An all-day street parking ban in Metro Manila is being eyed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to help ease road congestion.
This was discussed in a meeting with the Metro Manila Council the policy-making body of the MMDA composed of 17 mayors of the capital region DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla suggested prohibiting street parking from 5 am to 10 pm.
He said they intend to make Metro Manila a more livable, more cohesive, and safer place, while MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes recommended enforcing a no side-street parking policy during rush hours, specifically from 7 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 8 pm.
Artes said in their observation, there are certain hours after rush hour when we think parking can be allowed.
The two agencies said the proposals would apply to secondary and tertiary public roads, particularly city, barangay, and inner roads. Major thoroughfares like EDSA and Mabuhay Lanes will continue to be under a strict no-parking policy at all times.
These proposals will undergo review by a technical working group, which will study the feasibility of implementation based on each city’s specific situation and limitations, as a total ban might not be fully enforceable.
The DILG said what is applicable in Manila is not applicable in Malabon and what is applicable in San Juan is not applicable in Muntinlupa and Pateros.
On the other hand, Pateros will maintain a no-parking rule 24/7 no-parking rule, and they want a more unified approach that everyone can agree on.
Artes said they will address it on a per LGU basis since some areas aren't really traversed much. Pateros is a small city, but there's a large influx of vehicles there.
Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos said she would comply with whatever directive the council issues. “If there’s such a directive, I can’t do anything about it, right?
On the other hand, Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay welcomed the creation of a technical working group to study the proposals, saying that a sweeping no-parking policy is difficult to enforce, saying they probably have a hard time with a total ban.
She said in their area the issue will be with secondary and tertiary roads, but with a TWG, we can really map out which streets will be covered by the no-parking policy.