MMDA has illegally parked vehicles towed

Officials from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday towed several illegally parked vehicles in Quezon City.

"Hindi po rason na nakatago 'yung street. Hindi ho masyado nadadaanan ay paparadahan na ho nila?" MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialogo said in a 24 Oras report by Marisol Abdurahman as vehicles on Batasan Road were towed away by authorities.

In Litex, some motorists tried to plead with the MMDA officials, but to no avail.

"Hindi, may parkingan talaga kami. Sira. Inaayos lang talaga parkingan namin," one motorist claimed.

The report said that even motorcycle and a vehicle with an MMDA sticker on the winshield were towed by authorities.

Jeepney drivers who parked their cars on Commonwealth Avenue to grab a bite for lunch were also apprehended by MMDA officials.

"Kumain lang talaga ko. Nandon pa pagkain ko di pa naubos," one said.

The report said MMDA officials have been conducting clearing operations in the area many times already, but disobedient drivers keep parking there. The agency attributes the rate of recidivism in the area to the relatively low penalties:

• P150 (obstruction)
• P200 (illegal parking)
• At least P500 (towed vehicle)

The agency is hoping that penalties will increase next year.

"Pinattern ho ng MMDA, ang pinakamataas ho na fine na meron ang isang lungsod dito sa Metro Manila," Pialogo said.

"Kung napakalaki na ng multa niyan, siguro naman kahit sino magiisip na kung dapat ba siyang pumarada doon o hindi," said the towing team's leader Julius Ramos. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA News