By Mohader D. Gandamato
MSU-MARAWI CITY, Philippines — Mindanao State University (MSU) President Paisalin P.D. Tago, CPA, alongside King Faisal Center for Islamic, Arabic, and Asian Studies and College of Law deans together with other campus officials including the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Minerva-Saminah Mambuay Naga, with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) President, Attorney Allan G. Panolong and its members gathered at the Presidential House on May 23, 2026, to welcome Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen. The official visit focused on institutional collaboration to support the Shari’ah legal profession through professional integration and aligning it with broader national legal standards.
The reception, hosted by MSU System President and his wife, Sittie Norhaya Ambor-Tago, CPA included a welcome lunch that served as a venue for constructive discussions on developing Shari’ah jurisprudence. One of the central discussions was about strengthening the Justice System including the Shari’ah Legal Profession.
During the event, officials discussed the upcoming first ever national convention of Shari’ah counselors scheduled for September of this year to be held in the campus. Approximately 300 Shari’ah counselors from across the nation are expected to participate to further professionalize the practice. In line with these efforts, IBP President as well mentioned that they plan to integrate Iran Shari’ah Counselors as a special member of the IBP.
Justice Leonen highlighted opportunities to strengthen the administration of Shari’ah Law within the context of the country’s plural legal system. He noted the importance of enhancing the official recognition and integration of Shari’ah courts within the national judiciary. Senior Associate Justice Leonen also mentioned the beauty of the Shari’ah Legal System, including their plan to add units on Shari’ah Courses to the College of Laws.
Additionally, he pointed to the need to build a larger roster of qualified experts to ensure the legal system effectively serves the region. Further, the King Faisal Center and MSU were recognized in the discussion as producers of Topnotchers in Shari’ah BAR Examinations.
To maximize these legal frameworks, Justice Leonen noted that strengthening Shari’ah expertise in Marawi could help the region develop Shari’ah finance law, which aligns with global financial opportunities. He also observed that Shari’ah Law serves as an effective, institutionalized tool for community mediation, offering a peaceful framework to resolve traditional “Rido” (clan feuds) in harmony with Maranaw culture.
To address the demand for more specialized practitioners, the Senior Associate Justice noted that while many Muslim scholars excel in the regular bar examination, fewer pursue the specialized Shari’ah bar. He suggested exploring pathways to encourage regular bar passers to also qualify for Shari’ah practice to expand the pool of legal experts. The welcoming delegation included IBP members from Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, who joined university officials in supporting the judiciary’s developmental insights.
