06/09/2026
News Alert: MAYOR ISKO, MPD CHIEF LEAD JOINT INSPECTION AHEAD OF 2026 BAR EXAMS
Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso and Manila Police District (MPD) Director PBGen. Atty. Arnold Santiago led an early morning joint inspection today, September 6, at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) to ensure the safety, security, and orderly conduct of the 2026 Bar Examinations.
At around 4:30 a.m., Domagoso arrived at UST, one of the testing sites in Manila, to personally check the preparations and ensure that all necessary measures were in place for the safety and convenience of the bar examinees, their families, and all personnel deployed in the area.
Domagoso said the City Government of Manila would utilize all available resources to support the conduct of this year’s Bar Examinations.
“I wish the bar examinees, sana pumasa silang lahat. Sa mga magulang naman na nag-aalala sa kani-kanilang tahanan, pumanatag kayo. The entire resources of the City Government and MPD is in place para maging panatag ang Bar Examination ngayon 2026. Everything is in place. Sana maging abogado silang lahat. Kailangan natin ng maraming abogado sa bansa.” Domagoso said.
For his part, Santiago said the MPD has deployed nearly 400 personnel to secure the two testing sites in Manila.
He said around 180 personnel were deployed around UST, where two entry gates are located along P. Noval and Lacson Avenue.
“Kasalukuyan po meron tayong 180 na tao dito sa paligid ng UST. May dalawang gates tayo sa P. Noval at Lacson,” Santiago said.
Meanwhile, 168 personnel were deployed at the San Beda University testing site, with the designated drop-off points located along Concepcion Aguila and J.P. Laurel Streets.
Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (MCDRRMD) Director Arnel Angeles also deployed emergency responders to immediately respond to any medical emergencies during the examinations.
Personnel of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), led by Director Dennis Viaje, were likewise deployed to ensure the smooth flow of traffic around the testing sites.
Other city departments also joined the preparations. According to City Engineer Armand Andres, the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) conducted declogging operations in the surrounding areas and provided large tents for police personnel deployed at the sites while City Electrician Randy Sadac oversaw the installation of additional lighting and trimming of trees to help ensure better visibility and safety in the area.
A total of 13, 441 examinees are expected to take the 2026 Bar Examinations.
