By: Atty Ruben Talampas Jr., March 19, 2014
At past the hour of 12:00 noon while cruising the Highway in Lapaz, Tarlac, on my way to RTC Baloc, Sto. Domingo Nueva Ecija I was listening to an AM band when the news anchor gave way for a breaking news: the result of 2013 bar exams. I’ve heard SC Justice Arturo Brion, Chairperson of the 2013 Bar Exams Committee, said that out of 5,293 examinees, a total of 1,174 passed or 22.18%. He said that the SC lowered the passing grade to 73% exercising its discretion to make adjustments in the rules for if the passing rate remained at 75%, only 694 could have passed. Then the big announcement – the top ten bar passers. I can’t remember his exact words but the first name he mentioned sunk in. “The number 1 is NIELSON PANGAN of the University of the Philippines who got 85.8%”. I was overwhelmed and suddenly blurted “Si Niel, si Niel yun!” I immediately looked for wider space on the shoulder and parked my car. I called Niel’s numbers but were all busy. I’ve called my wife, the office, and everybody that I thought will be interested in hearing the good news. I was so happy at that moment. Niel is not just an acquaintance but a close friend to us. He worked in the law office when he was in his 2nd year in UP Law. I smiled amusingly upon remembering Niel’s days in the office. I asked him to do mundane things not fitted for a bar topnotcher, he he he…photocopying documents, fixing case folders and labeling them, frequent visits to the post office, filing pleadings in court, and sometimes (at his own initiative) cleaning the office. Presently he is now working in a Makati-based law firm and I am sure his doing real lawyers tasks. But I am also certain that during his stint in our law office he have done a lot of “FIRSTS” exciting things…his first draft of a position paper for real client; his first appearance in Pasay court where his lines were memorized by heart: “Your Honor, I’m Niel Pangan, appearing for Atty. Talampas who is presently indisposed …..” (in short he will ask for postponement). When asked about this experience, he recalled to have been felt so nervous but proud and accomplished for he had already his first day in court standing before a Judge with a client, lawyers and spectators.
Again, congratulations Pañero. I never had a doubt you will place among the top 10, being the first is a big blessing. You really deserve it. You’re always been humble and considerate of others. Now that you’re already a lawyer (and the topnotcher) I advise you to have a little of “Angas”, konting yabang (not mayabang), that self confidence you will need in dealing with clients, lawyers and before the court.