Amid the online statement by a group of lawyers advocating for a complete ban on street parking in Metro Manila, newly elected Metro Manila Council (MMC) President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora shared his thoughts on the matter. He noted that implementing a total parking ban in Metro Manila would be challenging.
In contrast to the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) proposal for a daylong parking prohibition from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority's (MMDA) suggestion for rush hour restrictions from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Albert Sadili, spokesperson for the Lawyers for Commuter Safety and Protection (LCSP), announced that the organization advocates for a complete ban on street parking at all hours.
Street parking should be prohibited at all hours, not just during rush hours. Illegally parked vehicles are a persistent obstruction—not only to traffic flow but also to emergency services” LCSP said on the statement online.
“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,” LCSP added.
Sadili also highlighted the weak enforcement of parking regulations in public streets, as outlined in Republic Act No. 4136.
In a recent interview with Zamora on DZRH Stories Pinoy Documentaries, he expressed concerns about car owners who lack access to private parking.
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“Kung total ban talaga, kung 100% bawal na mga kalye at bawal pumarada, saan paparada ang mga sasakyan?” he stated.
He suggested that while a total ban on parking might be feasible for major roads, secondary roads, and designated “mabuhay” lanes, allowing one-sided parking or parking during specific times on tertiary or inner roads could be more manageable without obstructing traffic.
“Ngunit kung iyong mga main roads, secondary road at mabuhay lanes ang total ban, pero pagdating sa tertiary roads or inner roads iyong mga hindi na talaga makakasagabal sa traffic kung papayagan ang one side parking or parking sa gabi lamang or certain times of the day baka mas feasible,” he added
When asked for his perspective on the issue, Zamora emphasized the need for tailored solutions for each city, noting,
“Ang nakikita ko dito ay somehow customize per city. Kasi hindi ka pwedeng magpataw ng isang patakaran na pareparehas dahil iba-iba nga ang situation namin.”
He also mentioned that the technical working group addressing this issue will hold several meetings and consultations before developing a policy by September.
