The present drive to clear Metro Manila roads to decongest traffic is very much understandable given that we have exceeded the road carrying capacity of our thoroughfares. Illegal parking is undoubtedly a major problem, and the government is right in addressing this head on.
But the question remains: Where will all these vehicles park? It is not as if the owners of these vehicles persist on parking outside their homes. Who would want to park their valuable possession, in some cases of more worth than their abodes, outside, exposed to the elements and with the threat of theft? People park on the streets because they have nowhere else to park. But, why buy a car if you do not have ample parking? True, but let’s admit it, given the lack of mass transport, we still need to have our own vehicles to take us to our daily commute. The subway, the trains and the modern jeepneys are on their way, but people need to deal with the present. It’s a wicked problem that leads on to another problem.
Let me be clear—I am not advocating illegal parking. I am fully against it. But the core of the problem needs to be addressed. We can’t keep up with doing the daily drama of celebrity YouTube enforcers, painting illegally parked vehicle owners as short of being criminals. I can understand on hitting hard the business establishments, like restaurants, who make the roads as their private parking space. Or, the barangay officers whose halls encroach on the roads. But the ordinary Filipinos? Most of them are just being citizens trying to make do to survive in this Metro jungle. We need to provide parking solutions that are long term. Solutions that will restrict road parking, as well as incentivize ample parking spaces.
Sen. Win Gatchalian is in the right direction for proposing a law that requires proof of parking space before purchasing a vehicle. But may I suggest a few more:
Let MMDA identify the roads—within or outside their jurisdiction, where parking can be fully allowed, partially and absolutely not allowed. And, together with the city governments, enforce it.
Let the Metro Manila Council come out with a metro-wide policy on one-side parking and have individual cities pass the required ordinance. And make it pay parking so that barangays benefit from it.
Allow time-bound parking. Overnight parking is ok. Example—why not convert those basketball courts to parking spaces at night?
Incentivize lot owners and entrepreneurs who would convert empty lots to parking spaces. Or establishments like malls to allow parking during off-peak hours. Provide tax incentives, low interest rates and terms from the government banks.
Require commercial establishments like restaurants, etc., to provide ample parking space. Otherwise, penalize the owners who violate, not just the illegal parking violators.
Allow community/subdivision carpooling. But so as not to be abused by colorum operations, let LTFRB register these as legitimate shuttle services.
Encourage more schools to have pickup points where parents can bring their kids to a pooling service—maybe the mall areas, thus reducing parking congestion in school zones.
Review the building development requirement of their unrealistic parking ratio to occupants.
And, convert all the vacant government lots to parking spaces.
I am sure there are still a lot more creative ways to deal with the parking problem. It wouldn’t work if we just keep on towing them. Until we see the mass transport solutions come to fruition, the parking problem must be met head on.
Thomas Tim Orbos was former DOTr undersecretary for roads and general manager of the MMDA. He is currently undertaking further studies at the McCourt School of Public Policy of Georgetown University. He can be reached via e-mail at thomas_orbos@sloan.mit.edu