Windows26: Weekend Roundup: 2023 Bar exam highlights, Sara’s disagreement with Bongbong, MSU bombing

Weekend Roundup
December 9, 2023

Hey, reader! Welcome to another #WeekendRoundup, where we bundle up everything and everywhere for your quick catch-up.

At a glance:

Highlights: The biggest stories this week were the results of the 2023 Bar examinations, VP Sara's policy disagreement on peace talks, and the MSU-Marawi bombing.
Check this out: You might be interested in checking out beauty essentials for this holiday season and films making their debut this Christmas.

JUBILANT 2023 | Bar examinees erupt in jubilation and embrace their loved ones after seeing their names on the list of bar exam passers. (Photos by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Bar exam 2023

The Supreme Court released the 2023 Bar exam results on Tuesday, Dec. 5, announcing nearly 4,000 passers. This marked the third digitalized examination, which took place on September 17, 20, and 24 of this year.

3,812 out of 10,387 examinees passed the 2023 Bar examinations for a passing rate of 36.77 percent.

Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) topped the law schools in the 2023 Bar exam with over 100 candidates getting a 93.18 percent passing rate. It is followed by San Beda University with a 90.07 percent passing rate, while the University of the Philippines got 88.35 percent.

University of Santo Tomas' Ephraim Porciuncula Bie topped the examinations with a rating of 89.2625. He was followed by Mark Josel Padua Vivit of ADMU with a rating of 89.13 percent.

Dreams never die

Rosula Calacala, at 62 years old, passed the bar examinations on her first take. She had to travel from Isabela to check the results at the SC grounds in Padre Faura, Manila.

Damaso Pasilbas, a 70-year-old retired teacher in Loon town, Bohol, also passed the bar as he was one of the successful examinees.

Sara disagrees with Bongbong

In a rare move, Vice President Sara Duterte publicly disagreed with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., calling moves to make peace with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) "an agreement with the devil."

VP Duterte, who is also vice co-chair of the NTF-Elcac chair, argued past experiences indicated that the NDFP was no sincere in seeking peace and that the rebels would only betray the government and the public.

Sen. Imee Marcos, sister of President Marcos Jr., also supports Duterte's statement, suggesting that the government should reconsider its move. Additionally, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr, the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, shared that Sara's stance is a popular view, even among soldiers.

Meanwhile, according to former Sen. Leila de Lima, "if [Sara] wants to keep voicing contrary policy positions to the Cabinet, she should be shorn of her alter ego role first. She cannot eat her cake and keep it, too."

Lanao Del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. looks on as law enforcement officers investigate the scene of an explosion that occurred during a Catholic Mass in a gymnasium at Mindanao State University in Marawi, Philippines, on December 3, 2023. Lanao Del Sur Provincial Government/Handout via REUTERS

MSU-Marawi bombing

A bomb exploded inside the Dimaporo Gym of the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City during a Catholic Mass attended by students on Sunday, Dec. 3. Here are quick updates about the incident:

Four persons died and 50 others were wounded
Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for a deadly bombing
One of the suspects has been arrested and is now under the custody of authorities

An emotional Kevin Quiambao celebrates after La Salle won its first UAAP championship since 2016 at the expense of UP in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

La Salle reclaims UAAP basketball throne

De La Salle University's Green Archers turned to MVP Kevin Quiambao to end a seven-year title drought and slip past the University of the Philippines' Fighting Maroons, 73-69, in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball Finals.

La Salle clinched its first championship since 2016 and the school's 10th overall men's basketball crown.

Quiambao became the first local UAAP Most Valuable Player in eight years after topping the statistical race in the Season 86 men's basketball tournament.

Excited for the holidays?

Gift Ideas: This holiday season, Lifestyle Inquirer handpicked a range of luxurious delights and essential beauty products that are sure to captivate the heart of any beauty enthusiast.

Whether it's indulgent skincare routines or essential items for the vanity, our guide is crafted to create the ideal gift-giving experience. Read more here.

Films to Watch: As the holidays draw near, Christmas-themed songs fill the stores and your typical snowy rom-coms play non-stop on the television.

If you find yourself weary of Mariah Carey's greatest hits and the cliché under-the-mistletoe moments, here are some films worth watching during this festive time.

Thanks for reading this far! For suggestions and other feedback, you can reach me at newsletter@inquirer.net.

Samuel J. Yap

Content Producer, Digital Content Distribution