Shari’ah Special Bar Examinations Passers Take Oath
The 2025 Shari’ah Special Bar Examinations passers officially took their oath as Shari’ah Counselors-at-Law during a solemn ceremony at the Manila Hotel in Ermita, Manila. This momentous occasion celebrated their success after passing the first fully digitalized special examinations for the Shari’ah courts.
Out of 629 examinees, 154 passed, marking a 24.4 percent success rate. The examinations were held on May 25 and 28 across four testing centers nationwide: University of the Philippines Diliman, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Ateneo de Davao University, and Ateneo de Zamboanga University. This year’s top scorer was Princess Jannah Saudagar Pumbaya, who earned an impressive rating of 89.9 percent.
Justice Kho Highlights Commitment Behind Shari’ah Bar
Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Kho, Jr., chairperson of the 2025 Shari’ah Special Bar Examinations, warmly congratulated the new Shari’ah counselors-at-law. He praised their dedication and perseverance, reminding them that their admission is more than a title—it is a commitment to serve.
“Your entry into the Shari’ah Bar signifies a solemn promise to be the voice of clarity in uncertain times, the messengers of peace amid conflict, and the protectors of fairness when rights are challenged,” Justice Kho stated.
He also emphasized the timing of their admission, coinciding with the enactment of Republic Act No. 12018, which created new Shari’ah judicial districts. This expansion ensures that Muslim Filipinos in Luzon and Visayas can now access courts that respect their faith and customs.
Judiciary Reforms Aim for Inclusivity
Justice Kho explained the purpose behind recent reforms: “We do not innovate merely for innovation’s sake. Our regionalization and digitalization efforts exist to build a judiciary where no Filipino is left behind. We strive to uphold the rule of law with compassion and ensure our Muslim brothers and sisters see their beliefs honored by the justice system.”
Important Role of New Shari’ah Counselors
Supreme Court Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul Inting, chairperson of the 2026 SSBE, addressed the new counselors, underscoring their crucial role. “You now belong to a distinguished group responsible for advancing and applying Shari’ah law,” he said.
“Your work ensures that the Shari’ah legal framework continues to embody the values and customs of the communities you serve,” he added.
First Fully Digitalized Shari’ah Exams
This year’s SSBE was notable for being the first fully digitalized special bar exam. Examinees had the option to take the test in either English or Arabic using a dedicated software application. The system included translation tools to convert English questions into Arabic and vice versa, streamlining the process for all participants.
On the first day, 629 examinees tackled subjects on Jurisprudence (Fiqh) and Customary Laws (Adat) in the morning, with 628 returning for Persons, Family Relations, and Property in the afternoon. The second day saw all 628 examinees complete Succession, Wills/Adjudication, and Settlement of Estates in the morning, followed by Procedure in the Shari’ah Courts in the afternoon.
These milestones reflect ongoing efforts to modernize and expand access to justice for Muslim Filipinos nationwide.
For more news and updates on Shari’ah Special Bar Examinations, visit Filipinokami.com.
