Policy
Will There be a Total Ban on Street Parking in Metro Manila? Here's What We Know So Far
DILG, MMDA, and LGUs have different takes on the proposal.
Published on Aug 5, 2025
(SPOT.ph) Metro Manila’s streets could soon see fewer parked vehicles—and potentially less traffic—under a proposed policy from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). That is, if the proposal moves forward.
The agency is pushing for a street parking ban that would prohibit motorists from leaving cars on secondary and tertiary roads (i.e., city, barangay, and other inner roads) from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla argued that stricter rules are necessary, especially in high-density areas where parked cars leave little room for moving vehicles, pedestrians, or emergency vehicles.
"We're going to be very strict about it. Gagawin namin ang whole city map para makita nila saan pwedeng pumarada, saan hindi," Remulla said during the meeting.
Street parking ban to be finalized in September
Not everyone is on board, though. Instead of a sweeping ban, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has countered with a softer proposal—restricting street parking only during rush hours from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. and from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
MMDA Chair Romando Artes said the full-day window could be impractical, particularly in smaller cities like Pateros where traffic flow remains manageable outside peak periods.
"Sa amin namang obserbasyon, meron naman mga pagkakataon na may oras after rush hour na we think pwede naman nang payagan," Artes said.
Local government units (LGUs) are also treading carefully. Mayors under the Metro Manila Council (MMC) say a one-size-fits-all rule won’t work. As such, each LGU are instructed to identify specific streets where the proposed ban might be feasible, while keeping others open for off-peak parking.
“Ang mga mayor ang mag-a-identify, but they have all agreed that we have to make the cities better. We have to make it more livable,” Remulla said.
The MMC has committed to forming a technical working group to study these recommendations, with a final policy expected by September 1. If approved, the ban would expand on existing laws that already prohibit parking on national roads and designated no-parking zones such as EDSA and Mabuhay Lanes.
Micah believes that writing is always political. Beyond the byline, you’ll find her bruising herself in a pole studio or napping with her beagle. Reach her at micah@spot.ph.
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