CITY ASKS PUBLIC: Give comments on parking fee hike

CEBU, Philippines - It seems no one is interested to block or comment on the proposed increase in Cebu City’s roadside parking fees from P15 to P20 per hour.

Nobody showed up during the scheduled public hearing of the proposed measure despite invitations sent to various groups.

The public is asked to submit their position papers about the proposed increase in parking fees, the most affected of which may be the owners of private vehicles.

“Kinsa may atong imbitahon nga morepresentar sa mga private vehicle owners? Welcome sila nga mohatag sa ilang position paper kabahin sa gisugyot nga parking fee increase,” said a staff member at the Cebu City Council’s secretariat.

City Council Secretary Cynthia Kahulugan said her personnel invited leaders of different transport and drivers groups operating in the city so they can air their views.

“Wala g’yuy mitunga sa mga gipang-imbitar (None of those invited attended),” Kahulugan said.

Councilor Richard Osmeña, chairperson of the City Council’s Committee on Traffic Management, proposed the increase so the CITOM could earn more and to discourage motorists from parking their vehicles along the road for a long period of time.

If approved, CITOM’s collections from parking fees are expected to increase from P33.2 million in 2010 to P40 million.

Councilor Augustus Pe Jr., the co-author of the proposed measure, believes that motorists would no longer park their vehicles for a long time at designated parking areas to avoid paying huge fees. (FREEMAN)