
6,344)
 Passing
Year Name Average School Hometown
Percentage[35]
25.55%
Mark John M. University of St. La Bacolod City, Negros
2017 91.05 (1,724 out of
Simondo Salle Occidental
6,748)
22.07%
Ateneo de Manila Muntinlupa, Metro
2018 Sean James Borja 89.306 (1,800 out of
University Manila
8,155)
Rank Year Name Average School Hometown
1st 1954 Florenz D. Regalado 96.7 San Beda College Concepcion, Iloilo
2nd 1903 Jose L. Quintos 96.33 Escuela de Derecho Baliuag, Bulacan
3rd 1949 Anacleto C. Mañgaser 95.85 Philippine Law School Caba, La Union
4th 1948 Manuel G. Montecillo 95.5 Far Eastern University Liliw, Laguna
University of the Pasig, Metro
Jovito R. Salonga Philippines Manila
5th 1944 95.3
Jose W. Diokno Special (University of Manila, Metro
Santo Tomas) Manila
Ateneo de Manila Manila, Metro
7th 1940 Claudio Teehankee 94.35
University Manila
Pedro Samson C. University of the Ozamiz, Misamis
8th 1952 94.25
Animas Philippines Occidental
9th 1953 Leonardo A. Amores 94.05 University of Manila Roxas City, Capiz
Ameurfina A. University of the Manila, Metro
10th 1947 93.85
Melencio-Herrera Philippines Manila
Rodolfo Ma. A. University of the Quezon City, Metro
11th 2001 93.8
Ponferrada Philippines Manila
12th University of the Manila, Metro
1914 Manuel C. Goyena 93
(tie) Philippines Manila
12th University of the
1916 Paulino Gullas 93 Cebu City, Cebu
(tie) Philippines
12th University of the Manila, Metro
1932 Hermenegildo Atienza 93
(tie) Philippines Manila
University of Santo Quezon City, Metro
15th 2002 Arlene M. Maneja 92.9
Tomas Manila
Ateneo de Manila Dumaguete, Negros
16th 1984 Richard M. Chiu 92.85
University Oriental
Cecilia A. Muñoz- University of the
17th 1937 92.6 Bauan, Batangas
Palma Philippines
University of the
18th 1929 Lorenzo S. Sumulong 92.5 Antipolo, Rizal
Philippines
University of the Daanbantayan,
19th 1978 Cosme D. Rosell 92.475
Philippines Cebu
20th 1933 Lope C. Quimbo 92.45 University of Manila Calbiga, Samar
University of the Meycauayan,
21st 1971 Henry R. Villarica 92.4
Philippines Bulacan
University of the
22nd 1939 Ferdinand E. Marcos 92.35 Sarrat, Ilocos Norte
Philippines
23rd
1951 Vicente R. Acsay 92.25 University of Manila Bugasong, Antique
(tie)
23rd Gregoria T. Cruz – University of the Manila, Metro
1946 92.25
(tie) (August 1946) Philippines Manila
Special (Colegio de San
25th 1950 Carolina C. Griño 92.05 Agustin and University Leganes, Iloilo
of the Philippines)
26th University of the
1913 Manuel A. Roxas 92 Roxas City, Capiz
(tie) Philippines
26th University of the
1917 Felipe Ysmael 92 Iloilo City, Iloilo
(tie) Philippines
28th Ateneo de Manila
1977 Virgilio B. Gesmundo 91.8 San Pablo, Laguna
(tie) University
28th Baguio Colleges Dagupan,
1998 Janet B. Abuel 91.8
(tie) Foundation Pangasinan
30th University of the
1935 Enrique Estrellado 91.7 San Pablo, Laguna
(tie) Philippines
30th Manuel L. Quezon
1960 Ismael Andres 91.7 Looc, Romblon
(tie) University
30th Pedro L. Yap – University of the
1946 91.7 San Isidro, Leyte
(tie) (November 1946) Philippines
Ateneo de Manila
33rd 1974 Arturo D. Brion 91.65 San Pablo, Laguna
University
34th Gregorio M. Batiller, Ateneo de Manila Davao City, Davao
1979 91.4
(tie) Jr. University del Sur
34th Manuel Antonio J. Ateneo de Manila Manila, Metro
1983 91.4
(tie) Teehankee University Manila
Medina, Misamis
36th 1938 Emmanuel N. Pelaez 91.3 University of Manila
Oriental
University of the Davao City, Davao
37th 1995 Leonor Y. Dicdican 91.2
Philippines del Sur
University of the
38th 1925 Rafael Dinglasan 91.1 Roxas City, Capiz
Philippines
Mark John M. University of St. La Bacolod City,
39th 2017 91.05
Simondo Salle Negros Occidental
40th Pasig, Metro
1961 Avelino V. Cruz 90.95 San Beda College
(tie) Manila
40th Irene Ragodon- Ateneo de Manila Manila, Metro
1981 90.95
(tie) Guevarra University Manila
40th Ateneo de Manila Manila, Metro
1982 Ray C. Espinosa 90.95
(tie) University Manila
University of the
43rd 1923 Roque V. Desquitado 90.9 Bantayan, Cebu
Philippines
44th Deogracias G. University of the Manila, Metro
1962 90.8
(tie) Eufemio Philippines Manila
44th University of the Manila, Metro
1976 Enrique Y. Teehankee 90.8
(tie) Philippines Manila
44th University of the Manila, Metro
1966 Roberto V. San Jose 90.6
(tie) Philippines Manila
44th Patricia-Ann T. University of the Brooklyn, New
1996 90.6
(tie) Prodigalidad Philippines York City, USA
44th University of the Mandaluyong,
2000 Eliseo M. Zuñiga, Jr. 90.6
(tie) Philippines Metro Manila
49th 1955 Tomas P. Matic, Jr. 90.55 Far Eastern University Concepcion, Tarlac
50th Sagay, Negros
1928 Filomeno B. Pascual 90.3 Philippine Law School
(tie) Occidental
50th Ateneo de Manila Zamboanga City,
1973 Vicente R. Solis 90.3
(tie) University Zamboanga del Sur
52nd University of the Manila, Metro
1941 Emmet P.D. Shea 90.2
(tie) Philippines Manila
52nd
1956 Francisco C. Catral 90.2 San Beda College Lal-lo, Cagayan
(tie)
Ma. Cecilia H. University of the Makati, Metro
54th 1997 90.025
Fernandez Philippines Manila
Francisco Villanueva, University of the Manila, Metro
55th 1915 90
Jr. Philippines Manila
Ateneo de Manila
56th 1991 Joseph P. San Pedro 89.95 Malolos, Bulacan
University
57th Diosdado P. University of Santo
1936 89.85 Lubao, Pampanga
(tie) Macapagal Tomas
Cagayan de Oro
57th Aquilino L. Pimentel University of the
1990 89.85 City, Misamis
(tie) III Philippines
Oriental
59th 1965 Victor S. de la Serna 89.8 San Beda College Tagbilaran, Bohol
University of the Manila, Metro
60th 1980 Rafael R. Lagos 89.75
Philippines Manila
61st 1934 Marciano P. Catral 89.7 Philippine Law School Luna, Isabela
62nd 1967 Rodolfo D. Robles 89.6 San Beda College Tiaong, Quezon
63rd University of the Naga, Camarines
1930 Tecla San Andres 89.4
(tie) Philippines Sur
63rd University of the
1931 Jose N. Leuterio 89.4 Boac, Marinduque
(tie) Philippines
63rd University of the San Juan, Metro
1985 Janette Susan L. Peña 89.4
(tie) Philippines Manila
Ateneo de Manila Muntinlupa, Metro
66th 2018 Sean James Borja 89.306
University Manila
University of the Isabela, Negros
67th 1958 Manuel G. Abello 89.25
Philippines Occidental
68th Cabadbaran,
1959 Agustin O. Benitez 89.2 Far Eastern University
(tie) Agusan del Norte
68th Francisco Noel R. University of the Butuan, Agusan del
1994 89.2
(tie) Fernandez Philippines Norte
University of the Buhi, Camarines
70th 1957 Gregorio R. Castillo 89.15
Philippines Sur
71st University of the San Miguel,
1921 Pablo C. Payawal 89.1
(tie) Philippines Bulacan
71st University of the
1922 Amando L. Velilla 89.1 Balasan, Iloilo
(tie) Philippines
71st Roberto R. University of Santo Manila, Metro
1924 89.1
(tie) Concepcion Tomas Manila
Kalilangan,
75th 2016 Karen Mae L. Calam 89.05 University of San Carlos
Bukidnon
Cesareo Antonio S. Ateneo de Manila
76th 2010 89 Catbalogan, Samar
Singzon Jr. University
Ateneo de Manila Pagadian,
77th 1986 Laurence L. Go 88.6
University Zamboanga del Sur
Ateneo de Manila Dumaguete, Negros
78th 1987 Mario P. Victoriano 88.55
University Oriental
Ateneo de Manila Sorsogon City,
79th 2003 Aeneas Eli S. Diaz 88.53
University Sorsogon
Ateneo de Manila Naga, Camarines
Edwin R. Enrile University Sur
80th 1999 88.5
Florin T. Hilbay University of the Manila, Metro
Philippines Manila
San Isidro, Nueva
81st 1964 Jesus P. Castelo 88.4 San Beda College
Ecija
Anna Leah Fidelis T. Ateneo de Manila Manila, Metro
82nd 1993 88.325
Castañeda University Manila
Maria Yvette O. University of the Manila, Metro
83rd 1988 88.12
Navarro Philippines Manila
84th 1926 Eugeniano Perez 88.1 Philippine Law School Mandaue, Cebu
University of the
85th 1927 Cesar Kintanar 87.7 Argao, Cebu
Philippines
Noel Neil Q. University of the Baguio City,
86th 2006 87.6
Malimban Cordilleras Benguet
San Jacinto,
87th 1970 Romulo D. San Juan 87.5 Far Eastern University
Masbate
88th Divine Word College of Cogon, Tagbilaran,
1968 Oscar B. Glovasa 87.45
(tie) Tagbilaran Bohol
88th University of the Santa Maria,
2004 January A. Sanchez 87.45
(tie) Philippines Bulacan
Rachel Angeli B. University of the Quezon City, Metro
90th 2015 87.4
Miranda Philippines Manila
University of the
91st 1969 Ronaldo B. Zamora 87.3 Calumpit, Bulacan
Philippines
University of the Dagupan,
92nd 2005 Joan A. De Venecia 87.2
Philippines Pangasinan
Ateneo de Manila Manila, Metro
93rd 1972 Januario B. Soller, Jr. 87.13
University Manila
94th University of the San Narciso,
1918 Alejo Labrador 87
(tie) Philippines Zambales
94th
1919 Gregorio Anonas 87 Philippine Law School Iba, Zambales
(tie)
94th Ateneo de Manila Sagay, Negros
1992 Jayme A. Sy, Jr. 87
(tie) University Occidental
97th 1975 Nicanor B. Padilla, Jr. 86.7 University of the East Cebu City, Cebu
Ateneo de Manila
98th 1963 Cornelio C. Gison 86.35 Arevalo, Iloilo City
University
Gilberto Eduardo
University of the Manila, Metro
99th 1989 Gerardo C. Teodoro, 86.185
Philippines Manila
Jr.
University of the Manila, Metro
100th 2013 Nielson G. Pangan 85.8
Philippines Manila
101st 2008 Judy A. Lardizabal 85.7 San Sebastian College Imus, Cavite
Ignatius Michael D. Ateneo de Manila Quezon City, Metro
102nd 2012 85.64
Ingles University Manila
Raoul Angelo D. Ateneo de Manila Quezon City, Metro
103rd 2011 85.536
Atadero University Manila
San Remigio,
104th 2014 Irene Mae B. Alcobilla 85.5 San Beda College
Antique
Daet, Camarines
105th 2009 Reinier Paul R. Yebra 84.8 San Beda College
Norte
106th 1920 Adolfo Brillantes 84.1 Escuela de Derecho Bangued, Abra
Ateneo de Manila
107th 2007 Mercedita L. Ona 83.55 San Jose, Batangas
University

Highest and lowest topnotcher grades

A standard was created in 1940, when Claudio Teehankee (future Supreme Court Chief Justice),
from the Ateneo Law School, got a grade of 94.35% when he topped the examinations. This
record was obliterated four years later in 1944 when Jovito Salonga and Jose W. Diokno tied
with the highest score of 95.3%. This was the first time that first place ended in a tie. When they
took the 1944 Bar Exams, Atty. Salonga was an undergraduate at the UP College of Law while
Atty. Diokno (future Senator) was an undergraduate of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of
Civil Law. After passing the bar, Atty. Salonga (future Senate President) went back to UP to
complete his bacholer's degree in law, earning it in 1946. The only other instance of a tie at first
place of the bar exams was when Edwin Enrile (salutatorian of his Ateneo Law School class) and
Florin Hilbay (an honor student of the UP College of Law) both garnered the same score in 1999.
Atty. Enrile served as Deputy Executive Secretary to President Gloria Arroyo and as a
Professorial Lecturer at the Ateneo Law School while Atty. Hilbay is a Professor of Law at the
UP College of Law and the current Solicitor General.[27] After another four years, the "bar" was
raised a few notches when Manuel G. Montecillo of the Far Eastern University Institute of Law
got a grade of 95.50% when he bested all the bar examinees of 1948. The following year, another
record was set when Anacleto C. Mañgaser, an alumnus of the Philippine Law School, got a
grade of 95.85% when he topped the 1949 bar exams.

The lowest grade was obtained by Ateneo Law School's Mercedita L. Ona, 83.55%, 2007, which
erased the prior record of 84.10%, obtained by Adolfo Brillantes of Escuela de Derecho de
Manila (now Manila Law College Foundation) in 1920.[26][37] Atty. Ona was the just the latest of
women first placers. In 1930, Tecla San Andres (an alumna of the UP College of Law and future
Senator) broke the proverbial "glass ceiling" when she became the first woman to top the bar
with a grade of 89.4%. Ameurfina A. Melencio (also an alumna of the UP College of Law and
who later became a Justice of the Supreme Court) has the highest grade of all female bar
topnotchers in recorded history, when she obtained a 93.85% rating in 1947.

Below is a listing of all 100 first-placers (from 1913 to 2014) ranked from highest to lowest in
terms of rating obtained. It should be noted however that bar ratings are not exactly comparable
from year-to-year as the difficulty of the exams varies through the years.

Highest scores in specific bar subjects

While no bar examinee has ever reached a 100% general average, several bar examinees have
garnered perfect and near-perfect grades in specific bar subjects.

In 1930, Tecla San Andres-Ziga (future Senator) of the University of the Philippines got a grade
of 99% in Remedial Law.[citation needed] She also placed number one in the bar exams of the same
year.
In 1949, Anacleto C. Mañgaser of the Philippine Law School earned 100% in Mercantile Law,
and placed 1st in the bar exams of that year. His average of 95.85% broke all prior records before
it was bested by Florenz Regalado in 1954.[26] Mañgaser's bar rating remains the second highest
validated average of all time.

In 1953, Juan Ponce Enrile (future Defense Minister and Senate President, Rampant Illegal
Logger, Pork Barrel Scam Star, Founder of Fountain of Youth) of the University of the
Philippines College of Law, where he graduated salutatorian and cum laude, earned 100% in
Mercantile Law[38] and placed 11th in the bar exams of that year.[38]

In 1955, Raul Gonzales (future Congressman, Secretary of Justice and Chief Presidential Legal
Counsel) of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law earned 99% in Remedial
Law[citation needed] and 95% in International Law.[citation needed] However, he did not place in the top
ten.[26]

In 1973, Renato Franciso (Executive Judge of RTC Malolos, Bulacan) of the Ateneo de Manila
Law School obtained a perfect score of 100% in Criminal Law.[39]

In 1997, Maria Celia H. Fernandez of the University of the Philippines College of Law, where
she graduated salutatorian and cum laude, earned 100% in Legal Ethics[citation needed] and emerged
as the year's bar topnotcher.[26]

In 2001, Rodolfo Ma. A. Ponferrada, that year's valedictorian of the University of the Philippines
College of Law, obtained a perfect score of 100% in Remedial Law[citation needed], the highest
weighted of the bar subjects. The difference (3.75%) between his final bar examination score
(93.80%) and that of the second-placer, Jesus Paolo U. Protacio (90.05%), that year's
valedictorian of the Ateneo de Manila Law School and who got a perfect score of 100% in
Criminal Law,[citation needed] is the highest of all time. Notably, that year's valedictorian of the San
Beda College of Law, Adonis V. Gabriel, obtained a perfect score of 100% in Political Law[citation
needed]
and placed 8th (88.25%).[26][40] The 3.75% difference between No. 1 and No. 2 eclipsed the
previous highest difference of 2.10% registered in 1966 when Roberto V. San Jose (valedictorian
of the UP College of Law) garnered a grade of 90.6% versus the 88.5% of the tied second
placers, Ruben F. Balane (salutatorian of the UP College of Law) and Pablo S. Trillana III
(valedictorian of the San Beda College of Law).

In 2005, Gladys V. Gervacio of the University of Perpetual Help-Rizal earned a perfect 100% in
two bar subjects—Legal Ethics[citation needed] and Labor Law.[citation needed] She placed 6th in the bar
exams of that year. In 2011, she passed the California State Bar examinations.[26]

In 2016, Nia Rachelle M. Gonzales of the University of Batangas earned a 100% rating in
Remedial Law. She placed 9th in the bar exams of that year

In 2017, Bj Bonn D. Pusta of the Ateneo de Davao University earned 100% in Civil Law and
93% on Mercantile Law, However, he did not place in the top 20

Famous bar topnotchers

Prominent lawyers who made the bar top ten include:[41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50]

Presidents and Vice-Presidents

 Manuel A. Roxas – fifth President of the Philippines; 1st placer (92%), 1913 Bar Exams
(UP)
 Diosdado P. Macapagal – ninth President of the Philippines; 1st placer (89.85%), 1936
Bar Exams (UST)
 Ferdinand E. Marcos – tenth President of the Philippines; 1st placer (92.35%) – 1939 Bar
Exams, Topnotcher (UP).
 José P. Laurel – third President of the Philippines; 2nd placer, 1915 Bar Exams (UP)
 Elpidio C. Quirino – sixth President of the Philippines; 2nd placer, 1915 Bar Exams (UP)
 Sergio S. Osmeña – fifth President of the Philippines; 2nd placer, 1903 Bar Exams (UST)
 Manuel L. Quezon – second President of the Philippines; 4th placer, 1903 Bar Exams
(UST)
 Carlos P. García – eighth President of the Philippines; 7th placer, 1923 Bar Exams (PLS)
 Emmanuel N. Pelaez – sixth Vice-President of the Philippines; 1st placer, 1938 Bar
Exams (UM)
 Arturo M. Tolentino – former Vice-President of the Philippines; 2nd placer, 1934 Bar
Exams (UP)

Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Justices

 José Yulo – 6th Philippine Chief Justice; 3rd placer, 1913 Bar Exams (UP College of
Law)
 Ricardo Paras – 8th Philippine Chief Justice; 2nd placer, 1913 Bar Exams (UP College of
Law)
 César Bengzon – 9th Philippine Chief Justice; 2nd placer, 1919 Bar Exams (UP College
of Law)
 Roberto Concepcion – 10th Philippine Chief Justice; 1st placer, 1924 Bar Exams (UST
Faculty of Civil Law)
 Querube Makalintal – 11th Philippine Chief Justice; 7th placer, 1933 Bar Exams (UP
College of Law)
 Ramon Aquino – 15th Philippine Chief Justice; 9th placer, 1939 Bar Exams (UP College
of Law)
 Claudio Teehankee – 16th Philippine Chief Justice; 1st placer, 1940 Bar Exams (Ateneo
Law School)
 Pedro Yap – 17th Philippine Chief Justice; 1st placer, 1946 Bar Exams (UP College of
Law)
 Andres Narvasa – 19th Philippine Chief Justice; 2nd placer, 1951 Bar Exams (UST
Faculty of Civil Law)
 Artemio Panganiban – 21st Philippine Chief Justice; 6th placer, 1960 Bar Exams (FEU
Institute of Law)
 José P. Laurel – former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 2nd placer, 1915 Bar Exams
 J. B. L. Reyes – former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 6th placer, 1922 Bar Exams
  Ambrosio Padilla – former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 3rd placer, 1934 Bar
Exams
 Cecilia Muñoz Palma – former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 1st placer, 1937 Bar
Exams
 Rafael C. Climaco – former Philippine Court of Appeals Justice; 5th placer, 1939 Bar
Exams ( Ferdinand Marcos placed 1st )
 Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera – former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 1st placer,
1947 Bar Exams
 Irene Cortes – former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 9th placer, 1948 Bar Exams
 Carolina C. Griño-Aquino – former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 1st placer, 1950
Bar Exams
 Isagani R. Cruz – former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 8th placer, 1951 Bar Exams
 Florentino P. Feliciano – former Philippine Supreme Court Justice and Chair, WTO
Appellate Tribunal; 6th placer, 1952 Bar Exams
 Florenz Regalado – former Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 1st placer, 1954 Bar
Exams
 Adolfo Azcuna – Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 4th placer, 1962 Bar Exams
 Antonio Eduardo Nachura – Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 7th placer, 1967 Bar
Exams
 Presbitero Velasco, Jr. – Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 6th placer, 1971 Bar Exams
 Antonio Carpio – Philippine Supreme Court Justice; 6th placer, 1975 Bar Exams
 Arturo D. Brion – Philippine Supreme Court Justice; former Philippine Court of Appeals
Justice; 1st placer, 1974 Bar Exams
 Bienvenido V. Reyes – former Philippine Court of Appeals Presiding Justice; 5th placer,
1954 Bar Exams
 Salome A. Montoya – former Philippine Court of Appeals Presiding Justice; 6th placer,
1954 Bar Exams
 Alicia V. Sempio-Diy – former Philippine Court of Appeals Justice; 5th placer, 1950 Bar
Exams
 Oscar M. Herrera – former Philippine Court of Appeals Justice; 8th placer, 1953 Bar
Exams
 Demetrio Demetria – former Philippine Court of Appeals Justice; 2nd placer, 1964 Bar
Exams
 Mario Guariña III – former Philippine Court of Appeals Justice; 2nd placer, 1967 Bar
Exams
 Lucas Bersamin – the 25th and current Philippine Chief Justice; 9th placer, 1973 Bar
Exams
 Celia Librea-Leagogo – Philippine Court of Appeals Justice; 5th placer, 1981 Bar Exams

Senators and Representatives

 Manuel A. Roxas – former Philippine Senate President and Speaker of the House of
Representatives; 1st placer, 1913 Bar Exams
 Manuel L. Quezon – former Philippine Senate President; 4th placer, 1903 Bar Exams
 Arturo M. Tolentino – former Philippine Senate President; 2nd placer, 1934 Bar Exams
 Ferdinand E. Marcos – former Philippine Senate President; 1st placer, 1939 Bar Exams
  Jovito Salonga – former Philippine Senate President; 1st placer, 1944 Bar Exams
 Neptali Gonzales – former Philippine Senate President; 9th placer, 1949 Bar Exams
 Ernesto M. Maceda – former Philippine Senate President; 10th placer, 1956 Bar Exams
 Franklin M. Drilon – former Philippine Senate President; 3rd placer, 1969 Bar Exams
 Lorenzo Sumulong – former Philippine Senator; 1st placer, 1929 Bar Exams
 Jose W. Diokno – former Philippine Senator; 1st placer, 1944 Bar Exams
 Rene Saguisag – former Philippine Senator; 6th placer, 1963 Bar Exams
 Aquilino Pimentel III (Koko Pimentel) – Philippine Senator; 1st placer, 1990 Bar Exams
 Sergio S. Osmeña – former Speaker of the House of Representatives; 2nd placer, 1903
Bar Exams
 Jose Yulo – former Speaker of the House of Representatives; 3rd placer, 1913 Bar Exams
 Aguedo F. Agbayani – former Pangasinan Representative; 5th placer, 1947 Bar Exams
 Antonio Eduardo Nachura – former Samar Representative; 7th placer, 1967 Bar Exams
 Ronaldo Zamora – San Juan Representative; 1st placer, 1969 Bar Exams
 Prospero Nograles – Speaker of the House of Representatives; 2nd placer, 1971 Bar
Exams
 Arturo D. Brion – Assemblyman, Philippine National Assembly; 1st placer, 1974 Bar
Exams
 Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo C. Teodoro, Jr. – former Tarlac Representative; 1st placer,
1989 Bar Exams
 José P. Laurel- former Senator; 2nd Placer 1915
 Mylene J. Garcia-Albano – Davao City 2nd District – House of Representatives; 3rd
placer, 1990 Bar Exams
 Rodolfo C. Farinas – Ilocos Norte Representative; 8th placer 1978 Bar Exams
 Leila de Lima – current Philippine Senator; former Secretary of Justice; former
Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairperson; 8th placer, 1985 Bar Exams

Appointees and career service officials

 Roberto Concepcion – Member, 1986 Constitutional Commission; 1st placer, 1924 Bar
Exams
 Lorenzo Sumulong – Member, 1986 Constitutional Commission; 1st placer, 1929 Bar
Exams
 Arturo Tolentino – Member, Philippine Civil Code Commission; former Minister of
Foreign Affairs; 2nd placer, 1934 Bar Exams
 Ambrosio Padilla – Member, 1986 Constitutional Commission; 3rd placer, 1934 Bar
Exams
 Diosdado Macapagal – President, Philippine Constitutional Convention of 1971; 1st
placer, 1936 Bar Exams
 Cecilia Muñoz-Palma – President, Philippine Constitutional Commission of 1986;
Chairperson, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office; 1st placer, 1937 Bar Exams
 Jovito Salonga – former chairman, Presidential Commission on Good Government; 1st
placer, 1944 Bar Exams
 Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera – Chancellor, Philippine Judicial Academy; Chairperson,
Legal Publications Committee, Supreme Court Centenary Celebrations; 1st placer, 1947
Bar Exams
 Alicia V. Sempio-Dy – Member, Philippine Civil Code Revision Committee; former
Commissioner, National Commission on Women; 5th placer, 1950 Bar Exams
 Andres Narvasa – Chairman, Preparatory Commission for Constitutional Reform; 2nd
placer, 1951 Bar Exams
 Gabriel Singson – former Governor of the Central Bank of the Philippines; 2nd placer,
1952 Bar Exams
 Florentino Feliciano – Chairman, Feliciano Commission investigating the Oakwood
Mutiny; 6th placer, 1952 Bar Exams
 Florenz D. Regalado – Member, 1986 Constitutional Commission; 1st placer, 1954 Bar
Exams
 Jose Nolledo – Delegate, 1971 Constitutional Convention & Member, 1986
Constitutional Commission; 3rd placer, 1958 Bar Exams
 Haydee Yorac – former Chairperson, Presidential Commission on Good Government;
former Commissioner, Commission on Elections; 8th placer, 1962 Bar Exams
 Adolfo Azcuna – Member, 1986 Constitutional Commission; 4th placer, 1962 Bar Exams
 Joaquin G. Bernas – Member, 1986 Constitutional Commission; Member, Feliciano
Commission investigating the Oakwood mutiny; 9th placer, 1962 Bar Exam
 Anacleto C. Mañgaser (var. Mangaser) – former chairman, Reparations Commission; 1st
placer, 1949 Bar Exams
 Romeo C. de la Cruz—former Solicitor General; 9th placer, 1957 Bar Exams
 Sergio A. Apostol – Chief Presidential Legal Counsel; 7th placer, 1958 Bar Exams
 Ismael G. Khan Jr. – former Spokesperson, Philippine Supreme Court; 6th placer, 1959
Bar Exams
 Antonio Eduardo Nachura – former Solicitor General; 7th placer, 1967 Bar Exams
 Fulgencio S. Factoran, Jr. – former Executive Secretary; 9th placer, 1967 Bar Exams
 Jose Mario Buñag – former Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner; 2nd placer, 1968
Bar Exams
 Ronaldo B. Zamora – former Executive Secretary; 1st placer, 1969 Bar Exams
 Franklin Drilon – former Secretary of Labor and Employment; 3rd placer, 1969 Bar
Exams
 Jesus Dureza – Presidential Peace Adviser and Mindanao Super Region In-charge; 10th
placer, 1973 Bar Exams
 Arturo D. Brion – Secretary of Labor and Employment; 1st placer, 1974 Bar Exams
 Antonio Carpio – former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel; 6th placer, 1975 Bar Exams
 Avelino Cruz, Jr. – former Secretary of National Defense; 7th placer, 1977 Bar Exams
 Simeon Marcelo – former Philippine Ombudsman; 5th placer, 1979 Bar Exams
 Manuel Antonio J. Teehankee – former Undersecretary of Justice; Ambassador to the
World Trade Organization; 1st placer, 1983 Bar Exams
 Leila de Lima – former Secretary of Justice; former Commission on Human Rights
(CHR) Chairperson; 8th placer, 1985 Bar Exams
 Antonio M. Bernardo – former Bureau of Customs Commissioner; 2nd placer, 1988 Bar
Exams
 Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo C. Teodoro, Jr. – Secretary of National Defense; 1st placer,
1989 Bar Exams
 Persida V. Rueda-Acosta – Chief Public Attorney of the Philippines; 5th placer, 1989 Bar
Exams
  Ruben Carranza, Jr. – Commissioner, Presidential Commission on Good Government;
8th placer, 1990 Bar Exams
 Maria Celia H. Fernandez – former Chief, Presidential Management Staff; 1st placer,
1997 Bar Exams
 Janet B. Abuel – Undersecretary, Department of Budget and Management; 1st placer,
1998 Bar Exams
 Edwin R. Enrile – former Assistant Executive Secretary, Office of the President; Deputy
Executive Secretary, Office of the President; 1st placer, 1999 Bar Exams
 Rodolfo Ma. A. Ponferrada – former Assistant Chief of Staff, Office of the Vice
President; 1st placer, 2001 Bar Exams
 Pablito V. Sanidad, Sr. – former Deputy Minister of the Department of Labor and
Employment; 8th placer, 1967 Bar Exams

Local officials

 Aguedo F. Agbayani – former Governor of Pangasinan; 5th placer, 1947 Bar Exams
 Pablo P. Garcia – former Governor of Cebu; 3rd placer, 1951 Bar Exams
 Juanito Remulla, Sr. – former Governor of Cavite; 4th placer, 1956 Bar Exams
 Isidoro E. Real, Jr. – former Governor / Congressman of Zamboanga del Sur; 7th placer,
1961 Bar Exams
 Roldan Dalman – former Governor of Zamboanga del Norte;former Presidential
Assistant for Regional Concerns, Western Mindanao 6th placer, 1975 Bar Exams
 Douglas RA. Cagas – incumbent Governor / former Congressman of Davao Del Sur; 4th
placer 1967 Bar Exams
 Rodolfo C. Farinas – Former Governor / incumbent Congressman of Ilocos Norte /
Incumbent Majority Leader; 8th placer 1978 Bar Exams
 Henry R. Villarica – Incumbent Mayor of Meycauayan City ; 1st Placer 1971 Bar Exams
 Pablito V. Sanidad Sr. – Former Vice Governor of Ilocos Sur; 8th place 1967 Bar Exams

Academe

 Joaquin G. Bernas – former President, Ateneo de Manila University; Dean Emeritus,

Ateneo Law School; 9th placer, 1962 Bar Exam
 Jovito Salonga – former Dean, Far Eastern University Institute of Law; 1st placer, 1944
Bar Exams
 Neptali Gonzales – former Dean, Far Eastern University Institute of Law; 9th placer,
1949 Bar Exams
 Andres Narvasa – former Dean, University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law; 2nd
placer, 1951 Bar Exams
 Norberto S. Gonzales – Dean, Manuel L. Quezon University School of Law; 5th placer,
1958 Bar Exams
 Custodio O. Parlade – President Emeritus, Philippine Dispute Resolution Centre;
Lecturer and Bar Reviewer; 4th placer, 1959 Bar Exams
 Agustin O. Benitez – former Dean, University of the East College of Law; 1st placer,
1959 bar Exams
 Virgilio B. Jara – Dean, San Beda College of Law 5th placer, 1962 Bar Exams
 Cesar L. Villanueva – Dean, Ateneo Law School; 2nd placer, 1981 Bar Exams
 Jose Jesus G. Laurel – former Dean, Lyceum of the Philippines College of Law; 6th
placer, 1981 Bar Exams
 Roy Joseph M. Rafols – former Dean, Palawan State University College of Law; 2nd
placer, 1984 Bar Exams
 Pacifico N. Castro – Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; 8th placer, 1954 Bar Exams
 Manuel T. Muro – Law Professor and Bar Reviewer, former Trial Court Judge; 6th
placer, 1955 Bar Exams
 Antonio H. Abad, Jr. – Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; former Dean of the FEU
Institute of Law and presently Dean of the Adamson University College of Law; 10th
placer, 1963 Bar Examinations
 Roberto San Jose – Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; 1st placer, 1966 Bar Exams
 Ruben F. Balane – Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; 2nd placer, 1966 Bar Exams
 Hildegardo F. Iñigo – former Dean, Ateneo de Davao University College of Law and Bar
Reviewer, 8th placer, 1966 Bar Exams
 Jacinto D. Jimenez (Jack Jimenez) – Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; 3rd placer, 1968
Bar Exams
 Arturo de Castro – Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; 3rd placer, 1970 Bar Exams
 Rene Gorospe – Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; 2nd placer, 1979 Bar Exams
 Manuel J. Laserna, Jr. – Law Professor and Bar Reviewer (Far Eastern University,
Manila, 1985–2006); 3rd placer, 1984 Bar Exams (90.95%); trial lawyer; Bar leader;
founder of the Las Pinas City Bar Association (2001); and managing partner of the
Laserna Cueva-Mercader & Associates Law Offices (LCM Law, Las Pinas City).
 Abelardo T. Domondon – Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; 4th placer, 1985 Bar Exams,
graduate of Adamson University College of Law
 Roberto A. Gana – Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; 5th placer, 1986 Bar Exams
 Jose Maria G. Hofileña – Law Professor and Bar Reviewer; 10th placer, 1987 Bar Exams
 Michael G. Aguinaldo – Law Professor; 7th placer, 1992 Bar Exams
 Anna Leah Fidelis T. Castañeda – Law Professor; 1st placer, 1993 Bar Exams
 Shirley F. Alinea – UP Law (6th place, 1996 Bar Exams) – Law Professor (UE, Lyceum,
San Sebastian)
 Maria Socorro Z. Manguiat – Law Professor; 10th placer, 1993 Bar Exams
 Maria Paz Romana S. Angeles – Law Professor; 10 placer, 1994 Bar Exams
 Carla E. Santamaria-Seña – Law Professor; 5th placer, 1995 Bar Exams
 Ralph A. Sarmiento – Dean, University of St. La Salle College of Law; International Law
Bar Reviewer; 10th placer, 1997 Bar Exams
 Shennan A. Sy – Law Professor; 6th placer, 1995 Bar Exams
 Arnold De Vera – Law Professor; 8th placer, 1987 Bar Exams
 Rhett Emmanuel C. Serfino – Practicing Lawyer; Professor and Bar Reviewer (MLQU,
PUP, Universidad De Manila); 3rd placer, 1997 Bar Exams
 Florin T. Hilbay – Law Professor; 1st placer, 1999 Bar Exams
 Rodolfo Ma. A. Ponferrada – Professor of Law (UP and Ateneo); 1st placer, 2001 Bar
Exams
 Solomon F. Lumba – Professor of Law (UP); 4th placer, 2001 Bar Exams
 Adonis V. Gabriel – Professor of Law (SBC); 8th placer, 2001 Bar Exams
  Samson S. Alcantara – Practicing Lawyer; Professor and Bar Reviewer (MLQU);
Author-Philippine Labor and Social Legislation; 3rd placer, Bar Exams
 Connie Chu – Professor(Ateneo), 2nd Place, 2002 Bar Exams
 Ma. Ngina Chan-Gonzaga – Professor(Ateneo), 4th place, 2002 Bar Exams
 Michelle Juan – Professor(Ateneo, FEU-DLSU, PLM), 4th place, 2002 Bar Exams
 Nyerson Dexter Tito Q. Tualla – Corporate Attorney, TransCo; Civil Law Lecturer,
Manuel L. Quezon University; 4th placer, 2005 Bar Exams
 Pedro Jose F. Bernardo – Professor (Ateneo, FEU-DLSU, PLP), 8th place, 2005 Bar
Exams
 Noel Neil Q. Malimban – Business Law Lecturer and Reviewer, University of the
Cordilleras; 1st placer, 2006 Bar Exams
 Guillermo A. Villasor, Jr. – Former Dean, University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos
School of Law; 10th placer,1979 Bar Exams
 Marforth T. Fua – Law Professor (SBC, PLP), 8th place, 2007 Bar Exams
 Teodoro Almase – Dean, University of the Visayas, 4th place
 Pablito V. Sanidad Sr. – Dean, University of Baguio, 8th place, 1967 Bar Exams

Private Sector

 Manuel Montecillo – Name Partner, Siguion Reyna Montecillo & Ongsiako (oldest law
firm); 1st placer, 1948 Bar Exams
 Manuel S. Abello – Founding Partner, Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz
(ACCRALAW) ; 1st placer, 1958 Bar Exams
 Nelly Favis-Villafuerte – Editor, Manila Bulletin; 7th placer, 1959 Bar Exams
 Avelino V. Cruz – Founding Partner, ACCRALAW; youngest to top the bar, 1st placer,
1962 Bar Exams
 Mercedita V. Santiago-Nolledo – Corporate Secretary, Ayala Corporation; 2nd placer,
1965 Bar Exams
 Rodolfo D. Robles – General practitioner; 1st placer, 1967 Bar Exams
 Felito S. Ramirez - Founding and Managing partner of Ramirez Lazaro Bello Rico-
Sabado and Associates Law Office, former law professor (SBU and AU), Co-
founder/member of Lex Talionis Fratenitas Inc; 7th placer, 1972 Bar Exams
 Januario B. Soller Jr. – Co-founder, Soller Chain of Pawnshops; 1st placer, 1972 Bar
Exams
 Jesus M. Manalastas – Name Partner, PECABAR Law Firm; 2nd placer, 1972 Bar Exams
 Victor P. Lazatin – Senior Partner, ACCRALAW; 3rd placer, 1972 Bar Exams
 Barbara Anne Migallos – Name Partner, Roco Buñag Kapunan Migallos Law Firm; Co-
founder, Migallos & Luna Law Office; 3rd placer, 1979 Bar Exams
 Mario Luz Bautista – Co-founder, Poblador Bautista Reyes Law Firm; 6th placer, 1979
Bar Exams
 Arthur Lim – Commission on Election Commissioner; former National President,
Integrated Bar of the Philippines; 3rd placer, 1981 Bar Exams
 Ray C. Espinosa – Partner, SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan; Executive Director,
Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company; President and CEO, ePLDT; President
and CEO, Associated Broadcasting Corporation; Vice chairman, Philweb Corporation;
1st placer, 1982 Bar Exams
  Agerico T. Paras – Founding Partner and Managing Partner, Paras and Manlapaz
Lawyers; 6th placer, 1983 Bar Exams
 Menardo L. Guevarra – Co-founder, Serapio Guevarra Medialdea Law Firm; 2nd placer,
1985 Bar Exams
 Hever M. Bascon, Jr. – Steptoe & Johnson LLP, 5th placer, 1987 Bar Exams
 Marlon Manuel – Director, SALIGAN (non-profit legal assistance group); 5th placer,
1994 Bar Exams
 Patricia-ann T. Prodigalidad – Partner, ACCRALAW; 1st placer, 1996 Bar Exams
 Maria Celia H. Fernandez – In-house counsel, Yuchengco group of companies; 1st
placer, 1997 Bar Exams
 Jose Raulito E. Paras – Partner, Andres Marcelo Padernal Guerrero & Paras; 5th placer,
1997 Bar Exams
 Eliseo M. Zuñiga Jr. – Partner, Quisumbing Torres Law Firm; 1st placer, 2000 Bar
Exams
 Valerie Feria Amante – Legal Division Head, Jollibee Group of Companies; 7th placer,
2000 Bar Exams
 Rodolfo Ma. A. Ponferrada – Associate, SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan; 1st
placer, 2001 Bar Exams
 Ma. Theresa U. Ballelos – Associate, Quisumbing Torres Law Firm; 6th placer, 2001 Bar
Exams
 Arlene Maneja – Associate, Siguion Reyna Montecillo & Ongsiako; 1st placer, 2002 Bar
Exams
 Aeneas Eli S. Diaz – Associate, Villaraza & Angangco; 1st placer, 2003 Bar Exams
 January A. Sanchez – Consultant, Asian Development Bank; 1st placer, 2004 Bar Exams
 Joan A. De Venecia – Associate, SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan; 1st placer, 2005
Bar Exams
 Noel Neil Q. Malimban – Associate, Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon & San Jose; 1st
placer, 2006 Bar Exams
 Filemon Ray L. Javier – Associate, Quisumbing Torres Law Firm; 2nd placer, 2010 Bar
Exams

See also
 2010 Philippine Bar exam bombing
 Legal education in the Philippines
 Integrated Bar of the Philippines

References
1.

 8,701 candidates to take 2018 Bar Exams, highest in recent years

  "Supreme Court of the Philippines". sc.judiciary.gov.ph.
  (https://www.rappler.com/nation/187350-2017-bar-examinations-begins)
  "Inquirer.net, First bar exam in RP held in 1901, with 13 test takers".
  "Inquirer.net, 1,289 pass bar exams".
  Section 5, Rule 138, Revised Rules of Court.
  Section 6, Rule 138, Revised Rules of Court.
  Section 2, Rule 138, Revised Rules of Court.
  Section 12, Rule 138, Revised Rules of Court.
  Rufus Rodriguez. Slaying the Bar Exams Dragon. Rex Bookstore, 2002.
  Rufus B. Rodriguez. Slaying the Bar Exams Dragon. Rex Bookstore, 2002.
  Section 14, Rule 138, Revised Rules of Court.
  Bar Passing Percentage from 1946 to 2003. The Practice: Business & Leisure Magazine for
Lawyers. August–September 2004 Issue.
  "Top 10 best performing law schools in the Philippines". ABS-CBNNews.com. ABS-CBN
News. December 2, 2015. Archived from the original on June 8, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  "Inquirer.net, With Due Respect, How Arroyo can help produce better lawyers".
  Rufus B. Rodriguez. Legal Research. Rex Bookstore, 2002.
  Supreme Court resolution in Bar Matter No. 1161. 2005.
  "En Banc Resolution dated September 3, 2013 in B.M. No. 1161 Re: Proposed Reforms in
the Bar Examinations - Lifting the five-strike rule on bar repeaters". www.chanroblesbar.com.
Retrieved June 18, 2019.
  JBL: Selected Speeches and Essays in Honor of Justice Jose B.L. Reyes, p. 57-58
  Ricardo B. Teruel. Practical Lawyering in the Philippines. Revised Edition. Central
Professional Books, 1999.
  Section 17, Rule 138, Revised Rules of Court.
  Section 19, Rule 138, Revised Rules of Court.
  http://www.malaya.com.ph/apr23/busi7.htm
  "AROUND THE WORLD; 12 Philippine Justices Resign in Scandal". The New York Times..
Since the 1982 "Ericta Scandal", it was only in 2008 that the Court relaxed the fixed rules on
passing grades amid the inhibitions of 5 Justices whose relatives took the exams.
  "sun star, Bar leakage extends exams by one Sunday".
  List of Bar Topnotchers from 1913 to 2006, Office of the Bar Confidant, Supreme Court of
the Philippines.
  Manila Times, April 12, 2008
  "zxq.net". filipinoheritage.zxq.net.
  IRPA, DLSU ITS, DLSU STRATCOM, DLSU. "De La Salle University : DLSU : Home".
dlsu.edu.ph.
  News, ABS-CBN. "2014 Bar 4th placer is 2009 CPA exams 2nd placer".
  http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/life/6339-balancing-the-scales-what-its-like-to-
have-two-supreme-court-justices-for-parents.html
  "Home – San Beda". sanbeda.edu.ph.
  Florenz Regalado
  "Results of the Philippine Bar Exams." TV Patrol World, ABS-CBN, March 2006.
  Bar Examinations National Percentage
  [1] First Bar Exam in PH
  "Women outshine men in RP bar exams".
  "Senator Juan Ponce Enrile – Senate of the Philippines". senate.gov.ph.
  Cruz, Miguel. "Bar Topnotchers 1970–2000". Inquirer. Retrieved June 12, 2003.
  Business Mirror, April 1, 2008
  Roll of Attorneys of the Supreme Court, June 2007.
  Faculty and alumni list, Ateneo School of Law, June 2007.
  Faculty and alumni list, FEU Institute of Law, June 2007.
  Faculty and alumni list, Lyceum of the Philippines College of Law, June 2007.
  Faculty and alumni list, MLQU College of Law, June 2007.
  Faculty and alumni list, San Beda College of Law, June 2007.
  Faculty and alumni list, San Sebastian College-Recoletos College of Law, June 2007.
  Faculty and alumni list, UE College of Law, June 2007.
  Faculty and alumni list, UP College of Law, June 2007.
 Faculty and alumni list, UST Faculty of Civil Law, June 2007.