Manila: The Supreme Court announced that 154 out of 629 examinees, or 24.48 percent, successfully passed the first fully digitalized special exams for the Shari'ah Bar. This significant milestone was revealed on Friday, marking a pivotal moment in the administration of Shari'ah law in the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, Associate Justice Antonio Kho Jr., who serves as this year's Shari'ah Bar chairperson for the 2025 Shari'ah Special Bar Examinations (SSBE), announced the results of the exams held on May 25 and 28. The Supreme Court has scheduled the oath-taking ceremony for the successful candidates on August 6, offering them the opportunity to formally begin their careers in the Shari'ah legal system.
The Supreme Court has made the list of successful examinees accessible online through its official channels, ensuring transparency and ease of access for all stakeholders. The exams were conducted across four local testing centers in the Philippines, namely, the University of the Philippines Diliman, Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, Ateneo de Davao University, and Ateneo de Zamboanga University, reflecting a nationwide effort to facilitate participation in this landmark examination.
The 2025 SSBE was evaluated by a panel of esteemed examiners, including Dean Abdulcader Ayo for Jurisprudence and Customary Laws, Dr. Hamid Aminodin Barra for Persons, Family Relations, and Property, Dr. Jamel Cayamodin for Succession, Wills/Adjudication, and Settlement of Estates, and Attorney Melchor Sadain for Procedure in the Shari'ah Courts. Their expertise ensured a comprehensive assessment of the candidates' knowledge and skills.
Shari'ah courts, which operate under the administrative supervision of the Supreme Court, are tasked with handling cases involving Muslim customary and personal laws, excluding criminal law. There are currently eight Shari'ah District Courts in the Philippines, with six located in Mindanao, highlighting the regional focus of Shari'ah legal proceedings in the country.
