A record 12,010 examinees completed the 2026 Bar Examinations, making it the highest number of finishers in Philippine Bar history, according to the Supreme Court.
The exams were held in 15 testing centers nationwide, including Central Philippine University in Iloilo City, and continued the judiciary’s push for a regionalized and digitalized Bar examination system.
Out of 13,441 admitted applicants, 12,029 took the first day of exams on Sept. 6. A total of 12,017 returned for the second day, while 12,010 completed the final day on Sept. 13, resulting in a 99.9-percent retention rate.
Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, chairperson of the 2026 Bar Exams, said the tests were conducted with integrity and care for the examinees.
During a turnover ceremony in Muntinlupa City, Gaerlan officially handed over the leadership of the Bar Examinations to Associate Justice Ricardo Rosario, who will chair the 2027 Bar.
Rosario said next year’s exams will continue reforms introduced in recent years and will focus on analytical thinking and legal problems faced by contemporary Philippine society.
Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo also praised the successful conduct of the exams, which marked the first Bar held under the amended Rule 138 and recorded the highest number of examinees in history.
The results of the 2026 Bar Examinations are tentatively scheduled for release in January 2027.IMT
