Lijauco’s bar exam triumph proves PWDs can thrive with opportunity

Perhaps it was not meant to be his – the life Charles Kenneth Lijauco had imagined as a child, filled with boundless energy, free from the weight of physical illness. 

But his journey has never followed the traditional path. Charles’ story as a law school graduate and bar passer is not about overcoming obstacles, but reimagining possibilities and embracing a future defined by what his heart, mind, and spirit could achieve.

In fourth grade, the world that Charles knew began to crumble. Diagnosed with fibrous dysplasia, a rare and incurable disease that weakens the bones and makes them prone to fractures and deformities, his once active life came to a grinding halt. 

The sports, the dancing, and the dreams of becoming a doctor all seemed distant, slipping away like sand through his fingers. Yet, even as the pain of broken bones and the limitations of his body grew more insistent, it only rekindled Lijauco’s drive.

“I had to refocus,” he recalled in his interview on ANC’s Headstart, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “I can be frustrated with what is given to me in this life, but I have to make the most of it to truly live life.”

What seemed like a cruel twist of fate instead became the turning point in his life. The dream of becoming a doctor was replaced by a new ambition: to fight for justice, not just for himself, but for others who, like him, were often overlooked and undervalued because of physical limitations. 

This is when he turned to pursuing law, seeing it not as a consolation prize, but as a way to change the world.

Driven by determination 

In 2019, after a few years of work following his graduation in 2018, Lijauco entered the University of the Philippines College of Law at the Bonifacio Global City campus. 

UP was a campus renowned for producing some of the country’s brightest legal minds. But for Lijauco, it was a place where every door, every hallway, and every classroom was a challenge in itself. 

As the only wheelchair user in his batch, the physical barriers were glaring – elevators that were often out of service, desks that didn’t accommodate his wheelchair, and hallways that weren’t built for accessibility. Yet, it was in this very environment that Lijauco began to flourish truly.

“I didn’t feel like an outsider,” he recalled with a quiet pride. “My blockmates, my fraternity – it felt natural. I wasn’t just accepted, I was embraced for who I was, for my dedication and my passion.” 

His fellow students saw not a person defined by his disability, but a peer, a future lawyer, and a friend. His law school years were challenging, yes, but they were also filled with moments of camaraderie, growth, and an unwavering sense of belonging. 

Not only because of a demanding curriculum, but due to the physical barriers he faced as the only wheelchair user in his batch. Navigating a campus and places where PWDs face difficulties with facilities, living normally becomes a struggle. But Lijauco’s determination and passion were stronger than any physical limitation. 

Lijauco wasn’t just battling with his body, but the limitations that society often places on people with disabilities. 

“I really want to be a disability rights lawyer. I want to make an impact that will be long-lasting. If I change the law, it will affect so many lives,” he said in a voice full of conviction. 

His vision is bold and far-reaching: to ensure that the legal system would be more inclusive, and that the rights of persons with disabilities are not just acknowledged but actively protected. 

His personal experiences with barriers, be it physical, social, and legal,have given him a deep understanding of the systemic changes that need to be made.

“Disability is something that is caused by society,” he explained. “If we make changes to society, make it more inclusive, then people – no matter what their physical or mental conditions are – can move around, thrive, and contribute meaningfully.” 

He spoke of creating a society where people with disabilities are seen not as burdens, but as empowered individuals with the right to participate fully in life. Lijauco’s personal story is a testament to that very possibility.

Making things happen 

There were many nights when Lijauco’s body ached from the weight of his disability, when exhaustion from long hours of studying seemed too much to bear. 

But those moments of doubt were met with a quiet resolve – a belief that the fight was worth it. Law school was not just about earning a degree; it was about forging a path that others could follow. 

“I don’t want to be an inspiration. I want to be [a] proof that if you give opportunities to people with disabilities, they can make it,” he said while a soft smile plastered on his face.

Lo and behold, he did it. 

Even with the challenges, the exhaustion, and the barriers, Lijauco stood tall not just as a law student but as a champion for those who had no voice. 

Now, his ever-wanted dream of becoming a disability rights lawyer was no longer just a vision; it was becoming his reality.

The final test 

Then came the Bar Exams. For many, it was the culmination of years of hard work, sleepless nights, and relentless pursuit of excellence. For Lijauco, it was the final obstacle in a journey filled with seemingly insurmountable challenges. 

But true to form, he approached the Bar Exam with the same grit and determination that had carried him through every trial in his life.

Overcoming obstacles one case at a time, Charles did not just pass the Bar. He excelled. 

His name appeared on the list of top 20 Bar passers, a stunning testament to his dedication and unyielding willpower. Placing 20th with a passing rate of just 37.4%, he reached the pinnacle, not only as a lawyer but as a testament to all who believe that no disability can limit a person’s potential. 

In a life that was never meant to be easy, Lijauco’s triumph stands as a powerful reminder: obstacles are not barriers; they are stepping stones to something greater because even the greatest hurdles can be overcome, one case at a time.