Manila secures 2026 law career tests

Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso and Manila Police District (MPD) director Brig. Gen. Arnold Santiago led an early morning inspection Sunday at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) to inspect security and safety arrangements for the 2026 Bar Examinations.

Domagoso arrived at UST around 4:30 a.m. to check preparations for the examinees, their families, and deployed personnel. He said the city government is utilizing all available resources to support the exams.

"I wish the Bar examinees well, I hope they all pass," Domagoso said.

He reassured parents that the city government and police force have put everything in place to ensure a peaceful examination, adding that the country needs more lawyers.

Santiago said the MPD deployed nearly 400 personnel across Manila's two testing centers. About 180 officers were assigned to secure the perimeter around UST along P. Noval Street and Lacson Avenue, while 168 officers were stationed at San Beda University near drop-off points on Concepcion Aguila and J.P. Laurel streets.

Emergency responders from the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department were stationed at the sites for medical emergencies, while Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau personnel managed traffic flow.

City workers also conducted declogging operations, set up tents for police, installed extra lighting, and trimmed trees around the venues to improve visibility and safety.

A total of 13,441 examinees are taking this year's Bar Examinations nationwide.