ILOILO City – The city government is imposing a 500-meter noise-control zone around Central Philippine University (CPU) to protect thousands of examinees from distractions during the 2026 Philippine Bar Examinations.
Mayor Raisa Treñas issued Executive Order No. 77 on Thursday, Aug. 6, directing businesses, contractors, barangay officials and law enforcement agencies to keep the examination area quiet, orderly and secure on Sept. 6, 9 and 13.
The restrictions will be enforced from midnight until 8 p.m. on each examination day.
“Importante masiguro naton nga matawhay, organisado, kag safe ang palibot para sa mga Bar examinees. Ini nga temporaryo nga regulasyon isa ka pamaagi sang Iloilo City Government sa pagsuporta sa integridad sang Bar examinations kag sa pagpakita nga ang Iloilo City responsable kag masaligan nga host sang isa ka importante nga national examination,” Treñas said in a statement.
Under the order, commercial and industrial establishments within 500 meters of CPU are strongly urged to minimize unnecessary noise during the designated hours.
Contractors conducting engineering projects or preventive maintenance work within the same radius are likewise directed to postpone their activities on the three examination dates.
The use of videoke machines, wireless microphones and similar devices that could disrupt the examinations is prohibited. Any other activity that produces unnecessary or disturbing noise is also barred, without prejudice to restrictions under existing city ordinances.
Barangay officials, in coordination with the Iloilo City Police Office, were ordered to closely monitor and apprehend those engaged in illegal gambling and other disruptive gatherings, including tupada, bingo, betting and drinking sprees.
Executive Order No. 77 also adopts provisions of Regulation Ordinance No. 2015-162, or Iloilo City’s Noise Pollution Ordinance.
Sound systems may not be used within the restricted zone to attract attention to performances, shows, sales, merchandise displays or other commercial activities during the examination hours.
The indiscriminate use of sirens, horns, whistles and similar gadgets is also prohibited, along with the explosion of firecrackers, fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices.
Exceptions apply to vehicle horns used to warn of imminent danger and steam whistles installed on stationary boilers to signal work schedules or emergencies./PN
