UC School of Law Bar Operations Commission

Good luck to all 2025 Bar Examinees, especially UC Law's 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬! Never yielding, always rising!

You’ve done your part—now manifest it. Today, you become lawyers. ⚖️

For more than six decades after he passed the Bar, Atty. Go has lived a life defined not only by his practice of law but also by his unyielding commitment to education and service. As a lawyer, educator, and visionary leader, his journey reflects perseverance, humility, and the belief that success is measured not by personal gain but by the lives uplifted along the way.

On His Journey in Law

The most defining moment of Atty. Go’s career came in 1962, when he passed the Bar. It was not a straightforward triumph, but rather a story of suspense, resilience, and grace.

“I vividly recall receiving a telegram saying ‘Congratulations’, but when I checked the newspaper, I couldn’t find my name. I bought every newspaper I could, scanning page after page, starting from the Z’s, then moving to the A’s—yet still nothing. Then, I noticed a section titled ‘Second Consideration.’ I thought to myself, if there’s a second consideration, there must have been a first.”

At the time, the passing grade was set at 75%, producing a meager passing rate of only 8–9%. The Supreme Court intervened, lowering the grade first to 73%, then ultimately to 70%. With a score of 74.95%, Atty. Go fell within this final adjustment.

“That moment shaped me deeply. It taught me that sometimes success does not come in the way we expect it, but through perseverance and grace. It reminded me never to give up, even when things seem uncertain, because doors may open in ways we do not anticipate. That experience remains unforgettable—and it defined the lawyer, and the man, I became.”

On Service and Advocacy

While many lawyers dedicate their lives exclusively to the courtroom, Atty. Go chose a path that would empower generations: education.

“In my sixty years as a school president, I have seen with my own eyes how education changes lives. Students would come from very poor families, some walking long distances or working part-time just to stay in school. Yet, once they finished their studies, they were able to find decent jobs, support their families, and even send their siblings to school. Life truly became much better for them.”

This conviction, that education is the greatest equalizer, has guided his mission. For Atty. Go, classrooms are as powerful as courtrooms—both capable of changing destinies.

On Life and Legacy

When asked about true success, Atty. Go looks beyond wealth, titles, or accolades.

“For me, true success is not measured by titles or wealth, but by the lives of the graduates I have seen succeed. Whether it is seafarers manning vessels across the world, nurses working abroad, or teachers shaping young minds, their achievements remind me of why I chose the path of education. And now, through our School of Law, I take pride in seeing our alumni in the judiciary—judges and lawyers serving with integrity. One of them even inducted me as CESAFI President this year.”

To him, the highest honor is watching his students surpass him, embodying the values he has long championed.

As to the legacy he hopes to leave, Atty. Go is clear:

“I hope to leave behind a good name—one that my family can be proud of. More than any position or recognition, what matters most to me is that I have helped others along the way. If people can say that their lives were made better because of something I did, whether as a lawyer or as an educator, then I would consider that the legacy worth leaving.”

On Character and Wisdom

Asked to distill life’s greatest lesson, Atty. Go offers a simple yet profound reminder:

“It is to live a life that never takes advantage of others. No matter how successful you become, it means nothing if it comes at the expense of another person. True integrity is found in treating people with respect and compassion.”

The Golden Pillar of Law

Through his resilience as a lawyer, his transformative role as an educator, and his steadfast service to others, Atty. Go stands as a true Golden Pillar of Law. His life reminds us that law is not merely a profession but a calling—to uplift, to empower, and to serve with honor.

Never Yielded, Continued Rising

On September 14, 2025, the UC Law community stood with Batch Fortis as you faced—and conquered—the Bar with unwavering strength. You did not just take the challenge; you rose above it. True to your name, you have shown what it means to be never yielding, always rising, and now, victorious. 💙💛

Congratulations, Batch Fortis, for reaching this milestone! The whole UC Law family celebrates your excellence, resilience, and fortitude. ⚖

Photo credits to Sir Japhet Lim.

To all our UC Law 2025 Bar takers, 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 for conquering the 2025 Bar exams!

You never yielded and you just continued rising! 🦅

Know that we are extremely proud of you! 💙💛

𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆!

Our cheers for Batch Fortis roared even louder this morning as we sent them off to USJ-R Basak for their final battle in the Bar Exams. ⚖️

One last push, Fortis—victory is yours! 💛💙 Never yielding, always rising! 🦅

𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚, yet Batch Fortis still standing strong!

Congratulations to our bar takers for braving the 2nd day of the Bar examinations! We are proud of your grit and strength. ✨ Onto the last day!

While cheering for Batch Fortis this morning, the UC BarOps Team enjoyed a moment with Dean Ralph Sarmiento! 📸💙

Standing alongside the spirited BarOps Team of University of Cebu!

𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲, 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀, 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲!

On this second day of the Bar Exams, your sacrifices resound even louder, echoing the strength and resilience that define Batch Fortis.

The entire UC Law community — with the Bar Operations team standing firmly behind you — is with you every step of the way. You got this! 🙏🏻

Go forth, Batch Fortis! Never yielding, always rising! 🦅