What you need to know about the proposed partial street parking ban in Metro Manila
The Department of Interior and Local Government and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority are considering implementing a partial street parking ban in Metro Manila.
"We intend to make Metro Manila a more livable, more cohesive, and safer place," DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla told reporters in an ambush interview on Aug. 1 after a meeting with the Metro Manila Council.
The suggestion aims to help reduce road congestion in the metro. Remulla said that under the proposal, street parking would be prohibited from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
"The law says that a public street is not for private enterprise, and we consider parking a private enterprise. IT is a private car on a public street, so we will now designate them as no-parking zones, especially in the streets that affect Metro Manila Traffic," the SILG said.
Meanwhile, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes recommended that no side-street parking be implemented during rush hours from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
"Sa amin namang obserbasyon, meron naman mga pagkakataon na may oras after rush hour na we think pwede naman nang payagan," Artes said.
The proposed street parking ban would apply to secondary and tertiary public roads, such as city, barangay, and inner roads. Meanwhile, a strict no-parking policy at all times remains in effect on major roads like EDSA and Mabuhay Lanes.
Remulla said that mayors would be the ones to identify the specific areas in their localities where street parking would not be allowed.
"We're going to be very strict about it. Gagawin namin ang whole city map para makita nila saan pwedeng pumarada, saan hindi," he continued, adding that there are plans to roll out the policy across the country.
When will the street parking ban be implemented?
For now, Remulla said that a technical working group (TWG) will review the proposal and look into its feasibility in different cities.
"What is applicable in Manila is not applicable in Malabon. What is applicable in San Juan is not applicable in Muntinlupa and Pateros, 'di ba?"
The MMC, composed of 17 mayors in the metro, will come up with a resolution by Sept. 1.
What do mayors say?
MMC president and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora said that a total parking ban may not be feasible in all areas.
"Kasi 'yong ibang mga kalye, hindi naman talaga dinadaanan. Kung hindi naman talaga dinadaanan 'yong mga kalye, bakit mo i-ban ang parking doon?" he said.
Meanwhile, Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos said that despite her city's problem with tertiary and secondary roads, the ban would be implemented.
Makati Mayor Nancy Binay echoed that her city would have a similar problem with the total ban, but a TWG would help study the proposal.
A lawyer's group, Lawyers for Commuter Safety and Protection (LCSP), has also pushed for a total street parking ban "regardless" of the time of day.
"Illegally parked vehicles are a persistent obstruction—not only to traffic flow but also to emergency services. Even during the night, when traffic volume may be low, parked vehicles can block access for fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency responders during critical situations," the group said in a statement.
LCSP also called for long-term reforms such as enforcing a law requiring individuals to secure a designated parking space before being allowed to purchase or register a vehicle, and public transportation reform. (with reports from Emmanuel Tupas, Ghio Ong)
