Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, chairperson of the 2025 Bar examinations, cited the perseverance of Eduardo Regio for not giving up and eventually passing the Bar on his 11th attempt.

Lazaro-Javier said Regio’s “never-say-die” attitude was very inspiring and proves that hope springs eternal.

She added that a temporary setback does not carry a stigma and that success depends on the individual’s mindset. “No stigma for anyone,” Lazaro-Javier said.

Regio, 59, who works at the Land Bank of the Philippines, first took the Bar in 1993. He failed the first five attempts, and a five-strike rule previously barred him from continuing. When the Supreme Court lifted the restriction in 2013, he resumed his pursuit, taking the exam four more times. His 10th attempt was in 2023.

In 2025, Regio finally succeeded after taking a refresher course at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. He said he relied on faith and persistence.

“Try lang. Hanggang may buhay may pagasa,” Regio told reporters at the Supreme Court.

("Keep trying. As long as you're alive, there is hope.")

The bar passer, a father of five, expressed hope that his journey will inspire others, including his children, to pursue their dreams in law.