The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) withheld the name of the highest-ranked examinee in the March 2026 Physician Licensure Examination as their results are still under verification, in accordance with PRC rules.
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has announced the results of the March 2026 Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) but conspicuously withheld the name of the topnotcher, instead listing the position as “name withheld.” This unusual move drawn public attention is compliant with PRC protocols, which allow withholding names when examinees’ results are not yet final due to pending review. According to the PRC’s official statement, some exam results remain “withheld pending final determination of their liabilities under the rules and regulations governing licensure examinations.” Additionally, another candidate’s name has been withheld for ongoing verification.
A “withheld result” signifies that while a computed rating exists for the examinee, the score is subject to further scrutiny and review, preventing the finalization of their official standing. The absence of a named individual at Rank 1 implies that the highest scorer’s results are among those under review. The PRC stated that once all verifications are complete, the identity and ranking of the topnotcher will be publicly released, ensuring accuracy and completeness of the examination results.
The PRC also announced that 1,954 of the 2,781 examinees have passed the Physician Licensure Examination. The exam was administered by the Board of Medicine in various locations across the Philippines, including Metro Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and others last March 2026.
This measure underscores PRC’s commitment to the integrity and thoroughness of licensure examinations before publication of official results.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/983345/why-did-prc-withheld-the-name-of-march-2026-physician-board-exam-top-notcher/story/
