Supreme Court Justice Samuel Gaerlan, chair of the 2026 Bar Examinations, underscored discipline as he outlined the process and requirements for next year’s Bar applicants.
In Bar Bulletin No. 2, Gaerlan acknowledged that the process may appear tedious but stressed that every step matters because it instills discipline—an essential quality for future members of the legal profession.
“Discipline is doing what must be done, even when it is inconvenient, even when it is uncomfortable,” Gaerlan said. “It is tempting to postpone what feels burdensome, to prioritize comfort over duty. Resist that temptation. The legal profession you seek will demand far more.”
He emphasized that the impact of an aspiring lawyer’s discipline extends beyond personal success.
“This will affect not just them, but every Filipino who will trust them for protection,” Gaerlan said. “They deserve lawyers who are thorough and punctual. They deserve lawyers who understand that every detail matters – because in law, every detail can mean the difference between justice and injustice.”
He urged Bar hopefuls to approach the exam as they would handle a legal case: “Meet every deadline. Double-check every document. Submit everything with precision and care.”
Success, he said, should be earned through “discipline and dedication, not convenience or complacency.”
Gaerlan also reminded examinees to rest and reconnect during the holiday season to give themselves strength and clarity as they move closer to the examination months.
Bar examinees, he added, must hold on to their purpose while the Bar is still ahead and their dreams await.
“This balance between rest and resolve is what it truly means to #StrivewithHopeandGrit,” he said.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the 2026 Bar Exams on 6, 9, 13 September 2026.