‘Mindful parking’ measure pushed in Cebu City

Local

THE days of standing in the middle of a parking lot to “save” a spot for someone else may soon be over.

A proposed “Mindful Parking Ordinance of Cebu City” seeks to penalize individuals who physically occupy or block parking spaces, a common practice that often sparks heated confrontations and viral videos online.

Authored by Councilor Jose Lorenzo Abellanosa, the proposed ordinance prohibits anyone from reserving a parking space by standing in it, placing barriers, or blocking access, whether in public or private parking areas.

“This practice not only brings unnecessary conflict and inconvenience to others but also puts in danger the person reserving a parking spot,” Abellanosa said. “It is only proper that we put an end to this and promote good manners and etiquette in every aspect of our lives in Cebu City.”

Violators may face fines of up to P5,000 or imprisonment for up to one year. Specifically, the penalties include P1,000 for the first offense, P3,000 for the second, and P5,000 or jail time for the third and succeeding violations.

Offenders may also opt to settle through a compromise fee equivalent to half the fine, payable to the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO).

Those who can be held liable include the person physically reserving the space, the driver benefiting from the act, and anyone profiting from space-saving arrangements.

Exceptions apply only to individuals guiding a vehicle that is already about to park, government vehicles with designated parking, and private establishments with official reserved or paid parking systems.

During a recent public hearing presided over by Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, CCTO Assistant Department Head Lawyer Kent Jongoy expressed support for the ordinance, saying it addresses a long-standing problem.

“We have seen many viral videos of people reserving parking slots in commercial areas. This ordinance can help prevent such incidents,” Jongoy said.

However, Jongoy raised the need for authority to enforce the rule in private parking areas.

“We receive many reports from private areas, but without a memorandum of agreement, we cannot enter to enforce the traffic code,” he noted. “A provision authorizing CCTO to act within private establishments would strengthen this ordinance.”

Councilor Franklyn Ong questioned whether the measure should cover private parking lots, noting that these are typically managed by property owners or operators.

“These private commercial areas already have their own systems and fees. Shouldn’t the responsibility lie with the property owners or operators?” he said.

Abellanosa clarified that the proposed ordinance defines “reserving” as any act of blocking a vehicle that arrives first when the car being waited for is not within the immediate vicinity.

Minority Floor Leader Sisinio Andales also called for clearer definitions to ensure fair enforcement.

Osmeña, meanwhile, urged the council to carefully review the proposal to avoid legal complications, especially in privately owned parking areas.

“We must ensure that this does not violate existing laws or expose the city to legal liability,” he said.

The proposed “Mindful Parking Ordinance” remains under review and will be refined before being brought back to the City Council for further deliberation.(TGP)