A total of 10,816 candidates are expected to take the 2023 Bar Examinations, the Supreme Court of the Philippines through the Office of the 2023 Bar Chair yesterday announced.

Of the total, 5,832 will be taking the bar examinations for the first time, while 4,984 will be taking the exam for at least the second time.

An estimated number of 2,571 bar personnel are to be deployed nationwide to the National Headquarters and 14 local testing centers (LTCs), all set to welcome the 2023 Bar examinees and ensure the smooth conduct of the 2023 Bar Examinations.

This number includes court officials and judges; numerous personnel from the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, the Court of Tax Appeals, and first- and second-level courts; and lawyers in the government and private practice.

This year's Bar Examinations, which will be held on 17, 20, and 24 September, are divided into six core subjects: Political and Public International Law (15%); Commercial and Taxation Laws (20%); Civil Law (20%); Labor Law and Social Legislation (10%); Criminal Law (10%); and Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics with Practical Exercises (25%).

The core subjects were determined and approved by the court en banc upon thoughtful review of previous syllabi and due consideration of the latest developments in legal practice.

The 14 LTCs nationwide for the 2023 Bar Examinations are:

Metro Manila: (1) San Beda University – Manila; (2) University of Santo Tomas; (3) San Beda College Alabang; (4) University of the Philippines – Diliman; (5) Manila Adventist College; and (6) University of the Philippines – Bonifacio Global City;

Luzon: (7) Saint Louis University; (8) Cagayan State University; and (9) University of Nueva Caceres;

Visayas: (10) University of San Jose – Recoletos; (11) University of San Carlos; and (12) Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation;

Mindanao: (13) Ateneo de Davao University and (14) Xavier University.