On Friday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and members of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) convened to discuss a proposal for an all-day ban on inner street parking in the metropolis, aimed at easing road congestion. The meeting, held at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, was led by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes, and re-elected MMC President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora.
This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to maintain the integrity of cleared roads, prevent obstructions, and ensure safe access for all road users. Remulla emphasized that the goal of the proposal is to make Metro Manila “more livable, more cohesive, and safer.”
“So we start with parking. It will take one month to resolve on a granular basis. The mayors will identify areas, but they have all agreed that we have to make the city better and more livable,” Remulla stated in a post-meeting interview.
The proposed ban would apply to secondary and tertiary public roads, including city, barangay, and inner roads, while a strict no-parking policy would remain in effect on major thoroughfares like EDSA and Mabuhay Lanes. The proposals will undergo review by a technical working group (TWG) to assess feasibility based on each city’s specific circumstances, as officials acknowledged that a total ban may not be fully enforceable.
“It’s a modification of what we have now. It’s not really illegal; what the mayors suggested is that during peak hours, there should be no parking on the streets of Metro Manila. We will finalize the version by September 1, but at least you see the initiative now that all mayors agree we have to do something,” Remulla explained.
Regarding barangay ordinances that allow parking on small streets, Remulla indicated that the TWG would expedite the process, aiming to create a comprehensive city map showing designated parking areas.
MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes recommended enforcing a no side-street parking policy during rush hours, specifically from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. He noted that there are times after rush hour when parking could be permitted, citing Pateros as an example of a small city with a significant influx of vehicles.
“On the part of the MMDA, parking is absolutely prohibited on all major thoroughfares, including Mabuhay Lanes. This is non-negotiable for us,” Artes stressed, referencing a Supreme Court ruling that grants the MMDA exclusive authority to enforce traffic laws in Metro Manila.
The MMC, composed of the 17 Metro Manila mayors, is the governing and policy-making body of the MMDA. Mayor Zamora expressed that while he supports efforts to alleviate traffic, a total parking ban may not be practical for less-traveled streets.
Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos stated her willingness to comply with the council’s directives, while Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay welcomed the formation of the TWG, acknowledging the challenges of enforcing a sweeping no-parking policy.
The discussions reflect a collaborative effort among Metro Manila mayors to address traffic congestion while considering the unique needs of their respective communities.
