MANILA, Philippines — With only days left before the 2026 Bar Examinations, Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan is urging aspiring lawyers to keep pushing forward, hold on to their dreams and face the country’s biggest Bar examination yet with determination and integrity.
Gaerlan, who chairs the 2026 Bar Examinations, delivered a message of encouragement to examinees as they enter the final stretch of one of the most demanding stages of their legal careers.
His message: “Padayon lang.”
Gaerlan reminded Bar hopefuls that the struggle is not simply about competing with thousands of other examinees. Instead, he said the greatest challenge is overcoming one’s own doubts, fears and limitations.
“In facing the greatest challenge of your lives, you have no rival but yourselves,” Gaerlan said, emphasizing that the Supreme Court is not the adversary of examinees but is working alongside them to ensure a fair, safe and credible examination.
He also stressed that the Bar is more than a test that determines who earns a professional license. It is a critical step toward preparing future lawyers for the responsibilities, burdens and ethical obligations that come with entering the legal profession.
Historic Bar exams set for September 6, 9 and 13
The 2026 Bar Examinations are scheduled for September 6, September 9 and September 13, with examinees taking two subjects each day.
According to the Supreme Court, 14,291 applicants registered for the 2026 Bar, making it the highest number of applicants in Bar history.
The examinations will be administered electronically at 15 local testing centers nationwide, including seven in Metro Manila, three in Luzon, three in the Visayas and two in Mindanao.
The schedule is:
- September 6: Political and Public International Law; Commercial and Taxation Laws
- September 9: Civil Law and Land Titles and Deeds; Labor Law and Social Legislation
- September 13: Criminal Law; Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics, with Practical Exercises
Each examination day has morning and afternoon sessions, running from 8 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Supreme Court has also said that questions will be based solely on laws, rules, issuances and jurisprudence as of June 30, 2025.
Gaerlan: No shortcuts, only merit
Gaerlan has repeatedly emphasized that success in the Bar should be earned through preparation, competence, character and integrity.
In earlier messages to examinees, he described the Bar as a test that demands hard work and perseverance, while stressing that there should be no shortcuts or compromises.
That message has become particularly significant as examinees enter the final days before the September examinations.
The 2026 Bar is being conducted under the banner of #AweSAMbar2026, with Gaerlan also promoting #StrivewithHopeandGrit and #SuccessAchievedthroughMerit as themes for this year’s examination.
The Supreme Court has said the goal is to provide a level playing field where an examinee’s competence and character—not outside influence—determine the outcome.
Security and traffic preparations underway
The massive nationwide examination is also prompting authorities to prepare for increased movement around testing centers.
The Philippine National Police said it will deploy personnel and resources to maintain peace and order and help manage traffic during the three examination dates. Police said they have not monitored any specific threat related to the Bar exams but will maintain heightened coordination around testing areas.
In Manila, temporary road closures have also been announced around San Beda University in Mendiola and the University of Santo Tomas in España during examination days. Motorists and commuters have been advised to plan their routes in advance.
Meanwhile, San Beda College Alabang has been designated as the national headquarters for the 2026 Bar Examinations, serving as the Supreme Court’s central command for the nationwide examination.
More than passing an exam
For many candidates, the September examinations represent years of sacrifice, review, financial investment and support from their families.
Gaerlan’s latest message therefore goes beyond a simple reminder to study.
He is asking examinees to finish what they started.
The Supreme Court has likewise framed the 2026 Bar as a process intended to recognize the effort of aspiring lawyers while protecting the integrity and credibility of the legal profession.
As thousands of examinees prepare to enter testing centers nationwide, the final challenge is now within reach.
The years of preparation are over. The final test begins September 6.
And for the 2026 Bar hopefuls, the message from the Bar chair remains clear:
Keep fighting. Keep moving forward. Padayon lang.
WWC ONE MEDIA MJE
Leave a Reply