Jeowy Loyloy Ompad usually spends his mornings hauling nets alongside fellow fishermen on Bantayan Island in northern Cebu. But this Wednesday, January 6, he made a different kind of catch—one that marks a career milestone. Ompad secured sixth place in the 2025 Philippine Bar Examinations, earning a 91.25 percent score.
He stands out as the only Cebuano and the sole graduate from a Visayas-based law school to break into the top 20, bringing pride to both his family and his alma mater, University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R).
Lessons from the Sea
Growing up in a family of fisherfolk, Ompad credits his upbringing for teaching resilience and a dedication to serve. “Most of the fisherfolk are underrepresented, and coming from that background, I feel I can truly understand their struggles,” he said. When asked if he takes pride in being a fisherman, he answered simply, “Yes, I am, I do not hide it.”
His father encouraged him to explore opportunities beyond the island and return to uplift his community. Ompad said he carried this advice through law school, emphasizing that consistent effort and disciplined study were key to passing the demanding Bar exams.
Recognition and Next Steps
The Supreme Court released the full list of top examinees, led by Jhenroniel Rhey Timola Sanchez of the University of the Philippines with 92.70 percent. Ompad shares sixth place with Enrico Gabriel Reyes of Ateneo de Manila University. Out of 11,424 candidates, 5,594 passed the three-day exams held across 14 testing centers nationwide.
USJ-R emerged as the only Cebu-based law school in the top 20 and ranked fifth among schools with 51 to 100 first-time examinees, cementing its growing reputation. The university plans to recognize Ompad with cash incentives and a laptop.
Ompad is set to take his oath as a lawyer on February 6, 2026, at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, officially joining the ranks of Philippine lawyers—carrying the values of hard work, service, and his fishing roots with him.
