MANILA, Philippines -- Bar exam takers can now look forward to a more conducive examination area.

In the past, members of the different law schools' bar exam operations, composed of law students and alumni, cheered and clapped loudly as graduates of their schools walked by. They put up tents in front of the school, released balloons, threw confetti, brought along "Ati-Atihan" dancers, and hired marching bands to lend moral support and pump up the spirits of the examinees.

But this time, the Manila government prohibits such festivities.

Mayor Alfredo Lim directed his secretary, lawyer Rafaelito Garayblas, to ensure that necessary measures were taken for the smooth implementation of the request made by Supreme Court Justice Dante Tinga, this year's chair of the committee on bar examinations.

Garayblas directed permits bureau chief Nelson Alivio to coordinate with owners of restaurants, fast-food chains, and establishments fronting the Dela Salle University to refrain from allowing school groups and fraternities from using their facades or parking spaces as sites for bar operations.

"These parking spaces are often used as venues for partying, playing loud music, and drinking sprees which distract bar examinees and sometimes lead to untoward incidents," the letter said.

Lim also directed the traffic bureau to make sure that the stretch of Taft Avenue, particularly from Quirino Avenue to P. Ocampo (formerly Vito Cruz), remains open to traffic and that no permits are issued to occupy the area.

Earlier, the Manila District Traffic Enforcement Office advised motorists to avoid the southbound lane of Taft Avenue from Quirino to P. Ocampo Street as it will be closed to vehicular traffic from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the exam period.

The southbound area of the said portion of Taft Avenue has always been utilized by fraternities and school organizations as send-off sites for bar examinees and as such, tents are put up in the area, said Ma. Cristina Layusa, deputy clerk of court and bar confidant.

"This practice obstructs the gates of the university and causes delay in the entry of examinees as well as court and bar personnel," she added.

The prohibitions ordered by Lim will take effect during the four consecutive Sundays of the month beginning September 7, or the entire examination period.