HOW TO PASS THE BAR EXAMS?

Conducted by : Atty. Jim Lopez (Former dean of UP College of Law)

10 BASIC LAWYERING SKILLS

1. Problem solving
2. Negotiation and ADR
3. Legal Analysis and Reasoning
4. Legal research
5. Factual Investigation
6. Communication
7. Counselling
8. Litigation
9. Management of Legal Work
10. Handling ethical Dilemmas

4 KINDS OF MAJOR ISSUES

1. Legal issues
2. Factual issues
3. Proof issues
(Analysis of the value, admissibility and credibility of evidence offered)
4. Tactical Issues
(Show practical judgement and evaluation of options/ Do we sue or do we settle? Should we call the
defendant as a witness?)
5. Ethical Issues
6. (Perceive Major ethical problems arising from the facts and the client’s instructions. Client shows
willingness to lie and instructs the lawyer to do the same. Client refuses to turn over evidence
obtainable during discovery. Conflict of interest problems)

PROFILE OF A FLUNKER

Atty Jim Paredes: Check all those listed below that applied to you CURRENTLY OR DURING THE
TIME WHEN YOU TOOK THE PREVIOUS BAR EXAMS.

Afterwards, develop a game plan and eradicate those habits. (madaling sabihin pero mahirap
gawin, I know, but KAYANIN MO PARA SA PANGARAP MO.)
 No fiery passion of the law
 No relentless drive to be a lawyer
 No effective game plan (PANICKY= CRAMMER)
 No self-confidence (Easily distracted)
 Poorly equipped (Slow reader, untrained memory, inability to spell, fractured grammar, deficient
English composition, and illegible handwriting)
 Attitude problems (Fatalistic,lazy defeatist, uninspired, pessimistic, unmotivated
 Often absent or late
 Overconfident
 Poor in time management
 Unfamiliarity with exam style
 Hieroglyphics
 Difficulty in identifying issues
 Sickly (Depression, high blood, uric acid, etc)
 Multiple vices
 Fall madly in love

GENERAL RULES
(remember me by heart)

 Exceptions
 Exceptions to the Exceptions
 Conditions
 Elements
 Requirements

THE 7 “C”s of Law School

 Constitution
 Code
 Cases
 Comments
 Construction
 Commitment
 Compassion

A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A FULL TIME LAW STUDENT

Total hours per week = 168

21 hours of class (classroom work)

21 units x 3 - 63 (3 hours of study per 1 hour of class)
7 days x 8 hours = 56 hours of sleep
7 days x 2 hours = 14 (travel)
7 days x 1 hour = 7 (eating 3 meals a day x 20 minutes)
7 days x 1 hour = 7 (household chores)
7 days x 2 hours = 14 (recreation)

SPENT HOURS: 182

DEFICIT HOURS: 14

HOW IMPORTANT IS ENGLISH IN PROFICIENCY IN LAW SCHOOL AND THE BAR EXAM?
“For the most part, a problem with the english language was a major weakness in the examinees.”
- Atty. Rita Linda Jimno (2010 civil law examiner

“When I read some of the answers, I was like, “What did he say?” Many of those who got a grade of
below 50 did not know how to write and speak English. THE MOST COMMON MISTAKE IS THE
INABILITY OF THE EXAMINEE TO EXPRESS HIMSELF IN ENGLISH.
- Atty. Rodrigo Lope S. QUimbo (2010 remedial Law Examiner)

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BOOKS TO ACTUALLY IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH

- Strunk white (Elements of style) - we use this in USC .(300 + in National Book Store?, But I will
send you a pdf copy kung nasa laptop ko pa or search ka na lang sa google)
- Plain English for lawyers by Richard C. Wydick

THE 4’s in legal writing

 Structure
 Substance
 Style
 Specificity
DEFECTS
1. English
2. Handwriting
3. Spelling
4. Neatness
5. Margin
6. Logic

THE FILAC SYSTEM

 Facts
 Issues
 Law
 Arguments
 Court Decision

CUBOY’S TIPS ON HOW TO READ LAW BOOKS PROPERLY

1. Read CODALS FIRST!

- Codal is your BIBLE in Law school
- Legal Provisions of Assigned Coverage
-Correlate Legal Provisions

2. Read Text Books

- Explanations of Codal provisions
-See the bigger picture
-Write down notes for reference

3. Circle of people with the SAME STUDY HABITS and ENTHUSIASM

4.Companions in the Learning Process
-Positive
-Dependable
-Trustworthy
-Willing to Learn

5. Be a TEAM PLAYER, but study Independently within the Group

HOW TO SCORE POINTS IN LAW SCHOOL EXAMS

 The Fisch and Paul Method

1. Carefully read the instructions and follow them to the letter

2. Argue both sides
3. Explain your reasoning
4. Don’t repeat Facts
5. Avoid Conclusionary Answers
6. Don’t leave your common sense at the door
7. Avoid discussing topics OUTSIDE the course
8. Don’t regurgitate or repeat logical rules and principles
9. Watch time and credit allocations
10. Organize OUTLINE before writing your answer
11. Stick to the FACTS and CIRCUMSTANCES PRESENTED
12. AVOID writing JURISPRUDENTIAL LECTURES

THE PHILIPPINE BAR EXAM

 Given once a year
 8 subjects
 4 sundays
 One subject treated at a time
 Lasts for one (November)
 20 questions for each subject
 4 hours in the morning
 3 hours in the afternoon
 Wide coverage of topics
 Definitions, enumerations, distinctions
 Testing your recollection abilities
 5 thousand or more examinees
 Unknown examiners
 Unpredictable questions
 Low passing percentage
 No multiple choice questions
 Graded by Hand
 Festive atmosphere
 Leakage
 Glamorized top 10

SUBJECTS IN THE PHILIPPINE BAR EXAM

1st sun: Political Law (8 am - 12 nn)
Labor Law (2pm - 5 pm)

2nd sun: Civil law (8 am - 12 nn)

Taxation (2 pm- 5 pm)
3rd sundat: mercantile Law (8 am - 12 nn)
Criminal Law (2 pm- 5 pm)

4th Sunday: Remedial law (8 am - 12 nn)

Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises (2 pm- 5 pm)

DIAGNOSTICS
1. Aim
2. Sacrifices
3. Health
4. Skills
5. Length of Review
6. Study Schedule
7. Study Space
8. Method of Answering
9. Substance of Answers
10. Books
11. Social Media and Other Distractions
12. Class Ranking
13. Funds
14. Law School
15. Leisure
16. Love life
17. Erasures and Margins
18. English Proficiency
19. Inspiration
20. Handwriting
21. Mentor
22. Favorite and weak subject
23. First Timer
24. Sleep
25. Vices
26. Time
27. Work
28. Passion
29.

THE SCIENCE OF TOPPING THE BAR

1. Codals and Landmark cases
- Please search this in the internet, lalabas po yan and of course, I will do my best to compile other
syllabus that I can gather to help you

2. Answer PAST BAR PROBLEMS

- MARAMI TO SA INTERNET SO PLEASE GAWIN MO NA AT MAGCOMPILE KA NG BAR
QUESTIONS AT SAGUTAN MO after mo mag-aral. Don’t stick to your old study habits na puro
books lang, Kasi answering bar exam questions will test whether na -retain ba yung inaaral mo so
please do stick to this advice.

3. Remedial law

4. Health and Handwriting

5. Erasures and Margins

6. No Social media & Love life (Optional : 2014’s top 7 bar passer secret to bar exam is Love
Life for inspiration haha)
Note: Anything na negative sa buhay mo layuan mo pati mga bad influence sayo or change your
environment pag nag-aaral ka KUNG FEELING MO DI KA NAKAKAARAL NG MAAYOS. make a
game plan kasi the biggest opponent you will face in the bar exam is YOURSELF.

7. Full time review

8. Pray

PRINCIPLE IN ANSWERING BAR QUESTIONS

Instructions in bar questionnaires

 Corto, claro, Conciso (Write Legibly, clearly & concisely)

 READ EACH question VERY CAREFULLY

Start each number on a separate page. An answer to a sub-question under the same no. May be
written continuously on the same and immediately succeeding pages until completed. DO NOT
REPEAT THE QUESTION.

- A mere “Yes” or “No”answer without any discussion will not be given any credit

 OMIT NEEDLESS WORDS

 OMIT SURPLUS WORDS

TIPS IN PASSING THE BAR WITH FLYING COLORS

1. Prepare thoroughly
2. Develop a Game Plan
3. Have a Positive attitude
4. Find an inspiration
5. Avoid Getting sick
6. Stay away from temptations
7. Eliminate fear
8. Cultivate a disciplined lifestyle
9. Mingle with winners
10. Maintain a good sense of humor
11. Exercise REGULARLY (Studies shows that exercising helps your brain to be alert and absorb
the information you read afterwards)
12. Examine past bar questions and answers
13. Learn a Memory method
14. Learn to write legibly and fast
15. Make an outline for each course
16. Learn the proper way to take down notes
17. Master speed reading with maximum comprehension
18. READ IMPORTANT SUPREME COURT DECISIONS WITHIN 5 YEARS BEFORE YOUR
EXAM
19. Maintain Top mental and Physical conditioning
20. PRACTICE answering past questions in the previous bar exam

WHAT NOT TO DO IN ANSWERING BAR QUESTIONS

 Don’t put unnecessary markings in your booklet

 Don’t restate the questions or the facts
 Don’t change the numbering system (I.e, write “2” for the question “II”)
 Don’t leave any blanks
 Don’t spend too much time or space on any questions
 Don’t use overly lengthy sentences
 Don’t omit verbs or punctuation marks
 Don’t provide alternative answers, unless called for by the question.

THE NIGHT BEFORE THE EXAM

1. Sleep early at about 8 pm and wake up at around 4 am- 5 am

Reason: 4 am to 5 am is the best time to study because this is the most quiet time you’ll ever have
and also, it increases your memory retention to study first thing in the morning the moment you
wake up!

2. Listen to the sounds of nature

- DOWNLOAD A RELAXING MEDITATION APP PARA KUMALMA KA OR LISTEN TO
CLASSICAL MUSIC - SCIENTIFIC STUDIES SHOWS THAT LISTENING TO SUCH MUSIC WILL
BOOST YOUR MEMORY RETENTION.

3. Eat a hearty breakfast but DO NOT OVEREAT. Do not eat unfamiliar food.
- Bawasan mo na yung ice cream cravings mo please. Magdiet na tayo para sexy ka na pasado ka
pa sa bar exam.

4. Glance at your notes and outlines briefly.

5. Check the essential items you have to bring with you to the exam (exam permit, 5 pens,
medicines, candy, food)
6. Keep a Happy disposition
- Don’t entertain negative thoughts. Relax and believe in yourself. Nag-aral ka ng mabuti kaya
dapat trust yourself and your brain. Panicking won’t do anything good because it will only cause
you stress.

7. Meditate and Pray before you go.

NOVEMBER SATURDAY NIGHTS

(TIPS FROM ATTY. FRANCISCO NOEL FERNANDEZ, III , 1994 BAR TOPNOTCHER)

1. Do nothing the day before the exam

2. Sleep early at 7-8 pm and wake up at 4 am. (Practice this starting today until the last day
of November 2019)
3. Take LBM MEDICATION (Kasi minsan pag stress tayo, nagkakakdiarrhea dahil sa kaba) before
you go to the exam room even if you do not feel the need for it.
4. Prepare your tuna sandwich or other protein rich food for lunch.
- Foods with Omega 3 and other protein-rich food will help your brain function properly so invest on
good food. NO TO TOO MUCH SUGAR ON THE BRAIN!
Eg. Dark chocolates, dark coffee or juice, any food that is convenient to eat that is healthy.

THE MIND OF THE EXAMINER

 Corrects booklets from 7 am to 12 pm and resumes from 1 pm to 9 pm everyday

- ATE GUMAWA KA NA NG STUDY SCHED MO KAYA SUNDIN MO YUN SIMULA BUKAS

HANGGANG NOVEMBER PLEASE. BILI KA NG CALENDAR SA NATIONAL BOOKSTORE NA
BLANK, ILAGAY MO YUN SA HARAP NG STUDY TABLE MO PARA VISIBLE SYA PAG
NAG-AARAL KA.

- Everyday, magset ka ng study goal. pag na-accomplish mo yung study goal mo for that day:
reward yourself (Quantum Meruit)

 Loves great handwriting (Magpractice ka na magsulat kasi Writing notes is effective and
bring more memory retention.)

 Organization is essential
 Gets annoyed with incoherent answers, wrong spellings and grammars, or those who
beat around the bush.
 Takes 20-30 minutes to correct each booklet (Now, 5 minutes or less)
 Does not care if you answer Yes or No at the start of your answer as long as the
reasoning is good.

DEFERMENT
 Waste of time
 Additional expenditures
 Changes in Jurisprudence
 Changes in exam format and substance
 New legislation
 Weaker memory
 Diminished physical constitution
 Diminution in interest
 More work load
 Unfamiliar peer groups
 More pressure to pass or to top the bar
 Exigent circumstances

FEAR AND MORBID GLOOM (PANIC!)

Ways to avoid panic : RELAX!

1. Be with people with a calm and winning attitude

2. Avoid losers and nervous people at all times.
3. Develop a sense of inner peace by learning correct breathing exercises
4. Go to church to hear mass or pray at home often
TIPS FROM ATTY. MARK JOHN SIMONDO (TOP 1 2017 BAR EXAMS= 91.05 %)

1. Don’t fear the bar that much

2. Enjoy the experience, Get the most out of the journey.
3. Emphasize: CODALS, LANDMARK CASES AND BAR CHAIR RULINGS.

TIPS FROM ATTY. KAREN CALAM (TOP 1 2016 BAR EXAMS = 100% passing rate, ranked
no. 15th in her class)

1. When reading, emphasize understanding, instead of memorization.

- Know the reason for the law. Why did the court decide in the case that way?
2. When answering, first write “yes” or “No”, then write the reasons in the next three
sentences of your answers.
3. Give longer answers when you are not sure of your answers. Write short answers when you are
sure of your answers.
4. Read at least 100 pages a day when reviewing (superhuman but possible!)
5. Master the Codals!
6. Practice answering the past bar problems during mock bar exams.
7. Review more the subjects in which you were weak while in Law school.

TIPS FROM ATTY. FRANCIS NOEL FERNANDEZ , III (TOP 1 1994 BAR EXAM- SEASONAL
BAR EXAM VETERAN)

1. Master or memorize the codes and title of landmark cases.

2. Maximize things within your control., such as neatness, margin and size of letters.
3. Follow a uniform pattern of answering questions no matter how borung or conventional it
may be
(Example: Answer “Yes” or “no” then proceed to state the basis of your answer or the elements of
applicable doctrines. After that, state how the facts in the problem fit into the elements or
requirements of the law. Your conclusion should mirror the start of your answer.)
4. Do not try to be overly creative or present too many divergent views on the subject
matter.
Atty Aquilino Pimentel, III - Top. 1 1990 Bar Examination

KOKO’s SYTEM: The Mirror Image Review Schedule

“I studied the Bar Subjects in REVERSE ORDER OF THEIR SCHEDULE in the Bar exams.”

1st to study: Remedial Law and Legal Ethics

2nd to study: Commercial and Criminal Law
3rd: Civil law and Taxation
4th: Political Law and Labor Law
Koko’s Must read List
1. Codes (text of laws and rules
2. Commentaries
3. Personal Notes in Law School.
4. Past Bar Exams
5. Landmark and other interesting cases

KOKO’S THREE READING SYSTEM

First reading: Cover to cover
Second Reading: Highlighted portions
Third reading: Personal Review Notebook
(One per statute or book)

KOKO’s important Tips on how to answer

1. Use Buzzwords
(Buzzwords- words frequently used or found in laws, legal commentaries, and Supreme Court
decisions)

2. Do not Repeat the question in your answer.

LONG TERM MEMORY (IMAGINATION & HUMOR)

 Write

 Imagine REPEAT 100%

  LAUGH

MEMORY TECHNIQUES
 Lorayne-lucas
 Link & Peg Method
 The Art of Ridiculous Association

The Link System

For you to remember any new thing, it must be associated in some ridiculous way, with
something you already know or remember.

THE FIVE RULES FOR FORMING RIDICULOUS PICTURES:

1. Humor
2. Out of proportion
3. Exaggeration
4. Action
5. Substitution

ASSOCIATION (USE YOUR IMAGINATION. CREATE A STORY IN YOUR HEAD)

1. Exaggerate (The image must be exceptionally large or loud)

2. Absurd (The linked image must form a new image which is humorous and ridiculous)
3. Sexual (Use of erotic connotations or images can BE EASILY recalled.)
- Perfect example: Chi Ming Tsoi vs CA (A landmark case)
4. Vulgar (Obscene things are recalled more easily)
5. SENSUAL (Use the six senses of your body: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch and intuition when
tying to put your image into a language that is easily understood by the memory)
6. MOVING (A mobile image is better than a static one, so gumalaw galaw ka.)
7. COLORED (A colored object gaudily presented with a bright appearance is better remembered
than one which is not colored or bright)
8. REVIEW AT REGULAR INTERVALS (This increases your power of retention)

TIPS BY ATTY IRENE MAE ALCEBILLA, 2014 TOP 1 BAR TOPNOTCHER

1. Make up your mind
- What is your target in taking the bar exam? Would you like to pass or top the bar?

2. Discipline yourself.
- I studied from 10 am up to midnight everyday during my review.

3. Spend more time studying your least favorite subject (eg. Political law)
- I studied it first followed by the sequence of subjects in the bar exam.

4. I made my handwriting BIG AND FAT, like the ARIAL FONT.

5. Go STRAIGHT TO THE POINT in answering questions (“Yes” or “No”, then give the
reasoning.
6. Sleep well the night before each exam.
7. When you come back to the rest room, make sure your resume at the number where you
left off. You can miss answering some problems.

TIPS FROM A 2014 BAR EXAMINER (Dean Andres Bautista, 2014 examiner, Labor Law and
Social Legislation)

1.Read the instructions carefully

2. Do not leave blanks.

Tips from ATTY. ROSELL (1997 Bar topnotcher)

1. Time is limited. Select your materials well. Limit them.

2. Read your materials AT LEAST TWICE. The first reading should be done leisurely like reading a
novel. The second reading must be slow and deliberate to absorb the substance.
3. I started reading at 8 am and ended at midnight each day of my review.
4. In answering bar problems, be CONCISE AND DIRECT AS POSSIBLE. Don’t repeat facts. You
discuss the elements of doctrines. No need to write the Article or Section Numbers.
5. Improve your handwriting.
6. To relax during the night before the exam, you may want to share intimate moments with your
loved ones.
 TIPS FROM ATTY. MACEL FERNANDEZ, 1997 TOP 1 BAR EXAMINATIONS

1. Plan your schedule according to WEIGHT of the subject, difficulty and your perceived level
of competence in each subject. Devote more time to REMEDIAL LAW.
2. Focus on one subject at a time.
Devote while day or a series of days reading one subject than split the days for two subjects.
3. For Pre-week, you may split the day for two subjects that Sunday.
4. CALM DOWN. It’s normal to be nervous.
- I was so nervous for the1st question I answered my hand just froze for a few moments.
5. Exercise Daily (SIGN NA TO ATE MAGDIET AT EXERCISE KA NA)
6. Eat properly
7. Have one rest day at least.
8. Choose only one book per subject which you think covers the topic very well.
9. BE SERIOUS WITH YOUR SCHEDULE
10. Sacrifice your social life for these FIVE MONTHS - YOU ONLY TAKE THE BAR EXAM
ONCE A YEAR, SO THE SACRIFICE SHOULD BE WELL WORTH IT.

11. Change your Body Clock. WAKE UP AT 4:30 AM .

- Sleep early in the evening. Sleep at least 5-6 hours a day and take short naps.

12. Do your Second reading from JULY 1 TO AUGUST 21

13. Study only the CODALS during the pre-week
14. Write one legal pleading per night and make your handwriting big and clear for Ethics
15. Go to sleep at 8 pm the night before the exam. Stay in bed even if you cannot sleep. Just
try to rest.
16. Bring with you to the exam center the following:
A. 4 tech pens (preferably blessed)
B. A ruler
C. A jacket
D. 2 snacks
E. Water
F. Lunch
G. Umbrella
H. Grade 1 ID container for your exam permit
I. Codals and basic notes
J. Comfortable clothes and shoes

17. Pace yourself in answering questions, Don’t waste too much time in one number.
18. The length of your answer depends on the question. DON’T TRY TO GO FOR BREVITY
WHILE SACRIFICING SUBSTANCE.

19. Most of my answers were half to 2/3 of a page.

- Some of my answers reached 3 pages.

20. Write Clearly and as BIG AS YOU CAN. Make the examiner’s life easy.
21. NEVER LEAVE BLANKS. You may get a point or two with guesses.
22. ANSWER DIECT TO THE POINT
23. DON’T EVER DISCUSS ANSWERS AFTER THE EXAM.
24. Answer straight from the heart in Ethics.
25. PRAY. ASK FOR GOD’S HELP. FOR WITH HIM, YOU WILL NEVER BE ALONE.

TIPS FROM ATTY. JOAN DE VENECIA, TOP 1 2005 BAR EXAMINATIONS

1. Make an Honest assessment of the subjects you are good at, and those you feel have an
inadequate foundation on and adjust the number of days devoted to each subject
accordingly.
2. Avoid unnecessary comparison to the pace of others. We all have our own rhythm according
to the laws of inertia.
3. Perfect your handwriting and Grammar.
4. No need to memorize the laws. If you just memorize, MEMORIZE KEY WORDS OF
IMPORTANT DOCTRINES. Understanding is the key.
5. Short answers don’t necessarily work.
- The answer must be FIRM. I did not cite cases nor specific provisions, but went straight to the
answers. I guess that worked :)

TIPS FROM ATTY. GREGORIO M. BATALLIER. 1979 BAR TOPNOTCHER

TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS

1. Approximate the time you should devote to a given problem.
2. Scan the no. Of test questions
3. Then, approximate the time you should devote to a given problem. (Example: 20 problems with 2
hours to solve would mean 10 questions per hour or 6 minutes per problem.)
4. Monitor your progress.

TIPS FROM ATTY. ELISEO ZUNIGA

Secret formula = HARD WORK!
Successful applicants are not always the smartest ones- they are the ones who are BEST
PREPARED.

QUALIFICATIONS OF A SUCCESSFUL EXAMINEE:

1. Legal Knowledge
2. Test Taking Skills
3. Physical Health and Emotional Balance.
4. EXERCISE WELL and Get proper rest.
5. Avoid Potential sources of anxiety.

SUNDAY MORNINGS
1. Get up early enough so you don’t need to hurry.
2. Have a decent breakfast.
3. Do not make small talk with people who have obvious psychological problems. (Wag mo kausapin
yung mga NEGA at TOXIC sa paligid mo)
4. BE CONFIDENT. Know when you walk in the exam that you will pass because you are prepared
and well rested.
ACTUAL EXAM
1. Manage your time.
2. Read the questions carefully and organize your thoughts before writing your answer.
3. Keep your answers legible. Stick yo the facts and circumstances presented.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD ANSWER

 Answer the question being asked.
 Begin with the statement of the examinee’s decision which explicitly answers the questions
asked.
 State the legal principle to support the answer.
 Applies to the rule to the facts presented in questions.

BASIC FORMULA OF THE ANSWER

 1. State the conclusion of the issue
2. State the rule that resolves the issue.
3. State the application or arguments.

TIPS FORM ATTY. JANUARY SANCHEZ 2005 BAR TOP NOTCHER

Substantive
1. Focus on the question
2. Disregard irrelevant facts
3. Identify the legal principles
4. As much as possible, DO NOT QUALIFY YOUR ANSWER.
5. Keep your answers BRIEF but COMPLETE.
6. DO NOT CITE LEGAL PROVISIONS OR TITLE OF CASES - but have your key phrases or
doctrines ready. (Land mark cases can be cited, but ordinary cases cannot be cited without proper
citation since it will be automatically forfeited.)

Formal
1. Do not repeat the question
2. Observe margins on both sides of your paper.
3. Write clearly and legibly.
4. Avoid unnecessary erasures.

HOW TO USE TIME AS A BENCHMARK IN ANSWERING BAR QUESTIONS?

MORNING SESSIONS AFTERNOON SESSIONS

 4 hours exam with 20 questions  3 hours exam with 20 questions
(12 minutes per question) (9 minutes per question)
 4 hours exam with 15 questions  3 hours exam with 15 questions
(16 minutes per question) (12 minutes per questions)

MENTAL TOUGHNESS: PSYCH YOURSELF UP TO SURVIVE

 The Bar is a mind game.
 Relish the experience
 Test of determination and fortitude.
 Mental and physical endurance test
 Tunnel vision (imagine yourself as a lawyer already)
 An overpowering desire to excel
 Aim to be NUMERO UNO
 Avoid being overwhelmed by fear
 Peace of Mind
 Prepare by READING AND WRITING.

THE GAME PLAN 1 THE GAME PLAN 2

Top 4 subjects :65% of the total grade The 4 second tier subjects: 35%

1. Remedial law - 20% (10 areas; 4 hours) 1. Taxation - 10% (6 areas; 3 hours)
2. Mercantile law - 15% (22 areas; 4 hours) 2. Criminal Law - 10% (10 areas; 3 hours)
3. Civil Law- 15% (12 areas, 4 hours) 3. Labor - 10% (7 areas; 3 hours)
4. Political and Public International Law- 15% (10 Legal ethics and practical exercises - 5% (4
areas, 4 hours) areas; 3 hours)

STRATEGY
1. KNOWING THE BEAST
 To pass the bar, you must have a general percentage of 75% in all subjects without failing
below 50% in any subject. Treat each subject according to degree of difficulty and weight in
grading. Distribute your time putting emphasis on the following order of preference.

1. Remedial law - 20% (due to weight)

5. Mercantile law - 15% (due to numerous laws)
6. Civil Law- 15% (due to variance of doctrines)
7. Political and Public International Law- 15% (due to volatility and numerous landmark cases)

NOTE: Ate, read the case of Magallona vs Ermita (about UNCLOS III, EEZ, National territory -
favorite yan sa bar exam especially ngayon na current issue sya DAHIL DUN SA BANGGAAN WITH
CHINA AND PHILIPPINES. Pati yung case ni Delima vs Gemenuino (2016) ba yun (About PHDO or
Pre-holding departure order is only issued by the court and unconstitutional ang black list ng DOJ)
And the landmark cases of today and controversial cases from the last 5 years (eg. Marcos
burial issue “Ocampo case”, Sereno quo warranto case, ombong vs ochoa (lumabas to nung 2018
bar exam about reproductive health bill, ML in mindanao (2 cases yan), Kalikasan Writ,
Intergenerational principle, pati yung case ng Dolphins na pwede irepresent ng mga tao -lumabas sa
bar exam last year (negros case), and other land mark cases)
- Also those decided cases by the bar chair examiners.
- MAGBASA KA NG DYARYO O MANUOD NG BALITA PARA NAMAN ALAM MO YUNG
CURRENT EVENTS NATIN NGAYON SA PILIPINAS KASI RECOMMENDED YAN NG BAR
REVIEWER NAMIN SA POLI NA SI JUDGE SINCO.

4. Taxation - 10% (due to mathematical aspects)

5. Criminal Law - 10% (due to numerous elements and fine distinctions)
6. Labor - 10% (due to fine details and changing doctrines)
7. Legal ethics and practical exercises - 5% (due to unpredictable problems)

WHAT TO READ
 CODALS
 Review books for each subject
 Past bar questions and answers
 Your Outlines and notes
 Materials given by bar review centers
 Commentaries and textbooks

BOOKS
 All codes
 Reviewers and Guide books such as:
1. Poncevic Ceballos, bar review books , ALL SUBJECTS
2. Sandoval, Pointers in Criminal Law (manipis lang to, pero dito naka base yung syllabus namin sa
criminal law kay Justice Yap)
3. Nachura, Outline reviewer in Political Law
4. Alcantara, Reviewer in Labor and Social Legislations
5. Azucena’s everyone’s Labor Code
6. Aban, Law of Basic Taxation (Ewan ko kung updated ba to, but others use Ingles kasi updated,
Mamalateo-gamit din to sa USC along with INGLES)
7. Villanueva, Commercial Law review
8. Albano, Civil Law reviewer
9. Bernas: The 1987 Constitution (A comprehensive reviewer)

DISCIPLINE (Study Habits)

 Take a leave of absence from work
 Go into FULL TIME BAR REVIEW
 Follow a STRICT STUDY SCHEDULE
 READ AT LEAST 5 TO 10 HOURS A DAY . (Note: An average law student must read 8 hours a
day in order to pass)
 Get used to writing under pressure
 Rest after every 1 and 1/2 hours of study
 Reduce social and family activities
 Avoid drinking and pot sessions (Wag ka iinom ng alak, kung di mo mapigilan,MAG RED WINE
KA NA LANG (1 GLASS LANG, GOOD FOR THE HEART PA), WAG KA DIN mag-aadik,
magdidiet pills kasi nakakabaliw ang paggugutom sa sarili o magsisigarilyo)

 Take time for leisure and sports activities but on a limited scale (pa-massage ka every week! Or
reward yourself after attaining your goal for each day!)

 DOWNLOAD “FOREST APP” - I highly recommend you to use and download this app!

PHP 99 sa applestore.Nag download ako kasi ganun gamit ng mga nagbabar exam sa amin PATI
nung Top 2 sa 2018 Bar exam. Magtatanim ka ng halaman, while naka-on internet mo. May time
limit, so pag ginalaw mo cellphone mo, mamatay yung tinanim mo. Oh diba! Nakapagtanim ka na ng
puno, wala pang distraction sa buhay mo, nakaconcentrate ka pa mag-aral.

PACE

 Go into second reading of All subjects by August 20

 Take down notes and complete outlines by August 30
 Practice taking mock bar exam by early July and up to the 3rd week of October.
 Spend pre-week just going over notes and outlines
 Engage in leisure activities during the final 2 weeks of review.
 Minimize useless activities/ reserve energy for the final lap.

MUSIC FOR THE MIND

1. SUPER LEARNING (1979) by Sheila Ostrander and Lynn Schroeder
- Baroque music
- bach
- Vivaldi
-Telemann
-Corelli

My own favorite classical music everytime nag-aaral ako: Fur Elise, Four seasons by Vivaldi, Bach,
Mozart, Moonlight sonata by beethoven, gymnopedies No. 3 and Nuvole Bianche by Ludovico.or
hanap ka sa youtube. Type mo “classical music for studying” madami yan lalabas, good for 3 hours.

Why classical music? (explanation from the internet)

- Scientific studies shows that listening to classical music boost your memory since it will relax your
brain and follow the wave lengths of each notes which enhances the brain’s capacity to memorize.

Kung gusto mo matulog: Nocturne Op.9 No.2 By Chopin, Yiruma, Claude Debussy pieces, or
Nature sounds. Download ka ng YOGA MEDITATION APP.

BAR WRITING STYLES

 Use Short sentences
 Use key words and concepts
 Go STRAIGHT TO THE POINT.
 SPELL CORRECTLY.
 Use proper Punctuation marks.

DIET (Mga dapat mo kainin dahil sagana sa vitamins at pampatalino)

 Apples, pears, beans, and peas (Enhances alertness for learning)

 Whole wheat, nuts, seeds, tuna (enhances alertness and memory)
Note: UTANG NA LOOB WAG KA NA MAG ENERGY DRINK AT MAG ICE CREAM EVERYDAY
TO AVOID SUDDEN HYPOGLYCEMIA OR GLUCOSE DROP DOWN AT TONSILITIS.
MAG DARK CHOCOLATE KA NA LANG OR MILO OR DARK COFFEE

 Shellfish, dark turkey meat (helps short-term memory store)

 Salmon, shortfish, peanuts, chicken, liver (Anything with Omega-3) (good for the heart
and improves memory)

Note: wag ka na mag memo-plus gold kasi di yan advisable for long term use. Natural is the best!
 Clams, oysters, dairy products (dark chocolate) - (enhances concentration and alertness)
 Citrus Fruits. Strawberries, green and red peppers, LEAFY GREEN VEGETABLES (improves
memory and good stamina)

STRESS MANAGEMENT
 Prayer
 Meditation
 Yoga
 Pilates
 Aerobics
 Swimming
 Jogging
 Massage
 Travelling (within limitation lang kasi kailangan mo mag-aral)
 Tai chi
 Working
 Music
 Dancing
 Singing
 Good Conversation (pag gusto makichika, tawagan mo lang ako)
 Painting
 Good diet (sign na magpapayat ka, wag ka na magdiet pills)

TIME MANAGEMENT

 Review the subjects you find difficult AHEAD OF THOSE YOU FIND EASY.
 Follow a strict regimen of READING in the EVENING and WRITING in the DAY TIME.
 Read the no. Of questions, their subsections and the point for each portion and determine how
much time are you going to spend on each item.
 Leave time for the review of your answers
 Do not leave the exam room until the last minute.

HANDWRITING
 Great handwriting is critical in passing or topping the bar!
 Practice writing as if you have just learned how to write.
 Copy the answers to the previous bar exams with your own hand.
 DO NOT MAKE YOUR HANDWRITING SLANT EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT.
 PRINT YOUR WORDS if that will make your handwriting MORE LEGIBLE.
 Learn to relax your hand to avoid writing cramps.

ESSAY -TYPE QUESTIONS

2 KINDS
 Theoretical discussion questions (Explain concepts)
 Fact-centered problems (Identify the legally relevant facts from a given set of facts, and them
apply the proper rules)

HOW TO ANSWER CONVENTIONAL TYPE BAR PROBLEMS?

IN GENERAL:
 Read the END of the problem FIRST.
 Read the problem once, quickly.
 Read the problem again to spot specific issues and important facts.
 Try to avoid answering “It depends” as you would have to qualify your answer by adding
needless things.

ANSWERING ESSAY TYPE QUESTIONS

 If answerable with “Yes” or “No”, start by answering in one sentence. (I.e. yes, he is guilty of
murder)
 Next, state the doctrines and elements involved (I.e. Murder is committed when the following
requirements are present…”)
 Then proceed to discuss HOW THE FACTS SATISY (OR NOT) the elements of the crime of
murder.
 Lastly, state how and the court will resolve the issue and the reasons behind the decision.

 Use the VERTICAL FORMAT (if you KNOW ALL the items of the enumeration by numbering
them accordingly)
- The reader may just be looking for required number of items and may give you full points if you
have the number he is looking for in the list.

 Use the HORIZONTAL FORMAT (if you DON’T KNOW ALL THE ITEMS)
-Camouflage your ignorance in a paragraph to make the reader work harder to check your answer.
JOJO’S BASIC FORMULA FOR ANSWERING ESSAY PROBLEMS (Atty. Gregorio M. Batallier,
1979 Bar Topnotcher)

 It is important to MAXIMIZE the points an examinee can get from a given question.
 Do not be a wise guy, give stupid answers and decrease your chances of passing.
 Try to get as much credit for your answers as is within your capacity.
 Read and analyze the problem. (What is being asked?)
 Begin by stating the law or principle involved (RPC, Special Law, SC decision)
 Outline the elements of a valid contract, tort, crime or principle.
 Apply the facts to the elements of the law or doctrine.
 State your conclusion.
 - That way, even if you arrive at the wrong answer, the examiner is likely to nonetheless give you
some credit in identifying the law or principle involved.
 If you are definite as to the answer, then STATE YOUR CONCLUSION at the VERY FIRST
SENTENCE - FOR IMPACT.

SAMPLE PAST BAR PROBLEM

A lady worker was born with a physical deformity, specifically, hard of hearing, speech, impaired,
and colored blind. However, these deficiencies do not impair her working ability. Can the employer
classify the lady worker as a handicapped worker so that her daily wage will only be 75% of the
applicable daily wage? (5%)

SAMPLE ANSWER OF A NO. 1 BAR TOPNOTCHER (Atty. Janet B. Abuel, 1995 Philippine Bar
Examination)

Answer: NO. The employer cannot classify the lady worker as a handicapped worker because under
the Labor Code, to be a handicapped worker, the physical deficiencies or deformities of a worker
must adversely affect or impair his working ability or capacity in relation to his assigned job.
Here, the law allows the payment of a wage of at least 75% of the applicable daily minimum
wage. The deficiency of the lady worker is unrelated to or does not impair her ability in the
performance of her assigned job. Hence, she should not be classified as a handicapped worker and
should be entitled to the full applicable daily minimum wage.

SAMPLE PAST BAR PROBLEM

X, a salesman employed with Y company, pocketed proceeds of his cash sales, by making it appear
in the sales invoices and receipts that lesser amounts were received from customers. During Y’s
investigation, X admitted to his wrongdoing and promised to pay back in the missing proceeds within
1 month. When Y filed for a criminal case for estafa against X, X raised the defense of novation. Is
he correct?

SAMPLE ANSWER OF A NO. 1 BAR TOPNOTCHER (Atty. Greg Batallier)

Answer: No, because under the RPC, novation is not one of the grounds to extinguish criminal
liability. Criminal liability for estafa is not affected by compromise or novation of contract because
estafa is a public offense that must be prosecuted and punished by the State on its own motion,
even if complete reparation has been made of the damage suffered by the offended party.

Question no.2 1990 Legal Ethics

Your service as a lawyer are engaged by John Dizon to defend him from the charge of malversation
of public funds before the Sandiganbayan/ John confessed to you that he actually misappropriate
the amount charged but he said it was out of extreme necessity to pay for the emergency operation
of his wife. Will you agree to defend him? State your reason.

PIMENTEL ANSWER TEMPLATE

Answer: Yes, I will defend him. A lawyer should not shirk from his duty to defend those who need
legal services regardless of his opinion or the client’s admission of guilt. The Canons of Professional
responsibility exhort the lawyer should employ all fair and honorable means and use of all evidence
allowed by law to make sure that his client is not deprived of liberty without due process of law.

2009 Bar Question

To address the pervasive problem of gambling, congress in consideration of the following options:
1. )Prohibit all forms of gambling;
2. ) Allow gambling only on Sundays
3. ) Allow gambling only in government-owned casinos
4. ) Remove all prohibitions against gambling but impose a tax equivalent to 30% on all winnings.
Congress chooses the first option and passes the corresponding law absolutely prohibiting all forms
of gambling. Can the law be validly attacked on the ground that is an invalid exercise of police
power?

Answer: Yes because it is a valid exercise of police power. Gambling is an evil that undermines the
social, moral and economic growth of the nation.
Does Robert have a standing to challenge Proclamation 1018?

In the same suit, the Solicitor General contends that the President, as the Commander-in
-Chief, determines whether the exigency has arisen requiring the exercise of his power to
declare Martial Law and that determination is conclusive upon the courts. How should the SC
rule?

The Solicitor General argues, that in any event, the determination whether the rebellion poses
dangers to public safety involves a question of fact and the SC us not a trier of facts. What
should be the ruling of the SC?

The Solicitor General argues that the President reported to Congress such martial law
proclamation., but Congress did not revoke the proclamation. What is the effect of the
inaction of congress on the suit brought by Robert to the SC?

ANSWER:
1. Robert has standing to challenge the Proclamation 1018, because any citizen may question the
sufficiency of its factual basis. (Article VII, sec. 18 ,1987 constitution)
2. The SC should reject the Solicitor General’s contention because the exercise of the power to
proclaim martial law subject to the condition that there is invasion or rebellion and that public safety
requires the sufficiency of its factual basis. (Article VII, Sec. 18)
3. The SC should reject the Solicitor General’s argument, because the Constitution authorizes the
SC to review the sufficiency of the factual basis of the proclamation. The SC is allowed to be trier of
facts here.
4. The inaction of Congress does not affect Robert’s suit, because the SC’s power to review the
sufficiency of the factual basis of the proclamation is above the power of the Congress to revoke it.