Low Bar Passing Rates Lead to University of Manila College of Law Closure

In a notice issued on Monday, April 7, the Legal Education Board (LEB) reminded the public that it has ordered the closure of the University of Manila (UM) College of Law.

The LEB stated in its notice that UM College of Law was notified of the closure on June 5, 2024, and that the closure was effective starting the academic year 2024 to 2025.

“However, the LEB has received information that the school continues to accept enrollees,” the LEB said. “Hence, this notice is issued to warn the public that the Legal Education Board does not recognize enrolment in the said school.”

The board further explained that the school was ordered closed due to “dismal performance in the bar examinations, failure to meet the prescribed curriculum and academic standards for legal education, and deficiencies in institutional facilities and resources necessary for quality legal instruction.”

The LEB also said that it remains committed to ensuring the quality and integrity of legal education in the country.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna clarified on Tuesday, April 8, that the University of Manila, a private higher education institution, is not the same as the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and Universidad de Manila, both city government-funded public higher education institutions. It is also not to be confused with Manila Law College.

The Legal Education Reform Act of 1993 provided for the formation of the LEB that supervises the country’s law schools, sets standards for them, and accredits them. 

‘Dismal Bar Performance’

According to the Supreme Court’s law school performance report, no UM College of Law graduates took the 2024 bar exams. 

An LEB report on law schools’ 10-year performance reveals that from 2011 to 2020, UM College of Law had passing rates of 14.11 percent overall and 18.59 percent for new examinees. Within the 10-year period, the school only saw 59 bar passers become lawyers.

As of writing, the LEB has not yet responded to a request for further comment regarding its academic standards. UM also has not issued a response to the notice.

Pie Gonzaga

Culture Writer

Pie Gonzaga is the Culture Writer of Rolling Stone Philippines, primarily covering film, TV, food, and internet culture.

Gonzaga has worked on a range of stories for print and digital formats, from an interview with Cardinal Ambo David to features on queer party organizers such as CHURCH and Club Euphoria. Her work as the magazine’s former State of Affairs Writer includes news updates on pressing issues like the flood control scandal and the missing sabungeros, and covering rallies. Under Culture, she’s written episode recaps for hit shows, film reviews, and features on restaurants and the people who run them.

Before working with Rolling Stone Philippines, she contributed lifestyle and entertainment stories for a digital news platform.

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