MOVING FORWARD WITH THE NEW BAR EXAMINATIONS

By Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen

SAMPLE 2021 BAR EXAM QUESTION WITH ANSWER: POINTING SYSTEM

Question:
After due demand, X Corporation filed an action with the Regional Trial Court of
Manila to recover payment arising from a contract of loan against Y. The
complaint only asks for payment of twenty thousand pesos (Php 20,000).

Answer:
Yes, given the facts of the case Batas Pambansa 129 as amended by Republic Act
No. 7691 requires that cases involving collection of debt amounti ng to 20,000
pesos be filed with the Metropolitan TriaL Court of Manila.

FOUR POINTS:
‘’Yes, BP 129 is the governing law.’’
Note: Correct answer, correct reasoning but incomplete. BP 129 has been
amended.

THREE POINTS:
‘’Yes, however, the court has top check whether the case has been prescribed.’’
Note: Correct answer, wrong reasoning.’’

TWO POINTS:
‘’No. jurisdiction is determined by the existing law, BP129 as amended.’’
Note: Wrong answer, correct reasoning.’’

ONE POINT:
‘’No, the Regional Trial Court can do summary procedure.’’
Note: Wrong answer, wrong reasoning but all legal, not responsive to the
question.’’

NO POINT: (NO ANSWER)

BAR QUESTION PROPER

3 Bar Examiners per Subject
Textual and Canonical interpretation.
Qualifying Questions
1 Problem for 1 Question, No Sub question: 15 to 18 questions per Subject.
Nothing beyond the syllabus.
Key Basic concepts/principles Ⴕ Canonical doctrines
Ratio Decedendi or Rule of the Case vs Doctrine vs Canonical Doctrine
- Not a divided court, only en banc
ANALOGY WITH A CAR
1st Level. Driver = Qualifying for the Bar
- Questions will be asked based only on the qualifying level.
2 Level. Mechanic = Practicing for Law firms
nd

3rd Level. Engineer = Reforms

4th Level. Designer = Academic Level.
5th Level. Physicist = Philosophical