The Supreme Court of the Philippines has officially welcomed a new batch of legal professionals, with a significant contingent coming from the country's interior and security sectors. The results of the 2025 Bar Examinations were formally announced in a ceremony held in Manila on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
Bar Exam Results: A Blend of Public Service and Legal Acumen
Out of 11,420 individuals who took the challenging licensure test, a total of 5,594 examinees successfully passed. Among these new lawyers, a notable group of 207 are personnel from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and its various attached agencies. This highlights a growing trend of public servants enhancing their service through legal expertise.
The breakdown of the successful DILG-affiliated candidates is as follows:
- 109 from the Philippine National Police (PNP)
- 40 from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
- 29 from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)
- 8 from the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM)
- 3 from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF)
- 17 from the DILG Central and Regional Offices (2 from Central Office, 15 from regional offices)
Inspiring Stories from the New Lawyer-Public Servants
The newly minted lawyers shared how their legal journeys are deeply intertwined with their commitment to public service. Hana Rea Pagapong from DILG Region 10 sees her achievement as a tool to further serve her community in Misamis Occidental. She plans to continue guiding elected officials, particularly at the barangay level, with her enhanced legal knowledge.
Kareen Estabillo of the DILG Bureau of Local Government Development believes passing the Bar strengthens her work at the Local Fiscal Reform and Development Division. "This equips me with the legal knowledge necessary for reviewing policies to ensure compliance with the law while benefiting LGUs and their constituents," she stated.
Senior Fire Officer Gilbert Berou of the National Fire Training Institute reflected that his experience as a first responder profoundly shaped his path to the legal profession. He views his roles in the BFP and as a lawyer as united by a single purpose: to serve the public good with honor, competence, and dedication.
Oath-Taking and the Road Ahead
All successful examinees from the 2025 Bar Examinations are scheduled to take their oath as full-fledged members of the Philippine Bar on February 6, 2026. The mass oath-taking ceremony will be held at the Philippine Arena, marking the formal start of their careers in law.
This batch of lawyers, enriched by the practical experience of those from the DILG family, is poised to contribute significantly to the Philippine justice system and governance. Their unique perspective, born from frontline public service, is expected to bring valuable insight into legal practice and policy-making.
