The Supreme Court (SC) has expanded the number of testing centers for the 2025 Bar Examinations to 14 nationwide, with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) designated as the national headquarters.
According to the SC, the testing centers across Metro Manila and regional sites will accommodate a total of 13,301 candidates who have registered for the 2025 Bar Examinations, scheduled on September 7, 10, and 14.
SC Associate Justice Lazaro-Javier, chairperson of the 2025 Bar Examinations, announced that UST will serve both as a testing venue and the main administrative hub—the first time it will assume this role since the exams were decentralized in 2020.
Apart from UST, six other testing centers in Metro Manila have been designated: San Beda University – Mendiola in Manila; New Era University in Quezon City; Manila Adventist College in Pasay City; San Beda College – Alabang in Muntinlupa City; University of the Philippines – Bonifacio Global City in Taguig; and Ateneo de Manila University School of Law in Makati.
Regional sites include Saint Louis University in Baguio City; University of Nueva Caceres in Naga City; University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu City; Central Philippine University in Iloilo City; Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation in Tacloban City; Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City; and Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology in Iligan City.
The exams will cover six core subjects: Political and Public International Law (15%); Commercial and Taxation Laws (20%); Civil Law (20%); Labor Law and Social Legislations (10%); Criminal Law (10%); and Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics with Practical Exercises (25%).
During an official ceremony at the SC Session Hall in Manila on July 9, Justice Lazaro-Javier addressed those serving in the Bar, saying that it is their duty “to ensure that every bar examinee’s journey begins with justice, fairness, and faith in the system.”
“The act of serving for the 2025 Bar Exams is never a burden. It is always a privilege. Serving the people is always an opportunity to lead, to uplift, and to inspire,” she added.
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