Cebu Councilor Demands Probe into Overcharging Parking Operators
Cebu City Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover Jr. has formally requested an executive session to investigate multiple private off-street parking operators who are accused of collecting fees that exceed the limits established by a local city ordinance. Alcover presented compelling evidence in the form of receipts, which display entry charges ranging from P30 to P40. These amounts significantly surpass the P20 maximum rate mandated for the first three hours under Cebu City Ordinance 2089, specifically for Class A parking facilities.
Privilege Speech Highlights Enforcement Issues
During a privilege speech delivered before the City Council, Alcover urged his colleagues to summon the concerned parking operators along with the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO). The objective is to thoroughly review current enforcement mechanisms and assess whether amendments to the ordinance are necessary to address these violations. Alcover emphasized that the ordinance is explicit in its language, with clearly defined rate ceilings that leave no room for ambiguity.
Under Section 6 of Ordinance 2089, Class A parking establishments—defined as those with concrete parking spaces, adequate facilities, and locations near malls, hospitals, churches, and business centers—are permitted to charge P20 for the initial three hours, followed by P5 for each subsequent hour. In contrast, Class B establishments, which have less developed parking areas, are allowed to charge P10 for the first three hours and P5 for every succeeding hour.
Evidence of Excessive Charges Presented
Alcover showcased receipts allegedly issued by parking facilities situated near major commercial hubs, including APM Mall, Ayala Land Malls, Robinsons Galleria Cebu, SM Supermalls, and Iconic. These documents revealed entry fees between P30 and P40, prompting Alcover to question the basis for such collections. He stated in Cebuano, "We can't help but ask, what is their basis for these collections?"
While acknowledging that parking services are privately operated, Alcover stressed that they carry significant public interest. These facilities directly impact patients seeking medical care, churchgoers, employees, and business owners, making any excessive charges a matter of public concern. He added, "Any excessive or unauthorized collection, however small it may seem, when multiplied daily across hundreds of motorists, results in a substantial financial burden on our constituents."
Questions Raised About Ordinance Enforcement
Alcover also raised critical questions regarding the active enforcement of Ordinance 2089, noting that the CCTO, formerly known as the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (Citom), holds primary responsibility for its implementation. He argued, "If it remains valid and in effect, then compliance must be mandatory. If economic realities necessitate adjustments in rates, then the proper recourse is legislative amendment—not unilateral imposition by private operators."
In his motion, Alcover called for the council to:
- Determine the extent of noncompliance with the ordinance.
- Require concerned city departments, such as the Business Permit and Licensing Office, to present their monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
- Invite representatives of privately owned off-street parking facilities to clarify their current rate structures.
- Assess whether legislative amendments or strengthened enforcement provisions are warranted.
Alcover clarified, "This representation does not seek to unduly burden legitimate businesses. Rather, we aim to ensure fairness, transparency, and the uniform implementation of duly enacted city laws."
Council Approves Resolution and Sets Timeline
The resolution proposed by Alcover was approved without discussion by the City Council. Concerned parking operators and city offices have been directed to submit their written responses within 15 days. An executive session has been scheduled for May 1 to further investigate the matter and discuss potential solutions.
