2010 Bar Exam 7^th Place topnotcher Krystal Lyn T. Uy of Barangay Karuhatan, recently paid a courtesy call to Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian a few days upon her arrival from an internship program at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands.

Krystal was celebrated in her hometown with congratulatory messages spread throughout the city.  Mayor WIN was joined by Ms. Dorothy Evangelista of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and Ms. Ahna F. Mejia of the Public Information Office (PIO) in welcoming her at the Mayor’s Office. She was granted a private audience with the mayor and was presented a souvenir on her visit.

Uy, a product of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law, tied with fellow-Iskolar ng Bayan, Maria Christina Ortua with a grade of 85.05 percent.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, Chairperson of the 2010 Committee on Bar Examinations, made the announcement in March 17, 2011. The oath-taking took place at the Philippine International Convention Center in April 14.

It was a Thursday morning in The Hague at the Netherlands when Krystal received a call from her mother informing her of being in the top 10 of the 2010 Bar Exams.  It was a time when she was wrapping-up her six-month internship at the office of ICC president Sang Hyun-Song.

Uy assisted Sang in preparing for his Asian trips that included the Philippines, where he encouraged the Aquino administration to ratify the Rome Statute. (President Aquino signed the statute on Feb. 28.)

The International Criminal Court (ICC), governed by the Rome Statute, is the first permanent, treaty-based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.

In an interview, the 26-year old bar topnotcher admitted that the exam result came as a surprise.  “Though I studied at my best and took breaks as everyone else does, I really did not expect it because I am aware that I was not the best in my class,” she said.

A resident of Brgy. Karuhatan, Krystal Uy lamented that she did not have the opportunity to have a barkadas in her community due to her focus on studies.  She spent her early academic years at Jubilee Christian Academy before spending pre-law at the Ateneo De Manila University where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.  From there, she went on to UP Law School and graduated in 2010.  She took the Bar in the same year.

The 2010 Bar Exam called public attention after it was marred by a bomb blast which left at least 50 people injured.  From a total of 5,038 applicants to the 2010 Bar Exams, seven were disqualified while 19 withdrew.  The remaining 4,847 examinees completed the four Sundays of the September examinations.  The passing rate for the 2010 Bar exam is lower than the 24.5 percent passing rate in 2009.  The passers received a mark higher than 72.5 percent. Last year, the passing mark was 71 percent. The latest results have an equal number of men and women in the top 10.

When inquired about her career path, Uy smilingly answered that she will go wherever her feet will take her.  “For now, I will be serving under the litigation department of ACCRA Law Firm.  I signed a contract with them when I was reviewing for the Bar.”

“The best thing about my experience in working for the ICC and the international community is that I learned tools that will be useful for me someday.  Working on a broader environment entitled me to work with different people, culture, and situations.” She added.

Asked how she sees herself in the next 5-10 years, she jokingly replied “pagod (tired).”

Her visit was concluded by a photo session with Mayor WIN and the Department Heads present.

- Michael King Urieta