LGUs key in illegal parking drive

CEBU, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Central Visayas has urged local officials in Metro Cebu to be at the forefront in its campaign against illegal parking along national and provincial roads.

LTRFB-7 Director Ahmed Cuizon said illegal parking along national, provincial and even city roads can cause the traffic problems, especially during peak hours.

Cuizon admitted that the Land Transportation Office has been tasked to go against violators, but like LTFRB office, they also lack of manpower.

Cuizon believes there is a need for local government units to get involved in the campaign in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

Cuizon further said LGUs may pass an ordinance which empowers them to collect fees from violators.

He stressed that the involvement of local officials may minimize, if not totally solve, the problem of illegal parking on national and provincial roads.

The Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Visayas has also intensified its campaign against illegal parking in these roads.

It has called on the public to report directly to its office any private and public utility vehicles parked along national highways, especially during nighttime.

Among the problems the DPWH has encountered in its operation against illegal parking along national roads is the pay parking ordinance of some LGUs.

Lawyer Brando Raya, DPWH-7 chief of the legal staff, said it should not be the case because national roads are under the jurisdiction of the DPWH and allowing parking in these roads is a violation of Presidential Decree No. 17 which criminalizes obstruction along national roads.

Raya suggested that LGUs should instead craft an ordinance consistent with PD No. 17 prohibiting parking along national roads.

He explained that the national government has been spending billions of money for the maintenance, construction and widening of roads, only to end up being destroyed.

DPWH is appealing to concerned local government units to repeal ordinances allowing pay parking along national thoroughfares. (FREEMAN)