TACLOBAN CITY — Coming off the heels of the recent Bar Examinations, the Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation (DVOREF) College of Law is celebrating a historic milestone as it officially joins the ranks of the country’s top-tier legal institutions.

According to data released by the Supreme Court on January 7, 2026, DVOREF emerged as the 4th top-performing law school nationwide (for schools with more than 100 first-time candidates), posting an impressive 80.19% passing rate.

A Breakthrough for Regional Excellence

The achievement marks a significant shift in the Philippine legal landscape, as DVOREF is the only provincial law school to break into the Top 5 in its category. With 85 out of 106 examinees passing the rigorous licensure test, the Leyte-based institution now stands alongside the nation’s “Big Three” and other prestigious Manila-based universities.

Top Performing Schools (More than 100 First-Time Candidates):

• Ateneo de Manila University
• University of the Philippines
• University of Santo Tomas
• DVOREF College of Law
• San Beda College of Law – Alabang

A Vision for Quality Education

The DVOREF College of Law is headed by Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, an alumnus of the UP College of Law, who has long advocated for elevating the standard of education in the provinces to match that of the capital.

“This achievement proves that excellence in legal education is not confined to Metro Manila,” Romualdez said. “Our success is a testament to the talent and grit of our students in Leyte and the Visayas. It shows that with the right mentorship and discipline, our regional graduates can compete with the best in the world.”

Dean Romualdez attributed the school’s success to a rigorous academic culture and the unwavering support of the faculty. “I thank our administrative staff, faculty members, students, and parents for standing with us every step of the way. This is a shared victory for our community.”

Official Benchmark

The Supreme Court’s “Performance of Law Schools” report serves as the primary benchmark for institutional quality in the Philippines. By outperforming several established Metro Manila institutions, DVOREF has solidified its reputation as a center of excellence for aspiring lawyers in the region.

The results come just two days after the conclusion of the 2025 Bar cycle, sparking a wave of pride and “good vibes” across Leyte and the legal community.