Motorists advised of road closures, traffic changes for 2026 Bar Exams

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 06, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

Manila, Philippines – Motorists traveling around parts of Metro Manila should expect road closures, traffic restrictions and heavier congestion as the 2026 Bar Examinations begin on Sunday, September 6.

The three-day examinations will be held on September 6, 9 and 13 at 15 testing centers nationwide. 

A total of 13,441 examinees had registered and qualified to take the exams as of August 19.

Seven testing centers are located across Metro Manila, prompting temporary traffic measures around several venues.

Manila

Around San Beda University, the following roads will be affected from 2 AM to 7 PM on all three examination days:

• Mendiola Street from the Peace Arch to Concepcion Aguila Street
• Concepcion Aguila Street from Mendiola Street to Jose P. Laurel Street
• Eastbound portion of Legarda Street from San Rafael Street to Mendiola Street

Near the University of Santo Tomas, Dapitan Street from Lacson Avenue to P. Noval Street will be fully closed from 2 AM to 7 PM .

Traffic management will also be implemented along two westbound lanes of España Boulevard near UST on September 6 and 9 from 2AM to 8AM and 3PM to 7PM. 

On September 13, all westbound lanes of España Boulevard from Lacson Avenue to P. Noval Street will be closed from 3PM to 7PM. 

Pasay City

Motorists near Manila Adventist College should expect closures along:

• San Juan Street between Leveriza and Donada streets
• Donada Street between Gil Puyat Avenue and San Juan Street

These portions will be closed from 3AM to 8PM on September 6, 9 and 13.

Quezon City

There will be no full road closures around New Era University, but traffic controls will be imposed along Central Avenue.

Parking will be prohibited from 2AM to 7PM, while U-turns will not be allowed from 2AM to 7AM and 2PM to 7PM.

During peak arrival and departure periods, vehicles carrying Bar examinees will use the outer lanes while regular traffic will be directed to the inner lanes.

Makati, Taguig and Muntinlupa

No road closures are expected around Ateneo de Manila University School of Law in Makati, although one lane each along Rockwell Drive and Hidalgo Drive will be reserved for examinee drop-off and pick-up.

At UP Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, no road closure or rerouting is scheduled, but motorists are advised to expect heavier traffic from 4AM to 7AM and 4PM to 7PM

No road closures are also expected around San Beda College Alabang in Muntinlupa, which has been designated as the national headquarters of the 2026 Bar Examinations.

The Supreme Court advised motorists and commuters passing near testing centers to leave earlier, allow additional travel time and use alternative routes where possible.

The 2026 Bar Exams will cover six core subject areas, with two subjects administered on each of the three examination days.