The Supreme Court of the Philippines, through the Office of the 2025 Bar Chairperson, has issued guidelines for the conduct of the 2025 Bar Examinations, retaining key reforms introduced in previous years while continuing its digitalization and localization efforts. This approach aims to improve efficiency, technological adaptation, and accessibility in line with the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) 2022-2027.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the core subjects, examination modalities, and key components:
1. Schedule and Format
The Bar Examinations will take place over three days in September 2025, in local testing centers across the country, following a condensed schedule. Each day will have two subjects, one in the morning (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon) and the other in the afternoon (2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.).
| Day | Subjects | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Sept 7, 2025) | Political & Public International Law | 15 |
| Mercantile & Taxation Law | 20 | |
| Day 2 (Sept 10, 2025) | Civil Law | 20 |
| Labor Law & Social Legislation | 10 | |
| Day 3 (Sept 14, 2025) | Criminal Law | 10 |
| Remedial Law, Legal Ethics & Legal Forms | 25 |
2. Core Subject Syllabi
The syllabi outline the specific areas of law, including relevant laws, principles, and jurisprudence examinable until June 30, 2024. Each subject syllabus has been carefully constructed to focus on major topics, ensuring that all candidates understand the scope of the examination.
Political Law & Public International Law (15%):
- Covers fundamental constitutional doctrines, the powers and functions of governmental branches, state sovereignty, constitutional rights, and other political law concepts.
- Public International Law involves topics such as treaties, international organizations, human rights, humanitarian law, and the Law of the Sea.
Mercantile & Taxation Law (20%):
- Mercantile law addresses corporations, securities, transportation, insurance, intellectual property, and banking law.
- Taxation focuses on general principles, national taxes, and tax remedies. The NIRC of 1997 (as amended) and the Ease of Paying Taxes Act are particularly emphasized.
Civil Law (20%):
- Encompasses persons, family relations, obligations and contracts, succession, property, special contracts, quasi-contracts, quasi-delicts, and damages. The Family Code and Civil Code form the backbone of this subject.
Labor Law & Social Legislation (10%):
- Includes labor standards, labor relations, and social legislation such as the Labor Code, Social Security Law, Government Service Insurance System Law, and POEA Regulations.
Criminal Law (10%):
- Focuses on the Revised Penal Code and other special penal laws such as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, Anti-Hazing Law, and the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act.
Remedial Law, Legal Ethics & Legal Forms (25%):
- Includes civil procedure, special proceedings, evidence, criminal procedure, legal ethics, and judicial conduct. Practical exercises in drafting pleadings and notarial acts are included.
3. Key Examination Guidelines
Examiners and Question Format:
- Each subject will be prepared by a panel of four examiners under the supervision of the 2025 Bar Chairperson. A total of 20 straightforward essay questions per exam will be given, focusing on fundamental legal principles and ensuring that answers assess basic legal understanding.
No Computation Required:
- While questions will be essay-based, no computation will be necessary in any subject area.
4. Access to Information
Further updates on application procedures, venues, software requirements, and local testing centers will be communicated through the Supreme Court's official communication platforms and the 2025 Bar microsite.
The attached syllabi and guidelines provide clear boundaries for preparation, guiding all 2025 Bar applicants to focus on core principles, recent legislation, and jurisprudence. The detailed syllabi ensure that only relevant legal topics as of June 30, 2024 will be included, making the preparation process focused and structured.
This syllabus is crucial for examinees to effectively tailor their review and preparation strategies in accordance with the specific subject areas outlined by the Supreme Court. The continuation of technological adaptations, digitalized formats, and reforms ensures a modern, streamlined, and equitable approach to the 2025 Bar Examinations.