Metro Manila cities crack down on illegal parking

Metro Manila cities are intensifying efforts to eliminate illegal parking and have started cracking down on unauthorized individuals collecting parking fees as part of broader initiatives to improve traffic flow and promote road discipline.

- By HANNAH NICOL, DIANN CALUCIN, PATRICK GARCIA, RICHIELYN CANLAS, ALLYSA NIEVERA, and JONATHAN HICAP

Caloocan, Manila, Pasig

In an interview with the Manila Bulletin, Caloocan City's Public Safety and Traffic Management Department (PSTMD) chief Jay Bernardo said eight teams have been deployed to various areas of the city to apprehend owners of illegally parked vehicles and maintain order along major thoroughfares.

Since the implementation of the Single Ticketing System (STS), Bernardo said that their teams have started issuing an average of 40 to 50 tickets daily.

He added that these violations are automatically recorded in the Land Transportation Office (LTO) system, ensuring appropriate penalties for violators.

Aside from illegal parking, authorities are also going after "callers," or unauthorized individuals posing as parking attendants.

First-time offenders typically undergo inquest proceedings, with bail amounts starting at P1,000. Those unable to post bail remain in detention.

Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo "Along" Malapitan has directed city officials to identify idle private lots that could be leased for residential parking.

The Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) Motorcycle Unit, in coordination with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), is also conducting joint clearing operations targeting illegal parking and road obstructions as part of Manila's ongoing efforts to maintain traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

In Pasig City, the Traffic and Parking Management Office (TPMO) said that official parking rates are enforced in city-owned parking facilities and other public areas where street parking is permitted.

According to the Pasig City Revenue Code, parking fees for streets are based on vehicle type, which is categorized into four groups: motorcycles/tricycles, light vehicles (cars and jeeps), medium vehicles (vans and delivery trucks), and heavy vehicles (10-wheelers and buses).