Driving around Metro Manila may soon look different, as officials discuss a possible ban on street parking. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has suggested prohibiting motorists from leaving their cars on smaller city and barangay roads from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The goal is to clear up crowded streets and make way for smoother traffic, more space for pedestrians, and better access for emergency vehicles.
The idea, however, is meeting mixed reactions. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) believes a full-day ban could be too strict and has suggested limiting restrictions to rush hours only, from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. According to MMDA Chair Romando Artes, traffic flow in some areas is lighter during the day, so a complete ban might not be practical.
Local governments are also weighing in. Mayors from different cities agree that while there is a need to make Metro Manila more livable, a one-size-fits-all rule might not work. Instead, they plan to study which roads should have stricter no-parking rules and which ones can still allow parking during off-peak hours.
A technical working group is now preparing to finalize the policy, with results expected by September 1. If approved, the new rules would expand existing laws that already prohibit parking on major roads like EDSA and designated Mabuhay Lanes. For motorists, this means adjusting daily routines, finding safer parking spaces, and preparing for a possible shift in how Metro Manila&rsquo;s streets are used in the near future.