MANILA (September 13) — Bar hopefuls made their way to local testing centers nationwide on Sunday, September 13, for the final day of the 2026 Bar Examinations, completing a three-day journey toward their dream of becoming lawyers.
The final day covers Criminal Law in the morning, followed by Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics, and Practical Exercises in the afternoon. The examinations were held on September 6, 9, and 13 in 15 local testing centers across the country.
The Supreme Court said 14,291 candidates initially registered for this year’s Bar, the highest number in the history of the Philippine Bar examinations. On the first day alone, 12,029 candidates took the exams, also the highest first-day turnout recorded.
The 15 testing centers are spread across Metro Manila, Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao, including Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City and Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology in Iligan City.
For many examinees, the final day marks the culmination of years of law school, review sessions, sleepless nights and sacrifices shared with their families and loved ones.
The 2026 Bar is also notable for its continued digitalized and regionalized format, with the Supreme Court emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility in the conduct of the examinations.
During the opening day, Bar Chairperson Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan reminded examinees to believe in themselves and remember the people to whom they dedicate their dreams.
“You have done everything na makakayanan ninyo,” Gaerlan said, encouraging examinees to leave the rest to God.
The Supreme Court also highlighted the inclusive nature of this year’s exams, with special assistance provided to examinees with disabilities and other needs. Among those allowed to take the exams with the assistance of an encoder were a candidate who lost sight due to a rare illness, another who lost both arms, a 75-year-old examinee with difficulty using computers, and a candidate with a hand condition affecting typing speed.
After today’s final examination, Bar hopefuls will have to wait for the Supreme Court’s announcement of the results as they take the next step toward joining the Philippine legal profession.
For now, the long review is over. The books can close, the laptops can rest, and the prayers begin.
