City Council tells parking operators to explain rates

Off-street parking operators in Cebu City have been ordered to explain their current rate structures after the City Council moved to act ahead of its scheduled executive session in May to address concerns on parking fees.

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The move stemmed from a privilege speech delivered by Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr., who presented receipts from major malls and business establishments showing entry charges ranging from P30 to P40 for the first three hours, with an additional P10 for each succeeding hour.

“Wa kini mahisubay sa atong ordinance. Makapangutana kita unsay ilang gibasihan niining ilang collections?” Alcover said, stressing that the prevailing rates violate Cebu City Ordinance No. 2089.

Enacted in 2006, the ordinance caps parking fees at P20 for the first three hours in Class A facilities and P10 in Class B facilities, with only P5 allowed for each succeeding hour.

“The ordinance is explicit. The rate ceilings are clearly defined. There is no ambiguity in its language,” Alcover told fellow councilors, warning that excessive charges raise “serious concerns on regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and the effective enforcement of local legislation.”