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.

“This is an important event for the legal community that requires police presence and attention,” he said in a statement Thursday. “And we in the PNP will make sure that a sufficient number of our personnel will be on the ground for peace and order.”

The 2026 Bar examinations will be held on Sept. 6, 9, and 13 at 15 testing centers nationwide — seven in Metro Manila, three in Luzon, three in the Visayas, and two in Mindanao.

Authorities are also preparing for possible traffic congestion and movement of people on roads leading to and from the testing centers.

The PNP said it will coordinate with local authorities to ensure road safety and facilitate the movement of examinees and other stakeholders during the examination days.

Security measures will cover not only the examinees but also their parents and law students participating in “bar ops,” or organized activities near testing centers to support their alumni taking the examinations.

Nartatez said they have not monitored any specific threat related to the Bar examinations.

However, the PNP will continue coordinating security preparations and maintaining police presence in key areas near the testing centers.

He also urged examinees to cooperate with security personnel, follow established protocols, and remain alert while traveling to and from their examination venues.

Liquor ban

Meanwhile, the City of Manila will be implementing a liquor ban and other restrictions in areas near the examination venues starting Saturday.

“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,” Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said.

The city government also prohibits ambulant vendors from making loud noises, among others, within a 500-meter radius of San Beda University in Mendiola and the University of Santo Tomas on España Boulevard.

“These measures aim to ensure the orderly, quiet, safe, and peaceful conduct of the 2026 Bar Examinations,” the order read.

Earlier, the Manila City government also announced that several roads will be temporarily and partially closed 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. (PNA)