Parts of Manila to impose liquor ban for Bar exams in September 2025

The City of Manila on Wednesday announced that it will impose a liquor ban in the vicinity of San Beda University and the University of Santo Tomas in line with the 2025 Bar Examination next month.

Executive Order 41 Series of 2025 states that a liquor ban will be implemented to maintain peace and order, ensure the safety of bar examinees, and mitigate or control noise within a 500-meter radius of the two universities.

The order will take effect on the following dates:

• Sept. 6 (12 a.m.) to Sept. 7 (10 p.m.)
• Sept. 9 (12 a.m.) to Sept. 10 (10 p.m.)
• Sept. 13 (12 a.m.) to Sept. 14 (10 p.m.)

Ambulant vendors are also prohibited from selling liquor on the following dates:

• Sept. 6 to Sept. 8 (12 a.m.)
• Sept. 9 to Sept. 12 (12 a.m.)
• Sept. 12 to Sept. 16 (12 a.m.)

Videoke, karaoke, loud sound systems, speakers, and all equipment emitting loud or disturbing sounds, as well as persons or groups causing loud noise and unnecessary sounds, are banned.

The following activities are also prohibited:

• Mass/political gatherings/demonstrations not related to the Bar Examinations
• Parades
• Salubong
• Parties
• Concerts
• Karaoke/videoke
• Other activities that are scandalous, loud, or would otherwise tend to cause disruption.

Road closures

The Manila local government also announced the following road closures:

University of Santo Tomas

a. Closure of Dapitan Street from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sept. 7, 10, and 14, 2025

b. Closure of the two outermost westbound lanes (UST side) of España Boulevard (from Lacson Avenue to P. Noval Street) from 2:00 AM to 8:00 a.m., and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sept. 7, 10, and 14, 2025

San Beda University

a. Closure of Mendiola St. (from the Mendiola Peace Arch up to Conception Aguila St.) from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 7, 10, ad 14, 2025. Both lanes shall be sliced to unauthorized vehicles;
The lanes on the San Beda University side shall be closed to all pedestrians as well.

b. Closure of Concepcion Aguila St. (from Mendiola St. up to Jose Laurel St.) from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sept. 7, 10, and 14, 2025. Both lanes shall be closed to unauthorized vehicles and pedestrians, except residents.

c. Closure of Legarda St. (two lanes from San Rafael St. to Mendiola St. [eastbound only]) from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sept. 7, 10, and 14, 2025, the eastbound lane shall be dedicated as drop-off and pick-up points for Bar Examination stakeholders.

For the National Headquarters (Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, O.P. Building, University of Santo Tomas):

a. Closure of Extremadura St. from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sept 7, 10, and 14, 2025.

The order stated that violators will be dealt with accordingly under existing laws and ordinances of the City of Manila. —VAL, GMA Integrated News