By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Supreme Court has admitted 237 new Shari’ah Counselors-at-Law following the oath-taking and roll-signing ceremonies held during a special En Banc session at The Manila Hotel, underscoring the Judiciary’s commitment to expanding access to justice for Muslim Filipinos.
The new members of the Shari’ah Bar include the 235 successful passers of the 2026 Shari’ah Special Bar Examinations (SSBE), along with one passer each from the 2022 and 2025 examinations.
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo presided over the ceremony, while Supreme Court Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting, chairperson of the 2026 SSBE, reminded the new legal practitioners that their profession carries with it a profound responsibility beyond mastering the law.
“The true estimation of a Shari’ah Counselor-at-Law lies not in the scope or breadth of their knowledge, but in their just application of it—whether such is used to serve rather than exclude, to heal rather than divide, and to empower rather than exploit others,” Inting said.
He stressed that the oath taken by every lawyer is a solemn pledge to uphold justice with integrity, faithfully represent clients, protect the vulnerable, and preserve public confidence in the legal profession.
Inting likewise encouraged the new counselors-at-law to remain guided by humility, integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning, saying justice is fully realized only when the law is administered fairly and public institutions remain faithful to their duty to serve.
The 2026 SSBE recorded a passing rate of 29.52 percent, with 235 of the 796 examinees successfully passing the examinations held on May 24 and 27 at testing centers in Quezon City, Davao City, Zamboanga City, and Iligan City.
According to the Supreme Court, this year’s examinations reflected continuing reforms aimed at modernizing the Shari’ah Bar through the digitalization of testing procedures, enhanced security measures, and the regionalized administration of the Arabic-language examinations, making the process more accessible while preserving its integrity.
Ahmad Nuska Bato and Van Regine Lim Perlas emerged as the top performers after tying for first place with identical overall ratings of 89.15 percent.
During the ceremony, Justice Inting also turned over the leadership of the Shari’ah Special Bar Examinations to Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez, who will serve as chairperson of the 2027 SSBE.
In his message, Marquez urged the new lawyers to uphold justice with honesty, competence, and sincerity, describing their profession as both a legal calling and a spiritual obligation.
“Your practice as Shari’ah Counselors-at-Law is more than a profession. It is an act of worship. Every client you faithfully represent, every dispute you help resolve, every right you protect, every injustice you prevent becomes part of your devotion to God through faithful service to His nation,” he said.
The oath of office was administered by Supreme Court Clerk of Court En Banc Atty. Marife M. Lomibao-Cuevas before the new Shari’ah Counselors-at-Law signed the Roll, formally completing their admission to the Shari’ah Bar.
The event also featured a photo exhibit, “Faces, Faith & Fortitude: Bridging Tradition and Judicial Innovation,” showcasing the preparations, conduct, and milestones of the 2026 Shari’ah Special Bar Examinations.
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