Mayor Rama suspends ‘no parking’ around Basilica

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has ordered the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) to remove the “no parking” signages around the vicinity of Basilica Minore del Santo Niño effective Tuesday, Jan. 16, as the “no collection of parking fees,” and “no clamping” will be observed onwards.

This has been the directives of Rama during a press conference yesterday.

“I already said, very clear, no clamping, towing yes,” said Rama.

The mayor’s order is in line with the Fiesta Señor to accommodate the devotees, particularly those coming from outside Cebu City.

“Kay atong pa ng paarion mga bisita, nya ato pang tulison og parking? Naa tay mga bisita ato pa i-clamp,” said Rama.

Meanwhile, CCTO acting head Raquel Arce clarified that it is only the collection of parking fees and the clamping that will be suspended. She added, the “no stopping” policy will be enforced.

For specifics, Arce emphasized that the Mayor’s pronouncement will apply to the nearest streets of the Basilica, namely around the stretch of Manalili down to Carbon Market, Jakosalem, Quezon Boulevard, MJ Cuenco in front of the Plaza Independencia, and Legazpi extension.

According to Arce, the penalty for clamped vehicles is at P1,500 while the towed ones is at P2,500.

“Ang amo lang is among tow truck is only duha…mao na sya among problema,” said Arce.

As of yesterday, the CCTO personnel have begun removing the “no parking” signages as the pronouncement was made effective at 12:30 p.m.

Arce, however, reiterated that despite the order, the public should still make sure that they are not obstructing the flow of traffic.

“Kung naa ra sila sa daplin, nag-parking, di sila ma clamp. But, ang no stopping any time ug no parking in driveways, wala gi suspend, ug double parking, so violation na sya,” said Arce. — (FREEMAN)