Metro Manila cities to close, limit access to roads for upcoming 2023 Bar exam

The 2023 Bar examinations are coming up, and as early as now, motorists in Metro Manila are warned to expect heavy traffic in areas near the testing sites.

Some roads in the different cities in Metro Manila will be closed or have limited access in preparation for the exams. So, if you have plans to go outside during the exam dates—Sept. 17, 20, and 24—it's important to check the traffic situation first.

Pasay City

The Pasay government on Facebook said San Juan Street (from Donada Street to Leveriza Street) will be closed during the bar exam dates from 3 a.m. to 8 p.m.

It advised motorists to pass through alternate routes, if not plan their trips ahead.

Manila City

In a Facebook post, Manila City said the following streets will be closed during the following hours on Sept. 17, 20, and 24:

• Dapitan Street (from Lacson Avenue to Padre Noval Street)
• España Blvd. Westbound (two lanes, from Lacson Avenue to Padre Noval Street)

• Legarda Street Eastbound (two lanes, from San Rafael Street to Mendiola Street)
• Mendiola Street (both lanes, from Peace Arch to Malacañang Gate)
• Concepcion Aguila Street (both lanes, from Mendiola Street to Jose Laurel Street)

Quezon City

Quezon City, meanwhile, advised motorists passing by the following areas to take alternative routes on Sept. 17, 20, and 24, from 3:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• University Avenue
• C.P. Garcia Avenue
• Katipunan Avenue
• Commonwealth Avenue

Muntinlupa City

Muntinlupa City said it is only allowing access to Don Manolo Boulevard to Alabang Hills Village residents, bar examinees, and authorized personnel. They must present a valid ID, residence certificate, or any other proof of identity.

Only five identified tricycle drivers will be allowed inside the village from 8 a.m. onwards. Normal operations will resume after the exam.

Food and other deliveries inside Alabang Hills will also only be allowed from 8 a.m. or after all the examinees have entered the testing center.

2023 Bar exam venue, coverage

The 2023 Bar exam will be held at 14 local testing centers across the country:

National Capital Region

• San Beda University Manila
• University of Santo Tomas
• San Beda College Alabang
• University of the Philippines Diliman
• Manila Adventist College
• University of the Philippines Bonifacio Global City

Luzon

• Saint Louis University
• Cagayan State University
• University of Nueva Caceres

Visayas

• University of San Jose - Recoletos
• University of San Carlos
• Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation

Mindanao

• Ateneo de Davao University
• Xavier University

San Beda College Alabang will also serve as this year's national headquarters, where the Supreme Court will be supervising and directing the simultaneous operations in the different testing centers.

A total of 10,867 law students are expected to take the exam, though the high court said this number may decrease due to pending withdrawals.

• Sept. 17 – political and public international law (morning), commercial and taxation laws (afternoon)
• Sept. 20 – civil law (morning), labor law, and social legislation (afternoon)
• Sept. 24 – criminal law and remedial law (morning), legal and judicial ethics with practical exercises (afternoon)