I was a special candidate, not certified by Arellano College of Law, to take the bar exams because I had not yet taken PROPERTY, a 4-unit subject. And so while reviewing for the Bar, I was also taking Property in the University of Manila to qualify to take the Bar exams. I forfeited my Review on Foreign Laws because I had high grades in that particular subject under Mr. Moñon Palma, who later on became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, like Fred Castro, who was my teacher in Criminal Law. It took one full year to review for the Bar Exams, which I did in 1948-1949.
One day Lt. Col. Ambrosia Solud, Chief, QMSO (Quartermaster Service Op., MPC (P.A.), said: “Joe, come here.” (I was then 1st Lieutenant, Adm. O., Supply O., Finance O., and Co. QMSG Service Company. As Administrative Officer I had twelve officers to pay, give office supplies, and supervise, plus thirty civilian employees and twenty enlisted men under me.) I said, “Yes, sir!”, and stood in front of him.
“You are now reviewing for the Bar. Do you know that I took the Bar seven times? Yes, seven times! And I only passed during the Japanese Occupation when all passed because there was no need for lawyers then! I know how it feels to be called a ‘Bar flunker.’ Now, this is how I can help you, because I know that you have to review very well to pass the Bar. I had no time to review; that is why I flunked!
“Get somebody to take your job so that you can go elsewhere to review as you continue coming to the office without applying for vacation leave of absence.” I said: “Yes, sir,” then went back to my desk. I was wondering how I could do this, when in came Capt. Jose del Rosario, an Ilocano, and said: “Joe, okin nam, toloñgon nee!” (“Joe, you ‘SOB,’ help me.” Jokingly, if uttered this way, it is a friendly approach among us.) I said: “How can I help you? You are a Captain and I am only a 1st Lieutenant.”
“You know, Joe,” he explained, “I almost got killed last week when I went to Canlubang. Our Jeep was ambushed by the Huks, and I don’t want to go back there anymore. Besides, I just got my back pay and I want to build a house on my lot near the Max’s Fried Chicken Restaurant.
“So, please help me. I know you are very close to our boss. Anything you say to him goes.”
“Okay,” I said. “Would you like to take my job?”
“I did not come here to take your job,” he replied.
Then I explained to him what Col. Solud just told me. He said: “Yes, I can do your job.”
We both approached Col. Solud and I told him that Capt. del Rosario could handle my job.
Col. Solud asked Capt. del Rosario: “Prove to me that you can do all the job of Joe.”
“Sir,” Capt. del Rosario said, “I was a superintendent of a high school when I was called as a Reserve Officer. I know how to push the pen like Joe.”
“Alright,” Col. Solud said, “you take this note to Col. Popa and come back with your orders.” Capt. del Rosario and I were both very happy. That same day Capt. del Rosario was placed on TDY (temporary duty) in the QMSG, and after teaching him my job, I went to the Chapel in Crame to review.
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