A total of 235 examinees passed the 2026 Shari’ah Special Bar Examinations (SSBE), posting a 29.52% passing rate and expanding the country’s roster of qualified Shari’ah counselors-at-law.

The results were announced on July 1 by Supreme Court Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting, chairperson of the 2026 SSBE, following the examinations held on May 24 and 27 at four testing centers nationwide.

Of the 1,055 applicants who registered, 796 completed both examination days, representing a 99.62% completion rate.

Among those who completed the examinations, 267 were male and 529 were female, while 536 were first-time examinees and 260 were repeat takers.

Leading this year’s passers were Ahmad Nuska Bato and Van Regine Lim Perlas, who both obtained an overall rating of 89.15%.

Completing the Top 10 were Cairah Abdul Azis Cairodin (88.775%), Michelle Lovely Carl Saludsod Go (88.575%), Hanna Nazia Sambitory Macapintal (88.475%), Sittie Ayesah Djulaida Arindig Escander (88.15%), Mohammad Muktadir Ahmad Estrella (87.55%), Hanna-Tunisia Fatima Usman (87.475%), Rauda Ismael Salisa (87.15%), Alpha Carole Onrubia Pontanal (86.975%), and Salahudden Saripada Misbah (86.95%).

Compared with previous examinations, this year’s 29.52% passing rate improved from 24.48% in 2025 and 21.45% in 2024, and was nearly on par with the 29.66% recorded in 2022, while remaining significantly higher than the 10.8% posted in 2020.

Successful examinees will take their oath and sign the roll on July 16 at the Manila Hotel.

“More than 1,000 Shari’ah counselors-at-law are qualified to practice before the country’s Shari’ah courts. Following the oath-taking and roll-signing ceremonies, this year’s successful examinees will join their ranks,” the SC said.

The SC also announced that Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez will chair the 2027 Shari’ah Special Bar Examinations.

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