Marcos turns down proposal to hike illegal parking fine

An anti-illegal parking operation on West Avenue, Quezon City. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday that he rejected a proposal from the Metro Manila Council (MMC), the policymaking body of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, to raise by 300 percent the fines for illegal parking in the metropolis.

In a reel posted on Instagram, the President said he would prefer that the government emphasize the importance of observing proper discipline in drivers instead of slapping them with penalties.

READ: MMC okays P2,500 fine to keep e-bikes, e-trikes off national roads

“To ensure the good service of the government, I did not approve the Joint Traffic circular No. 01 of the Metro Manila Council on the provision that seeks to raise the penalty for illegal parking from P1,000 to P4,000. The fine shall remain at P1,000,” he said.

The MMC had proposed several regulatory measures to address the worsening traffic problem in Metro Manila.

These included requiring local governments to adjust their office hours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and prohibiting electric-powered bikes, tricycles and trailer tractors on major roads.

“While we understand the intention behind the proposal, I’ve decided to prioritize discipline over penalties,” Marcos said. —MELVIN GASCON