Marcos Jr. rejects traffic circular raising parking fines to P4K

MANILA, Philippines — A proposal to increase illegal parking fines in Metro Manila to P4,000 from P1,000 has been thumbed down by President Marcos.

“To continue the good service of our government, I didn’t allow the Joint Traffic Circular No. 01 of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) regarding the provision that will increase the fine for illegal parking from P1,000 to P4,000. It will stay at P1,000 only,” Marcos said in a video message posted on Facebook.

Traffic problems can be solved if Filipinos would follow traffic rules, he added.

“While I understand the intention behind the proposal, I’ve decided to prioritize discipline over penalties,” he asserted.

“The new Filipino is disciplined. By focusing on individual responsibility we can create long-lasting solutions to our traffic challenge,” he added.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it will follow Marcos’ directive to set aside the implementation of higher penalties for illegal parking.

Marcos earlier suspended for one month the imposition of penalties on e-bikes, e-trikes and other vehicles barred from traversing national roads, citing the need to give drivers more time to adjust to the new policy.

“We have to give them the chance to know the new rules and how they will adjust. Besides, the P2,500 fine is huge, it is costly for them, so let us give them one month so they would know what to do,” he said.

Marcos clarified the vehicles are still prohibited on some national roads under MMDA Regulation No. 24-022 Series of 2024.

The MMC, through MMDA Resolution 24-08 Series of 2024, is also mandating all Metro Manila local government units to adopt a modified working schedule from 7 a.m. to  p.m. as an “innovative solution” against rush hour congestion.

Marcos has called for a comprehensive solution, not a piecemeal approach, to the country’s traffic woes.

The MMC, the policy-making body of the MMDA, is comprised of mayors in the National Capital Region and the MMDA chairman.

San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora is the current MMC president.