A minor parking incident at Cebu City Hall has escalated into a public discussion about the enforcement of parking regulations, even for city officials. The private vehicle of Councilor Winston Pepito, who chairs the Committee on Transportation, was clamped by traffic enforcers during a session on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Clamping Incident and Conflicting Claims
The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. when Pepito's vehicle, along with another belonging to Councilor Harry Eran, was parked in an area typically reserved for councilors. However, that section had been partially blocked to accommodate religious activities at the nearby Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño. Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) head Raquel Arce firmly stated that the clamping was "not a mistake." She clarified that vehicle passes issued by the City do not grant unlimited parking privileges and are primarily for access to restricted areas.
Arce defended her personnel's actions in a Facebook statement, suggesting the enforcement was procedural. "If a traffic enforcer does not recognize that a vehicle belongs to a councilor, it will be clamped," she explained. She also emphasized the city's chronic limited parking space, urging understanding from all motorists to prioritize emergency vehicle access.
Councilor Pepito Cites Miscommunication
Councilor Winston Pepito presented a different account, describing the event as a misunderstanding. He claimed he and others were instructed to park in the designated area as their regular spots were in use, following a directive from the Mayor's office. "The enforcers were informed, but the clamp proceeded," Pepito said, characterizing it as a failure in communication rather than a deliberate violation.
Call for Order and Future Coordination
The CCTO head used the incident to reiterate the purpose of "Vehicle Pass" stickers is to regulate access and maintain order, especially in zones needed for emergencies. Arce called for peace, stating her team holds the councilors in the highest respect and was not personally targeting anyone. She encouraged councilors to coordinate directly with traffic enforcers in the future to prevent similar situations. The event underscores the ongoing challenges of managing parking in a congested urban center like Cebu City, where rules apply to all, regardless of position.
