The results of the grueling 2025 Bar Examinations are in, revealing the nation's newest top legal minds. Among the more than 11,000 hopefuls who took the test, the Supreme Court announced the list of the Top 20 passers on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. A standout achievement came from Cebu, where only one graduate from a law school based in the province managed to break into this elite circle.
Cebu's Pride in the National Rankings
Jeowy Loyloy Ompad from the University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R) achieved an impressive sixth-place finish, earning an average score of 91.25 percent. This accomplishment highlights the competitive performance of a provincial law school on the national stage. Ompad shares the sixth rank with Enrico Gabriel Reyes from the Ateneo de Manila University, who posted an identical average score.
Leading the 2025 Bar Examinations
The 2025 Bar Exams were dominated by graduates from the country's leading law universities. Topping the list is Jhenroniel Rhey Timola Sanchez of the University of the Philippines (UP), who garnered the highest average of 92.70 percent. He is closely followed by Spinel Albert Allauigan Declaro from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, who placed second with 92.46 percent. The third spot went to another UST Manila alumna, Alaiza Agatep Adviento, with a score of 91.91 percent.
The fourth and fifth positions were secured by Angela De Castro Mitra of De La Salle Lipa (91.68%) and Marc Angelo Galvez Santos of UST Manila (91.58%), respectively.
Completing the Top Ten Passers
The list of the first ten highest scorers is a mix of students from established national universities and other institutions. After the sixth-place tie, the rankings continue with:
- Johan Raphael Silapan Gata of UST Manila (90.90%)
- Marie Shantelle Atienza Sarmiento of UP (90.87%)
- Richmond Bulan Lucas of University of La Salette Inc. (90.45%)
- Jasmin Teriann Afable Yap of UP (90.36%)
The Rest of the Distinguished Top 20
The Supreme Court's list also honors the following successful examinees who rounded out the Top 20, showcasing the geographic and institutional diversity of the country's new lawyers:
- Allan Leo Tabuco Paran of Arellano University (90.20%)
- Patric Kiel Quiroz Navarro of University of the East (89.93%)
- Alfrancis Bagadiong Cabungcal of UP (89.80%)
- Gerilin Ano-os Gascon of Bukidnon State University (89.71%)
- Ignacio Lorenzo Dela Cruz Villareal of UP (89.70%)
- Mae Angela Damaso Locsin of UST–Legazpi (89.42%)
- Randall Lipnica Pabilane of Arellano University (89.41%)
- Mikaella Franchesca Nuarin Abisana of Ateneo de Manila University (89.38%)
- Chinzen Tañada Viernes of UP (89.35%)
- Ronald Vincent Ofrecio Gonzales of University of the East (89.31%)
The release of the Top 20 list marks a significant milestone for these individuals and their alma maters, setting a high benchmark for future bar examinees. The achievement of Jeowy Loyloy Ompad brings particular pride to Cebu's legal education community, proving that excellence can emerge from any corner of the Philippines.
