Rommel Comendador – a 35-year-old husband and father of two who worked as a janitor and then legal researcher at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) – said he could not believe how lucky he was to pass the 2016 bar examination.

“Napakaswerte ko po,” he said. “Di ko nga po alam kung paano ko pasasalamatan ang Panginoon talaga at yung mga taong nagbigay ng lakas sa akin.”

“Napakaswerte ko po,” he said. “Di ko nga po alam kung paano ko pasasalamatan ang Panginoon talaga at yung mga taong nagbigay ng lakas sa akin.”

(“I’m so lucky. I don’t know how to thank the Lord and all those people who gave me strength.”)

“I am number 914,” he said pointing at the list of passers.

“Sana po wala akong kapangalan,” he added laughing.

(“I hope I don’t have a namesake.”)

He said he was a high school graduate when he started working in the private sector. He got married and had two children, now aged four and eight.

Comendador said he aspired to continue his studies to at least be on the same level as his wife, who is an engineer.

He worked as a janitor at the Comelec from 2007 to 2010. He then took an eligibility examination and was admitted as legal researcher.

In 2011, he entered law school using his Comelec salary for his tuition. He said his wife helped with the household expenses.

While reviewing, he said he got sick and was hospitalized. His condition did not deter him from studying.

“I took my reviewers with me,” he said.

Three months before the examination, he said he rented a small room near his house to concentrate with his studies.

“I studied from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” he said adding.

After studying he would go home to cook dinner for for his family.

He advised all aspiring lawyers to have faith and never let anything get in the way of their achieving their dream.

Update : Janitor-turned-lawyer Comendador now an election officer 2017/07/20

Remember Ramil Comendador, the janitor-turned-lawyer whose story inspired many on social media? He is now an Election Officer, the Commission oWe recognize his diligence and determination to reach his goals and we are pleased to see him accept the challenge. We look forward to working with him even more now as he takes on his new role as an Election Officer,” Bautista said in a statement.

“Ramil is certainly and inspiration to everyone, especially to his colleagues in the Commission and to the youth. His story shows that if you work hard enough, you will be rewarded in the end,” he added.

Comendador, who worked as a janitor for four years to finance his studies, inspired and touched the hearts of many after he passed the 2016 Bar Exams on May 3.Elections (Comelec) said Thursday.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista approved on Monday the recommendation of the bureau’s Regional Selection Promotions Board.

We recognize his diligence and determination to reach his goals and we are pleased to see him accept the challenge. We look forward to working with him even more now as he takes on his new role as an Election Officer,” Bautista said in a statement.

“Ramil is certainly and inspiration to everyone, especially to his colleagues in the Commission and to the youth. His story shows that if you work hard enough, you will be rewarded in the end,” he added.  Comendador, who worked as a janitor for four years to finance his studies, inspired and touched the hearts of many after he passed the 2016 Bar Exams on May 3.

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