Shari’a bar exam set

Barangay, SK polls listup on

THE SUPREME Court has scheduled the Shari’a bar exams on Jan. 19 and 26, 2014, it was announced by the court en banc in a one-page resolution dated July 2 and signed by Clerk of Court Enriqueta Vidal.

The high tribunal set the dates on the request of Secretary Mehol Sadain of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and on the recommendation of the Office of the Bar Confidant.

“The court resolved to grant the request of Mr. Sadain for the scheduling of the 13th Special Shari’a Bar Examinations on January 19 and 26, 2014,” the resolution said.

The tribunal appointed Judge Kaudri I. Jainul chair of the board of examiners.

Shari’a law practitioners, also called Shari’a counselors, litigate cases in the Shari’a district and circuit courts, most of which are located in Mindanao. Although they are recognized as special members of the Philippine Bar, Shari’a lawyers are not allowed to practice law in regular courts and may not use the title “attorney.”

Shari’a courts were created in 1977 to resolve cases involving Muslims that are covered by Islamic law. Cases include those on personal status, marriage, matrimonial and family relations, succession and inheritance, and property relations between spouses.

The first Shari’a bar exams were held in 1983. BEGINNING tomorrow, July 22, eligible voters may begin registering for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections scheduled for Oct. 28.

James Jimenez, the Commission on Elections spokesperson, said voters could do any of the following during the 10-day registration period from July 22 to July 31: List up for those voting for the first time; get reactivated for those who failed to vote in the last two elections; and transfer their registration for those who have moved.

“As much as possible, they should register early. We only have 10 days,” Jimenez said.

“They can also register during the weekend (July 2728). So students and those busy with work during the week need not worry because they can still register,” he added.

Jimenez said there will be no “satellite registration” and so voters need to go to the Comelec offices in their city or municipality to register.

The Comelec offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., he said.

Satellite registration involves special registration centers set up outside Comelec offices.