Quezon city: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the members of Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Friday discussed the proposal for an all-day ban for inner street parking in the metropolis to help ease road congestion. The meeting, held among the 17 mayors of the National Capital Region at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, was led by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, together with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes and re-elected MMC President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora.
According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to maintain the integrity of cleared roads, prevent the recurrence of obstructions, and ensure continuous safe access for all road users. Secretary Remulla stated the proposal's intent was to make Metro Manila "more livable, more cohesive, and safer" gradually. The proposal aims to designate secondary and tertiary public roads as no parking zones to ease traffic congestion, while major thoroughfares will continue to enforce a strict no-parking policy.
These proposals will undergo further review by a technical working group (TWG) to assess their feasibility based on each city's specific circumstances. Officials acknowledged that a total ban might not be fully enforceable, requiring modifications to existing local government ordinances. MMDA Chairman Romando Artes suggested enforcing no side-street parking during rush hours, specifically from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., while allowing parking during non-peak hours in certain areas.
The MMDA chief emphasized the prohibition of parking on major thoroughfares and cited a Supreme Court ruling affirming the MMDA's exclusive authority to enforce traffic laws. The MMDA and DILG sought feedback and suggestions from local officials, leading to the formation of a TWG to further study the matter.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora expressed support for initiatives to alleviate traffic but noted that a total parking ban might not be practical for less frequented streets. Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos affirmed her compliance with future directives, while Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay welcomed the creation of a TWG to study the proposals, highlighting the challenges of implementing a sweeping no-parking policy.
The MMC, consisting of the 17 Metro Manila mayors, serves as the governing and policy-making body of the MMDA.
