A 96.38-percent turnout was recorded on the first day of the 2023 bar examinations, which started on Sunday.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando, chairperson of the 2023 Bar Examinations, said that out of the 10,791 bar applicants, 10,400 candidates braved and completed both tests given.

Hernando also announced that the release of the results of this year's Bar exams, as well as the oath-taking and signing of the Roll of Attorneys, will be held before Christmas Day.

"I am proud to say that the first day of the 2023 Bar examinations was a smashing success. The Court and its 2,310-strong Bar personnel vigilantly stood watch over our 2023 Bar examinees and ensured the safe, peaceful, and orderly conduct of the exams. Let us all hope and pray that this would continue until the last day of the Bar," Hernando said.

"To all of the 2023 bar examinees, I salute you for powering through the first Bar day. There are only two Bar examination days left. You can do it! I look forward to warmly welcoming you to our profession before Christmas Day," he added.

Hernando said this year's Bar digital innovations were the results of thorough consultations between the Supreme Court, through the Office of the Bar Chair, and law school deans and legal experts.

The traditional month-long exams previously had been "physically draining, emotionally nerve-racking, and financially devastating, considering the costs of adapting to the venues of the Bar examinations," which led to a clamor not only to shorten the four examination days but also "to reduce the coverage only to the legal essentials."