Motorists across Metro Manila had relatively smooth sailing early Sunday, September 13, with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reporting light traffic along several major roads as of 8:00 a.m.
According to the MMDA Metrobase traffic advisory released Sunday morning, both northbound and southbound lanes of EDSA were experiencing light traffic.
Traffic was likewise reported as light in both directions along C5, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City routes, Marcos Highway, Ortigas Avenue and Roxas Boulevard.
Major roads remain manageable
The 8 a.m. traffic situation showed generally favorable road conditions across several of Metro Manila’s major arteries:
- EDSA: Light traffic northbound and southbound
- C5: Light traffic in both directions
- Commonwealth Avenue: Light traffic eastbound and westbound
- Quezon City: Light traffic in both directions
- Marcos Highway: Light traffic eastbound and westbound
- Ortigas Avenue: Light traffic in both directions
- Roxas Boulevard: Light traffic northbound and southbound
The relatively light traffic may be partly attributed to the Sunday schedule, when regular weekday commuter volumes are typically lower.
However, motorists should not assume that traffic conditions will remain the same throughout the day.
Bar Exams could affect traffic later
September 13 is also the third and final day of the 2026 Bar Examinations, with testing centers operating in several parts of Metro Manila.
The Supreme Court previously announced temporary road restrictions around examination venues in Manila and Quezon City. Among the affected areas are roads around San Beda University and the University of Santo Tomas.
Around San Beda University, Mendiola Street, Concepcion Aguila Street and a portion of Legarda Street were scheduled for traffic restrictions during the examination period.
Near University of Santo Tomas, Dapitan Street was scheduled for closure from 2 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the examination dates. More significantly for September 13, all westbound lanes of España Boulevard from Lacson Avenue to P. Noval Street were scheduled for closure from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
In Quezon City, traffic measures were also scheduled around New Era University and Central Avenue, including restrictions on U-turns and traffic arrangements for examinees.
The 2026 Bar Examinations are being held on September 6, 9 and 13 at 15 testing centers nationwide. More than 13,000 law graduates were registered and qualified to take the examinations.
What motorists should watch
While the MMDA’s 8 a.m. report showed light traffic across many major roads, conditions can change quickly as vehicle volume increases later in the morning and afternoon.
Motorists heading toward Manila, particularly around the UST and San Beda areas, should be mindful of the scheduled road restrictions. Those traveling through Quezon City should likewise check conditions around Central Avenue and nearby routes before leaving.
For drivers planning afternoon trips, the scheduled España Boulevard westbound closure from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. is particularly important and may require motorists to take alternative routes.
The safest approach is to check the latest MMDA traffic advisories immediately before traveling, especially because an early-morning “light traffic” report does not guarantee the same road conditions several hours later.
As of 8:00 a.m. Sunday, Metro Manila’s major roads were largely moving smoothly. But with the final day of the Bar Exams and scheduled road restrictions ahead, motorists should be prepared for localized congestion later in the day.
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