The Supreme Court of the Philippines has expanded and regionalized the administration of the Arabic language test for the 2026 Shari’ah Special Bar Examinations to make the examinations more accessible to Muslim Filipino communities.
Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul Inting said the initiative reflects the judiciary’s commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and reduced logistical burdens for examinees.
A total of 800 aspiring Shari’ah counselors-at-law simultaneously took the exams across testing centers in Quezon City, Davao City, Zamboanga City, and Iligan using a digitalized and localized testing system.
Of the total examinees, 45 took the exams in Arabic while 755 opted for English, marking a broader reach for Arabic-proficient applicants compared to previous years.
The Supreme Court said the reforms align with its Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, aimed at improving access and responsiveness of the Shari’ah justice system for Muslim Filipinos.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 27, 2026
