MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila Development Authority Acting Chairman Thomas Orbos on Monday said that barangay officials who tolerate illegal parking should be suspended.
"Suspension would be good. Probably a few months," Orbos said in an interview with ANC's 'The Source.'
Last week, the MMDA filed supplementary complaints against two barangay chairmen in Parañaque and Quezon City for their unresponsiveness, apathy, and inaction before the Office of the Ombudsman.
MMDA added that barangay captains Michael Philip Factor of Barangay Don Galo, Parañaque City, and Elmer Maturan of Barangay Bagumbayan, Quezon City should be held liable for their carelessness and indifference.
Orbos said that the traffic problem equals that of illegal parking and road obstruction, adding that barangay chairpersons must be held liable for not helping solve the problem since they have the authority and the responsibility to keep roads passable.
"Rather than make us your scapegoat, as I said, why don't you do it yourself? Once we turn it over, you're suppose to maintain," Orbos said.
He added that it has been said that there would be no problems in traffic congestion if the roads are open.
Orbos also said that the agency needs to secure the help of the barangays.
"We need them as part of the solution for so many things," Orbos said.
Orbos said that parking outside the house is also considered illegal parking.
He added that residents should not wait for a law requiring people buying cars to secure a parking area first.
"In the first sense, why buy a car if you don't have parking?" Orbos said.
He also said that barangays should let car owners use the basketball courts in their areas as parking spaces at night.