A total of 3,812 examinees, constituting 36.77 percent of the 10,387 who took the 2023 Digitized and Localized Bar examinations, successfully passed which was the most challenging professional licensure test in the country.
The announcement was made by Supreme Court Associate Justice Hernando during a press briefing at the SC main building in Manila.
Ephraim Porciuncula Bie from the University of Santo Tomas emerged as the top examinee, garnering 89.2625 percent.
He was closely followed by Mark Josel Padua Vivit from Ateneo de Manila University with 89.1250 percent, securing the second position.
Frances Camille Altonaga Francisco from San Beda University claimed the third spot with 88.9125 percent, while Nathaniel Niño Alipion Tang from Aquinas-UST-Legazpi secured the fourth position with 88.6500 percent.
David Joseph Austria Flores from De La Salle University got the fifth place with 88.5500 percent.
Ralph Vincent Salvador Samaniego from the University of the Philippines showcased excellence at sixth place with 88.4750 percent.
Ateneo de Manila University's Brian Gerard Tapnio Antonio secured the seventh position with 88.3125 percent.
Pio Vincent Roura Buencamino from the University of Santo Tomas, along with Paulo Batolan from the University of San Jose Recoletos, both claimed the eighth spot with 88.2500 percent.
Grace Abigail Morales Bautista from Angeles University Foundation School of Law emerged at ninth place with 88.0625 percent.
Zes Trina Bañares Non from Aquinas-UST-Legazpi secured the tenth position with 88.0125 percent.
Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, the chairperson of the 2023 Bar exam, did not follow tradition by announcing the names of examinees who placed from 11th to 20th.
By tradition, the high bench announced only the Top 10.
Also, the SC said the number of actual bar takers – 10,387
National Passing Rates – 75% Passing Ave. Grade
36.77% Overall Passing Percentage
3,812 new Lawyers
Top Law Schools, more than 100 candidates
5th place – UST, 104 out of 122, 85.25%
4th place- UP, 229 out of 256, 89.45%
3rd place – Univ of San Carlos, 170 out of 187, 90.91% passing rate
2nd – San Beda U, 130 out of 141, 92.20%
1st – Ateneo ADMU, 159 out of 169, 94.08%.