Aspiring lawyers across the country began taking the 2026 Bar Examinations on September 5, 2026.

Out of 13,441 applicants allowed to take the exam, only 12,029 examinees appeared for the first day across 15 local testing centers nationwide, with over 1,400 absent.

According to 2026 Bar Exams Chairperson Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, incomplete preparation was one of the reasons why some examinees failed to proceed.

“Habang dumarating na lumalapit yung ah yung examination day, nako-confuse sila kung parang kulang yung kanilang preparations, so that is one of the reasons siguro nakikita namin,” he said

According to the bar exams chairperson, their chance to take the exam is forfeited, and they will be able to take the exam next year.

Based on the data record of the Supreme Court, the oldest examinee this year is 84 years old, while the youngest is 24.

One person deprived of liberty (PDL) also took the exam, while three individuals were permitted to take the handwritten exam instead of the digital.

Justice Gaerlan also stated that the majority of the examinees for this year are women.

“Nakaka-inspire na maraming mga babae ang magte-take ng bar exams. Ang dami, ang daming mga babae. At the same time, 56% ay mga babae,” he said

“Samantalang nung panahon namin siguro mabibilang-bilang lang yung mga babae,” he added

Bar Head of the Office of the 2026 Bar Chairperson Atty. Cheska Ann Pazziuagan also acknowledged that women were sso empowered nowadays to fight for their dreams.

“I guess it says that women are more empowered now, but they have always been empowered. They now go after their dreams. They fight for what they want in life,” she said

The Supreme Court aims to release the result in January 2027.

With reports from Dante Amento