First parking meters in the PHL ready for use in Binondo, Manila

Starting next week, the first parking meters in the country will be put to use in parts of Binondo, Manila, facilitating parking transactions that used to be done manually. According to a report on GMA News' "24 Oras," the Manila Parking Management (MAPMA) sees this as an effective measure against delinquent motorists and extortion by parking officers. Based on the report, parking costs P20 for the first two hours, and P10 for every succeeding hour. To use the meters, motorists simply have to buy a parking card in P50 or P100 denominations. Before parking, motorists should first check the balance on their card by pressing any button on the meter twice and placing their card on the metal plate. Should they decide to park they simply repeat the process but press the button only once. When the green light starts blinking, it means the meter has started to run. When leaving, the process is repeated again, and the appropriate amount will be deducted from the card. When the credit on the card runs out, they can be reloaded with amounts from P10 to P500. MAPMA administrator Jun Enuye explained: "Pag naubos na po yung load nito, ang gagawin po ninyo, inform yung parking officer, at yung aming parking officer tatawag po nung aming tinatawag na reloader. So ang gagawin ng reloader natin, ita-tap niya to, irereload niya to kung magkano po yung specific amount na gusto nung parker." "Mate-trace niya kung sakaling hindi naman talaga nagbabayad, dahil pag nakita niyang may vehicle at hindi naman nagbiblink sa apat na slot intended for parking meter, malalaman niya talagang hindi nagbayad yun," Enuye said. The parking card is valid for one year. Motorists who no longer need it can return it to the parking officer who wil refund the P20 fee for the card. The report said that MAPMA also plans to install parking meters in Ermita, Rizal Park (Luneta), and Malate. — Amanda Lago/DVM/KG, GMA News