THE Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection expressed its support, in principle, for the proposed partial ban on street parking in Metro Manila, as raised by the Department of the Interior and Local Government in coordination with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
Under the proposal, the DILG recommends banning street parking in the National Capital Region from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., while the MMDA proposes a more limited ban during rush hours, specifically from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A technical working group is set to be convened to further study the measure and is expected to release its recommendations by next month.
Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Council clarified that there will be no blanket ban and that local government units will be allowed to submit recommendations on which roads the ban should apply. This is in recognition of the fact that some inner roads are not regularly congested and may permit limited parking.
LCSP’s position, however, is that a total ban on street parking in Metro Manila should be implemented, regardless of the time of day. In fact, parking on public streets has long been prohibited under Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Unfortunately, enforcement has been weak, and some barangays and LGUs have enacted ordinances allowing street parking in certain areas—ordinances which, in our view, contradict national law and may be invalidated before the proper forum.
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. 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.
While LCSP supports the current proposal as a step in the right direction, we also recognize that such a measure is a band-aid solution to a deeper, long-standing problem of traffic congestion. For a lasting impact, the following long- term reforms must be seriously considered:
1. Mandatory proof of parking: A law should be passed requiring individuals to secure a designated parking space before being allowed to purchase or register a vehicle. This will discourage indiscriminate parking and promote responsible vehicle ownership.
2. Public transportation reform: The government must invest in and improve our public transportation system. If commuting becomes a safe, reliable, and efficient option, many Filipinos will choose not to purchase private vehicles. A single bus, for instance, can transport up to 50 passengers while occupying far less road space than 50 private cars.
In conclusion, LCSP supports the DILG and MMDA’s initiative to ban street parking, particularly along main roads. Far from being a new policy, this proposal merely seeks to enforce and revitalize an existing mandate under our national traffic laws. We urge the government to take bold, systemic steps to address traffic congestion while ensuring the safety and convenience of all commuters.
Atty. Albert N. Sadili
Spokesperson – Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection (LCSP)
09660859816 – Viber and mobile number
