After 3 years, men back on top in 2009 Bar exams

It took three years before male law graduates could dominate again the top spots in the Bar examinations. Data from the Supreme Court culled by GMANews.TV showed that from 2006 to 2008, more female than male law graduates topped the Bar exams. In the latest Bar exams, which were conducted in September-October 2009 and the results of which were released on Friday evening, six of the 11 topnotchers are male. Reinier Paul Yebra of San Beda Law School who placed first with 84.80 percent; John Paul Lim of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) who placed third with 84.60 percent; Eric David Tan (84.40) and Yves-Randolph Gonzalez (83.90), both from ADMU, placed fifth and sixth, respectively. Eight placer, Herminio Bagro III of the University of the Philippines Diliman garnered 83.40 percent, followed by Timothy Joseph Lumauig of ADMU who placed ninth with 83.20 percent. For a complete list of the Bar passers, click here. In the past three years, more women than men landed in the coveted "Top Ten." In 2008, 10 out of 12 top 10 passers were women; 2007 (nine women out of 12 top 10 passers); and 2006 (six women out of 11 top ten passers). The Bar exams held in September 2008 had the most number of women topnotchers, with 10 women among the top 12 topnotchers led by Judy Lardizabal from the San Sebastian College with a rating of 85.70 percent. (See: 1,310 pass Bar Exam; law grad from San Sebastian is No. 1) —JV, GMANews.TV