Sixteen Andres Bonifacio College School of Law graduates successfully hurdled the 2016 Bar Examinations. Deemed as the “hardest examination in the country”, this year’s results proved to be historic for the School of Law of ABCollege because for the first time, one of its graduates earned a place in the coveted Top 10 often dominated by those coming from Manila. Atty. Athalia Briones-Liong, a native of Dipolog City, garnered 88.80% securing the 3rd spot in last year’s bar examinations. Along with Atty. Liong, the College’s 15 new lawyers are: Attys, Poe F. Bagarinao, Raffy R. Bulado, Ryan M. Hernandez, Bon Basil A. Lambo, John Winston B. Napigquit, Aristotle A. Ong, Manuel Zosimo M. Ozoa, Iven B. Pacatang, Zyldjyh P. Portuguez, Carrie Nizva G. Refugio, Haifah M. Sapihi-Layam, Elro Mar L. Tabiliran, Rolando C. Tesoro, Jr., Irene Kaye B. Ualat and Edelle Beth E. Ybañez. This batch of bar passers, aside from producing the 1st third placer also produced the highest number of passers breaking the record set at 10 successful takers in the 2011 Bar Examinations. In the 1976 Bar Exams, Atty. Leo G. Lim, garnered 11th place, while Atty. Elner Jamolod got the 13th place in the 1995 Bar exams.
Deeply gratified by this remarkable achievement, Dean Angela Pacatang-Barbaso of the Andres Bonifacio College School of Law when addressing the new lawyers said, “When a law graduate decides to take the bar exams, he/she has to be fully prepared, for it is not an easy feat. Aside from faith and trust in the Almighty God, it demands every ounce of hard work, focus and commitment. Atty. Athalia Briones-Liong braved all obstacles and landed on top. The same is true with the other 15 brave men and women. On behalf of all your law professors, accept our heartfelt congratulations on your success”. Dean Barbaso also challenged them that “The Bar Examinations is not the ultimate destination, living the values taught in law school is the greater goal.”
The examinations, administered by the Supreme Court, were held at the University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila in the four Sundays of November and covered eight subjects which include: Political and Public International Law, Labor and Social Legislation, Civil Law, Taxation, Mercantile Law, Criminal Law, Remedial Law, Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises. (Kevin James Limbaga)
