Bar exams go green: SC bans plastic

The Supreme Court (SC) has banned single-use plastics in all local testing centers for the Bar examinations this September.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, chair of the 2025 Bar Exams, said the ban on single-use plastics will be enforced in all local testing centers to promote environmentally conscious practices.

She said it is in line with the Supreme Court’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The prohibited items include plastic bags, plastic straws, styrofoam food containers, cling wrap, disposable plastic utensils, clear sandwich plastic wrappers, and plastic bottles.

Bar examinees, staff, and volunteers are urged to use reusable, biodegradable, or eco-friendly alternatives, as non-compliant items will be confiscated.

Lazaro-Javier, in her latest advisory, also reminded the examinees about the items they must bring for the tests.

These are the following: Laptop installed with Examplify Version 3.8.0; Printed Notice of Admission; Printed copy of the accomplished Honor Code, Health Declaration, and Liability Waiver, and other undertakings; Valid ID or law school ID; Packed meals, drinks, and eco-friendly eating utensils; No food concessionaires are allowed at the testing centers.

The examinees are also required to use transparent bags for the essentials to allow faster inspections. However, laptop bags or sleeves do not need to be transparent.

They are also allowed to bring their laptop charger, adapter, umbrella, webcam, keyboard protector, mousepad, rubber earplugs, pen and pencils.

The SC will also allow hard copies of law-related references, personal diaries, fictional pocketbooks, small religious or spiritual items, prayer mats, hygiene items, a change of clothes, personal battery-operated fans, medicines, solid ointments, liquid liniments and authorized medical devices.

Cellular phones may be brought but must be surrendered during the security inspection process and claimed upon leaving the testing center at the end of the exam day.

Prohibited are deadly weapons; alcohol drinks; controlled drugs and substances; cigarettes or electronic cigarettes, vape instruments, lighters; electronic devices other than the examinee’s laptop; watch of any kind; cameras; USB dongles except USB-A to USB-C adapter, flash drives; earphones and headsets; high-noise keyboards; extension cords; seat cushion, or any similar items and devices; single-use plastics.

The SC announced that the 2025 Bar Exams will be held on 7, 10 and 14 September.