Heavy traffic around UST; Bar exams today

MANILA, Philippines - Heavy traffic is expected today and the succeeding Sundays this month within the vicinity of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), the venue of the 2011 Bar examinations.

In its advisory, the Supreme Court said the heavy traffic will be along España Boulevard, Lacson street, Padre Noval street and Dapitan street. Heavy traffic is also expected in Quiapo and Blumentritt.

The advisory said all UST gates, except the Lacson and P. Noval gates, will also be closed today and on Nov. 13, 20 and 27.

A separate advisory from the office of Justice Roberto Abad, chairperson of the 2011 committee on Bar examinations, said the España gates will be open only to Bar candidates and Bar personnel, the P. Noval gates for parishioners and only during Mass hours, the Lacson gates for hospital patrons, and the Dapitan gate only at lunchtime. Street parking along the corners of UST is not allowed.

It likewise reiterated the ban against Bar operations within UST’s vicinity including the setting up of banners, streamers, or tents, loud music or any kind of noise and loitering.

The Manila Police District said 100 policemen will be deployed within the vicinity of UST during the Bar exams.