B.M. No. 3490 - Regionalization of the Next Bar Examinations

The Supreme Court of the Philippines, under its constitutional authority, promulgated Rule 138, Section 11 of the Rules of Court which mandates that the Bar Examinations be held annually in Manila.
Rule 138, Section 11 outlines the subjects and schedule of the Bar Examinations to occur over four days.

In 2002, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu City Chapter proposed Cebu City as an additional site for the Bar Examinations (Bar Matter No. 1142).
In 2009, the National President of the Association of Law Schools requested simultaneous Bar Examinations in other sites in Visayas and Mindanao (Bar Matter No. 1142-A).
In 2011, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Talisay City and Mandaue City urged for Bar Examinations to be held in Cebu City for Visayan and Mindanao candidates (Bar Matter No. 2310).

In 2016, the Supreme Court considered a proposal to conduct simultaneous Bar Examinations in Manila and Cebu City if the Cebu site had 1,000 candidates but withdrew the plan due to fewer interested examinees.
The low turnout was attributed to factors like insufficient time for surveying and logistical difficulties due to geographic distances.

The Philippine Association of Law Schools, led by current officials, held meetings with law school deans regarding regional examination sites.
A February 21, 2020 survey of law school deans showed 89% favored a regional site for the next Bar Examinations, ideally in Cebu City, with support from respondents even outside Visayas and Mindanao.

Holding the Bar Examinations only in Manila imposes financial and emotional burdens on examinees from Visayas and Mindanao due to travel, accommodation costs, and separation from family support.
Regionalization could reduce disparities, allow examinees to stay closer to families, continue employment, and reduce expenses.
The COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions increased the necessity for regional sites to ease logistical challenges.

Cebu City was designated as a regional site for the next Bar Examinations with venue and schedule to be determined post-lifting of travel restrictions.
The Manila Bar Examinations were to be held at the University of Santo Tomas.
Law graduates from Visayas and Mindanao could choose to take the exams either in Manila or Cebu City, with application guidelines forthcoming.
Bar application fees would be increased to cover additional costs for the regional site, including considerations for social distancing and safety amid the pandemic.
Rule 138, Section 11 of the Rules of Court was amended to reflect these changes.

Whether the Supreme Court, under its constitutional rule-making authority, may regionalize the Bar Examinations and hold them outside Manila.
Whether the designation of Cebu City as a regional Bar Examination site was justified based on previous requests, surveys, and current exigencies.
Whether increasing Bar application fees to cover regionalization expenses is lawful and reasonable.
Whether the amendment of Rule 138, Section 11 to allow for regionalization aligns with legal procedural requirements and constitutional mandates.