Following reactions from some Bar applicants questioning the Supreme Court’s publication of their names, several lawyers reminded them that joining the legal profession is imbued with public interest, which is why they cannot expect full privacy.
Lawyer Nico Valderrama said he understands that some of the examinees are anxious because they would rather not have the pressure from having the public know that they are taking the Bar.
But Valderrama said transparency is necessary when it comes to matters affecting an applicant’s fitness to become a lawyer.
The publication of the names, which is required under Rule 138, Section 5 of the Rules of Court, is intended to let the public raise questions about the character or qualification of the Bar applicants if they have any ground to do so.
“We may question a rule, disagree with it, or advocate for its amendment. But while it remains the rule, those who aspire to become lawyers must also learn to respect it,” Valderrama said in a Facebook post.
He advised the examinees to acknowledge the pressure, then move past it so that they can focus on their review in the remaining days before the Bar.
Another lawyer, Ben Bernabe, said the reaction from the Bar takers had him worried about whether they had reviewed Political Law and Legal Ethics.
In a post on X, Bernabe said the Supreme Court has the power to promulgate rules concerning the admission to the practice of law, and its amended rule requires the publication of the list of qualified applicants who may take the Bar exams.
He said the Data Privacy Act cannot be invoked to defeat the SC’s constitutional power.
He also cited the public interest aspect of the practice of law.
“One of the conditions that burden law practitioners, and necessarily including those who aspire to practice law, is a reasonable public disclosure of personal information, in the interest of protecting public welfare,” he said.
Lawyer Jorace Lampa also said in a Facebook post that being a lawyer comes with a certain degree of public accountability and transparency.
Lampa noted that many of their applications and professional details are publicly accessible, whether for admission to the Bar, notarial practice, or application to the Judiciary.
“The public has a legitimate interest in knowing who seeks admission to, and who is authorized to practice in, the legal profession,” he said, adding that those who do not want their names published should rethink whether being a lawyer is for them.