5,572 New Lawyers Sworn In; SC Cites Ethics, Service

Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier, Chairperson of the 2025 Bar Examinations, inspires the newest members of the Philippine Bar during their Oath-Taking and Roll-Signing Ceremonies at the Philippine Arena. (Photo courtesy: SC Communications Office)

5,572 New Lawyers Sworn In; SC Cites Ethics, Service

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | February 10, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – A total of 5,572 aspiring legal professionals took their oath and signed the roll of attorneys during a special en banc session of the Supreme Court (SC) on Friday (February 6, 2026) at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

A landmark event, the ceremony allowed families and loved ones to witness the occasion alongside the inductees, marking a first in Bar oath-taking history.

SC Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, 2025 Bar examinations chairperson, delivered her message to the new lawyers.

“Iisa lang ang bilin na gusto kong dalhin ninyo: Bago ang lahat, piliin ninyong maging mabubuting tao. (I have only one message I want you to take with you: Above all else, choose to be good people.) For only good persons can make good lawyers,” she declared, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct in the legal profession.

She stressed that their admission to the Bar is a privilege rooted in service to the Filipino people.

“Being called ‘attorney’ does not put us above anyone else; it does not give us the license to be entitled. Rather, it is a privilege, a privilege to serve the Filipino people,” she said.

The ceremony, led by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, acknowledged the sacrifices and support of the inductees’ families, who, Lazaro-Javier said, would “serve as extensions of the Court in reminding you of the oath you will take today and your obligation to faithfully adhere to the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA).”

Navigating the Modern Legal Landscape

In addressing the new lawyers, Lazaro-Javier offered guidance as they embark on their careers.

She stressed the importance of responsible social media usage and reminded them that their conduct, both online and offline, reflects on the entire legal profession.

“The Court does not look kindly upon those who have disregarded the exacting standards under the CPRA, especially regarding the use of social media,” she warned.

She cautioned against overreliance on artificial intelligence, saying that technology should supplement, not replace, human judgment, integrity, and diligence.

Stories of Resilience, Determination

Lazaro-Javier highlighted inspiring stories of perseverance among the Bar passers, including an examinee who succeeded on his 11th attempt, another who passed alongside his father after assisting in his Bar operations two decades before, and a pregnant examinee who bravely completed her exams.

“In the face of the future challenges you will encounter, do not cower. Do not lose heart.”

“Remember this journey. And remember those who took this journey with you, their stories of inspiration.

How they never said die. And how they viewed setbacks as a mere pause to success,” she said.

Recognizing the Team Behind the Success

Lazaro-Javier thanked the 2025 Bar examiners for their expertise across six subjects and the 14 local testing centers that facilitated the digitalized and regionalized Bar exams.

She also acknowledged the contributions of her team, the 2025 Bar Chairperson’s Office, and various SC offices and agencies.

Challenges Ahead: Character, Integrity

Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, chairperson of the 2026 Bar examinations, reminded the new lawyers that the true test of their abilities lies ahead.

“If the Bar examinations tested your competence, the practice of law will test your character,” he said.

“In the courtrooms, during negotiations, and in the quiet moments when no one is watching, you will face choices that no law fully addresses and no jurisprudence completely guides.”

“It is in these moments that you will determine what kind of lawyer and, ultimately, what kind of person you truly want to be,” he pointed out.

Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh led the invocation as she urged the new lawyers to use the law as a tool for justice and compassion, giving voice to the voiceless.

She also offered words of encouragement to those who did not pass, reminding them that their worth is not defined by a single test.

After the SC en banc formally admitted the successful Bar examinees, lawyer Marife Lomibao-Cuevas, Clerk of Court En Banc, administered the oath.

The 2025 Bar examinations, held on Sept. 7, 10, and 14, 2025, marked the 123rd professional licensure tests for aspiring lawyers in the Philippines and continued the SC’s commitment to digital transformation and Bar reforms under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027.