BAR examinees who write mantras, mottos, or prayers during the examinations could be accused of cheating, Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen warned.

“Do not write a mantra, motto, prayer to deities, special plea addressed to the examiner or the Bar Chairperson, or any other such extraneous text. Leaving or making any distinguishing mark in any submitted answer is classified as cheating and can disqualify the examinee from the whole Bar Examinations,” Leonen said in a 14-page bulletin Omnibus Guidelines for the Bar exams.

“Leaving or making any distinguishing mark in any submitted answer is classified as cheating and can disqualify the examinee from the whole Bar Examinations,” he added.

Leonen pointed out that the exams test both honor and excellence.

“Remember that it is not worth passing the exams when you do so by being dishonest or by making others suffer,” he stressed.

“Start your legal career with the nobility, capacity for leadership, and empathy that our profession deserves.”

The Bar exams will be held on four consecutive Sundays starting January 16, 2022.

Examinees were encouraged to undergo self-quarantine starting January 2, 2022.

Fully vaccinated examinees are required to present their antigen test results administered within 48 hours before the exam as well as their vaccination cards.

Unvaccinated examinees are required to present their saliva or nasal RT-PCR test results administered by an accredited Department of Health testing facility within 72 hours before the start of the exams.