The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are considering an all-day street parking ban across Metro Manila to help alleviate severe road congestion.

This was discussed during a meeting with the Metro Manila Council, the MMDA’s policy-making body composed of the capital region’s 17 mayors.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla suggested prohibiting street parking from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., stating the goal is to make Metro Manila “more livable, more cohesive and safer.”

Meantime, MMDA chairperson Don Artes offered a more targeted approach, recommending a no-side-street parking policy specifically during rush hours, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Artes cited that there are certain hours outside of peak traffic when parking might be permissible.

Both agencies clarified that these proposals would apply to secondary and tertiary public roads, including city, barangay and inner roads. Major thoroughfares like EDSA and Mabuhay Lanes will continue to enforce a strict no-parking policy at all times.

The proposals will undergo review by a technical working group (TWG), which will assess their feasibility based on each city’s unique situation and limitations, recognizing that a total ban may not be fully enforceable across the diverse localities.

The DILG stressed that what works in one city, such as Manila, may not be applicable in others like Malabon, San Juan, Muntinlupa or Pateros.

Pateros, for instance, intends to maintain a 24/7 no-parking rule, seeking a more unified approach acceptable to all. Artes acknowledged that enforcement will need to be on a “per LGU basis” due to varying traffic patterns, noting Pateros’ high volume of vehicles despite its small size.

Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos expressed readiness to comply with any directive issued by the council while Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay welcomed the formation of the TWG, stating that a sweeping no-parking policy would be challenging to enforce.

She cited that the main issues in Makati would arise on secondary and tertiary roads, but a TWG could help “map out which streets will be covered by the no-parking policy.”