The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) convened on Thursday a technical working group (TWG) tasked to develop strategies aimed at resolving the illegal parking problem across the metropolis at the agency’s central office in Pasig City.
The group examined various approaches, such as strengthening enforcement and launching public awareness campaigns, to improve compliance with parking regulations. Their goal is to create a more organized and accessible urban environment for the public.
The TWG will come up with guidelines to address the issues, which will be submitted to the Department of the Interior and Local Government and discussed with the Metro Manila Council (MMC).
The MMC, composed of the 17 mayors in Metro Manila, is the MMDA’s governing board and policy-making body.
During the meeting, several proposals for a uniform or single Metro Manila illegal parking policy were discussed with MMDA Traffic Discipline Office (TDO) for Enforcement director Victor Nuñez and traffic officials and representatives from local government units.
The MMDA also outlined the process for deputizing traffic enforcers in Metro Manila and tackled fines and penalties for violating the illegal Parking Ordinance in accordance with the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023.
“This initiative is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to maintain the integrity of cleared roads, prevent the recurrence of obstructions, and ensure continuous safe access for all road users,” said Nuñez.
Early this month, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla urged the MMDA and mayors in Metro Manila to come up with a unified No Parking scheme by September 1 as part of an ongoing initiative to improve urban livability.
The MMC and the MMDA agreed with this initial plan to ban parking on all public streets between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. to reduce traffic congestion in the National Capital Region.
“The intent is to make Metro Manila more livable. So, we start with parking. It will take one month to solve in a granular basis,” said Remulla.
The DILG chief noted that one of the proposals being studied is to designate all public streets as No Parking zones, especially those that affect major traffic flow.
Mayors also recommended a time-based restriction model, similar to Makati City’s ordinance, where street parking is disallowed during rush hours.
Remulla also commended Metro Manila’s mayors for their collective commitment to tackle traffic congestion through coordinated and proactive policymaking.
