SC: Some roads near UST to be partially closed during Bar exam Sundays

Some roads near the University of Santo Tomas in Manila may be closed to traffic at certain times of the day during the 2014 Bar examinations in the five Sundays of October.

The Supreme Court also said police may disperse groups clustered at sidewalks surrounding UST, especially during the examinees' entry and exit and lunch breaks.

"As and when necessary, they may declare portions of the sidewalks off-limits to pedestrian traffic," Deputy Clerk of Court and Bar Confidant Atty. Ma. Cristina Layusa said.

She also said Dapitan Street from the corner of Lacson Street to P. Noval will be open to traffic except from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., during the examinees' lunch break.

The pedestrian overpass in front of Gate 3 at España Boulevard shall be for the exclusive use of Bar examinees and personnel.

Bar examinees who want to use the overpass should show their IDs and gate passes to police, SC guards and barangay officials.

On the other hand, Layusa said España Boulevard, P. Noval Street and Lacson Street shall be open to vehicular traffic.

Buses

Buses carrying examinees shall unload at designated and marked unloading points before UST's Gates 2, 3 and 4.

Only authorized vehicles with blue car passes will be allowed to enter UST. Bar examinees arriving in private vehicles are to alight at España Boulevard.

After unloading, however, the private vehicles must leave to ensure the continuous flow of other unloading vehicles and pedestrian traffic.

Law school deans with cars and with pink car passes may enter through Gate 14 at Lacson Street and can park at the multi-deck car park in front of the UST Hospital.

Churchgoers, hospital visitors

People going to the UST Church must enter via Gate 7 or P. Noval Street. The churchgoers' private vehicles may enter Gate 5 at España and exit at Gate 7 at P. Noval Street.

These vehicles may park in front of the UST Church along Gonzales Drive, but parking spaces are limited.

As for those visiting the UST Hospital, they should enter through Gate 14 on Lacson Street and can park at the multi-deck carpark in front of UST Hospital.

Gate 14 at Lacson Street shall only be used as entry gate for people going to UST Hospital. Bar examinees and personnel cannot use this gate and should enter via the assigned España gates.

Contingency plan

Meanwhile, if heavy rain falls on the morning of a Bar exam day, SC and Court of Appeals buses may be available and will pick up examinees at:

The buses will be stationed at 5 a.m. and will leave at 6 a.m.

Those who want to board the buses should present their Notice of Admission, gate pass and/or ID card, to the bus driver.

Flooding

If the UST compound is flooded before Bar exams start, commuter vans of the SC may transport examinees to their respective exam buildings. Priority will be given to senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disability.

The vans may be available to transport back examinees and duty personnel near Gate 5 where the shuttle buses are parked, if flooding persists after the end of exams.

The buses will transport examinees and duty personnel to:


— Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News