The Supreme Court of the Philippines unveiled the list of top performers for the 2025 Bar Examinations on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, revealing a standout achievement for a Cebu-based law school. Among over 11,000 individuals who took the rigorous test, only one institution from Cebu managed to place a graduate within the prestigious top 20 rankings.
A Cebuano Triumph in the National Arena
Jeowy Loyloy Ompad from the University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R) claimed an impressive 6th place, achieving an average score of 91.25 percent. This accomplishment highlights the competitive quality of legal education in the Visayas region, with USJ-R representing Cebu proudly on the national stage.
The Nation's Top Bar Examinees
Leading the 2025 Bar passers is Jhenroniel Rhey Timola Sanchez from the University of the Philippines (UP), who topped the exams with a score of 92.70 percent. He is closely followed by Spinel Albert Allauigan Declaro from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, who secured second place with 92.46 percent.
The third spot went to Alaiza Agatep Adviento, also from UST Manila, with a score of 91.91 percent. Completing the top five are Angela De Castro Mitra from De La Salle Lipa in fourth place (91.68%) and Marc Angelo Galvez Santos from UST Manila in fifth (91.58%).
Ompad shares the sixth rank with Enrico Gabriel Reyes from Ateneo de Manila University.
Completing the Top Ten Passers
The remaining examinees who rounded out the elite top ten list are:
- Johan Raphael Silapan Gata, UST Manila (90.90%)
- Marie Shantelle Atienza Sarmiento, UP (90.87%)
- Richmond Bulan Lucas, University of La Salette, Inc. (90.45%)
- Jasmin Teriann Afable Yap, UP (90.36%)
Other Distinguished Top 20 Performers
The Supreme Court's list also honored other high achievers who placed from 11th to 20th. These include Allan Leo Tabuco Paran from Arellano University and Patric Kiel Quiroz Navarro from the University of the East.
Other notable passers in this bracket are Alfrancis Bagadiong Cabungcal and Ignacio Lorenzo Dela Cruz Villareal, both from UP, alongside Gerilin Ano-os Gascon from Bukidnon State University.
The final names on the Top 20 list are Mae Angela Damaso Locsin from UST–Legazpi, Randall Lipnica Pabilane from Arellano University, Mikaella Franchesca Nuarin Abisana from Ateneo de Manila University, Chinzen Tañada Viernes from UP, and Ronald Vincent Ofrecio Gonzales from the University of the East.
The release of these results marks a significant milestone for the new lawyers and their respective institutions. The performance of USJ-R's Jeowy Ompad is particularly celebrated in Cebu, demonstrating that excellence in legal education thrives beyond the capital region. The success of these individuals sets a high standard for future bar examinees across the Philippines.
