LOOK: 2026 Bar exams kick off on Sunday, September 6

Aspiring lawyers trooped to their testing centers early Sunday, September 6, as they take the first day of the 2026 Bar Examinations.

As early as past 4 a.m., Bar takers arrived at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), one of the seven testing centers in Metro Manila. Their families also came with them to show support.

The Manila Police District said that 180 policemen were deployed in UST's vicinity. Meanwhile, 168 cops were securing the nearby San Beda University in Mendiola.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso also personally inspected the areas around UST on the first day of Bar examinations.

The Supreme Court earlier said 14,291 applicants have registered for the 2026 Bar Examinations, the highest number in the history of the Bar Exams.

The 2026 Bar Examinations will be conducted on September 6, 9, and 13 in 15 testing centers nationwide, with seven located in Metro Manila, three in Luzon, three in the Visayas, and two in Mindanao.

The San Beda College in Alabang, Muntinlupa City will serve as the national headquarters.

Several roads in Manila and Quezon City were also closed for the examinations. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/KG, GMA News