After failing the 2018 Bar Exam, 89-year-old retiree tries again

MANILA, Philippines – An 89-year-old man is trying his luck at the Bar Exam again this year.
Tatay Ibarra Mariano is taking his chances again at the 2019 Bar Exams

Tatay Ibarra Mariano is taking his chances again at the 2019 Bar Exams
Tatay Ibarra Mariano is taking his chances again at the 2019 Bar Exams | Photo Courtesy: Twitter/ Marc Jason Cayabyab via Philstar
Retired Colonel Ibarra Mariano went viral last year when he was named as one of the oldest Bar takers. Unfortunately, Mariano didn't make it to last year's successful Bar passers. He shared how his shaky hands became a hindrance as his penmanship became unreadable. Mariano shared he already underwent surgery to try and fix his shaky hand.

READ: “Before I die”: 87-year-old man chases dream to be a lawyer

But the 89-year-old aspiring lawyer wasn't giving up the fight just yet as he was one of this year's Bar takers again. Mariano was greeted by cheers from well wishers after he took the first Sunday of exam.

UPDATE: Lolo Mariano did not pass the 2019 bar exam. Keep on fighting. There's always a next time. (SEE: 2019 bar exam list of passers).

SEE ALSOGov't employee finally passes Bar Exams after 8th try

Mariano said he is determined to become a lawyer because he wants to serve those "who are not protected by the equal protection of the law" in the countryside.

The retired Colonel wants to fulfill his dream of becoming a lawyer
The retired Colonel wants to fulfill his dream of becoming a lawyer | Photo Courtesy: Twitter/ Marc Jason Cayabyab via Philstar

This is actually the retiree's third shot to achieving his dream. Mariano finished his law degree back in 1967 but his first try taking the bar exam was in 1995. Unfortunately, he failed with a grade of 70-percent, just slightly shy of the passing grade of 75.

Mariano dedicated his life as a policeman. He was an officer of the Philippine Constabulary, now known as the Philippine National Police. Now, even at his retirement age, he still shares his knowledge to new cops by giving lectures on “how to die or not to die in combat.”

Despite his numerous achievements in his career, Mariano shared that he isn't giving up on his dreams of becoming a lawyer.

"I wanted to become a lawyer before I die," he said.

Mariano is one of the 8, 245 hopefuls who started taking the 118th Bar exam. The 2019 Bar Examinations began November and will continue on all Sundays of November at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). The exams are headed by Supreme Court Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe.

— Sally, The Summit Express



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