Significant Milestones Achieved for the 2024 Shariah Bar Examinations
Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh recently announced several significant milestones that have been achieved for the 2024 Shariah Bar Examinations (SBE). As the head of this year’s SBE, Justice Singh highlighted that these milestones mark a momentous occasion for the integration of Shariah law within the legal system.
Supreme Court’s Formal Integration of Shariah Law
One of the key milestones for the 2024 SBE is that it is the first time the bar is being chaired by a sitting member of the Supreme Court. This move demonstrates the court’s commitment to formally integrating Shariah law and recognizing its importance within the legal framework of the country.
Annual Conduct of the Shariah Bar Examinations
Another significant development is the decision to conduct the SBE on an annual basis instead of every other year. Associate Justice Antonio Kho Jr. will lead the next examinations in 2025. This change aims to strengthen the Shariah justice system and make it more accessible by providing aspiring Shariah counselors with more opportunities to undertake these examinations.
Expanding Opportunities for Examinees
To encourage more individuals to participate in the SBE, a second batch of the Shariah Training Seminar (STS) was held in seven different venues across the country. The STS is a requirement for those intending to take the SBE. The Supreme Court, in cooperation with the National Commission of Muslim Filipinos, has taken over the conduct of the STS for the first time. This collaboration ensures that examinees from Mindanao and other regions outside Metro Manila have equal and fair access to testing centers.
Introduction of Computer-Based Program Examplify
Similar to the Philippine Bar Examinations, the 2024 SBE has implemented the computer-based program Examplify. This technology enables examinees to take the exam digitally from their respective Law and Training Centers (LTCs). Associate Justice Singh reported that over 90 percent of the examinees opted for the digital format, while the remaining chose to take the handwritten exam. Additionally, examinees were given the option to take the written exam in Arabic.
Opportunities for Overseas Filipino Workers
Recognizing the interest of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court has allowed qualified OFWs to join the STS online and take the examinations in the Philippines. In a remarkable show of support, the court has granted financial assistance to cover their airfare and accommodations.
Increase in Examinees
This year’s SBE witnessed a substantial increase in the number of examinees. From 526 examinees in 2022, a total of 855 individuals attended the first day of the 2024 SBE on April 28th, marking the highest number in SBE history. Out of the 855 examinees, 591 took the exam at the Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City, while 264 took it at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. The second day of the exams will be held on Thursday, May 2nd.
Conclusion
The 2024 Shariah Bar Examinations have achieved several notable milestones, including the formal integration of Shariah law within the legal system and the decision to conduct the exams annually. These changes aim to strengthen the Shariah justice system and provide aspiring Shariah counselors with increased opportunities. The introduction of computer-based exams and the inclusion of overseas Filipino workers further highlight the commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. With an increase in the number of examinees, the 2024 SBE demonstrates the growing interest and importance of Shariah law in the Philippines.
Source: The Manila Times
