Manila: Police units nationwide are to implement comprehensive security and traffic measures for the three-day 2026 Bar examinations beginning Sept. 6. Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed police offices to deploy personnel and resources to ensure peace and order during the examinations.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gen. Nartatez emphasized the importance of the event for the legal community, necessitating police presence and attention. "And we in the PNP will make sure that a sufficient number of our personnel will be on the ground for peace and order," he stated. The 2026 Bar examinations are scheduled for Sept. 6, 9, and 13 at 15 testing centers nationwide, with seven in Metro Manila, three in Luzon, three in the Visayas, and two in Mindanao.
Authorities are preparing for potential traffic congestion and movement of people on roads leading to and from the testing centers. The PNP will coordinate with local authorities to ensure road safety and facilitate the movement of examinees and other stakeholders during examination days. Security measures will cover examinees, their parents, and law students participating in 'bar ops,' activities organized near testing centers to support alumni taking the examinations.
Gen. Nartatez mentioned that there is no specific threat related to the Bar examinations. Nonetheless, the PNP will continue coordinating security preparations and maintaining police presence in key areas near the testing centers. He urged examinees to cooperate with security personnel, adhere to established protocols, and remain alert while traveling to and from examination venues.
Meanwhile, the City of Manila will enforce a liquor ban and other restrictions in areas near examination venues starting Saturday. Mayor Francisco 'Isko Moreno' Domagoso announced that in support of the 2026 Bar Examinations scheduled for Sept. 6, 9, and 13, the City Government of Manila will implement Executive Order No. 33, series of 2026.
The city government also prohibits ambulant vendors from making loud noises, among other restrictions, within a 500-meter radius of San Beda University in Mendiola and the University of Santo Tomas on Espa±a Boulevard. 'These measures aim to ensure the orderly, quiet, safe, and peaceful conduct of the 2026 Bar Examinations,' the order read.
Additionally, the Manila City government announced temporary and partial road closures near exam venues, advising motorists and commuters to plan their trips and use alternative routes whenever possible. A total of 14,291 would-be lawyers have registered for this year's Bar Examinations.
