The Supreme Court will not allow single-use plastics in all local testing centers for the Bar Examinations scheduled this September.
Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, the 2025 Bar Exams chair, said the policy will be implemented across all testing sites to promote environmentally conscious practices. She emphasized that this is in line with the High Court’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Among the prohibited single-use items are plastic bags, plastic straws, styrofoam food containers, cling wrap, disposable plastic utensils, sandwich plastic wrappers, and plastic bottles. Bar examinees, staff members, and volunteers are encouraged to use reusable, biodegradable, or eco-friendly alternatives. Non-compliant materials will be confiscated.
In her latest advisory, Lazaro-Javier also reminded examinees of the essential items they must bring. These include a laptop installed with Examplify Version 3.8.0, a printed Notice of Admission, printed copies of the accomplished Honor Code, Health Declaration and Liability Waiver, and other undertakings, as well as a valid ID or law school ID. Packed meals and drinks must be accompanied by eco-friendly eating utensils, as food concessionaires will not be allowed at testing centers.
Examinees are required to place essentials in transparent bags for faster inspection. However, laptop bags or sleeves do not need to be transparent. Items such as a laptop charger, adapter, umbrella, webcam, keyboard protector, mousepad, rubber earplugs, pen, and pencils are also permitted.
The Supreme Court added that hard copies of law-related reference materials, personal diaries, fictional pocketbooks, small religious or spiritual items, prayer mats, hygiene-related items, change of clothes, personal battery-powered fans, medicines, solid ointments, liquid liniments, and authorized medical devices or instruments are allowed.
While cellular phones may be brought to the venue, they must be surrendered during security inspection and may only be reclaimed after the exam day ends.
Strictly prohibited are deadly weapons, alcoholic beverages, controlled drugs and substances, cigarettes and vape instruments, lighters, electronic devices other than the examinee’s laptop, any kind of watch, cameras, USB dongles except for USB-A to USB-C adapters, flash drives, earphones and headsets, high-noise keyboards, extension cords, seat cushions, and other similar items. The list of banned items includes all forms of single-use plastic.
The 2025 Bar Examinations will take place on 7, 10, and 14 September.