154 pass digital SSBE, top score 89.97%, exams held in 4 locations

A total of 154 examinees out of 629 passed the fully digitalized 2025 Shari'ah Special Bar Examinations (SSBE), announced by the Supreme Court on Friday.

The examinations, held at four locations—University of the Philippines-Diliman, Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, and Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology—on May 25 and May 28, saw a passing rate of 24.48%. This year marked the first time that examinees could type their answers in Arabic using an Arabic keyboard.

SSBE Chairperson Associate Justice Antonio Kho Jr. reminded passers to complete their clearance procedures by July 28 to avoid any issues with the oath-taking ceremony scheduled for August 6 at the Manila Hotel.

Princess Jannah Saudagar topped the exam with a score of 89.9667%, and the list of bar passers is available on the Supreme Court's website.

Justice Kho highlighted the successful use of a translation software that converted English examination questions into Arabic, allowing for the checking of digitally transmitted answers from Arabic to English with human translators' guidance.