The lifting of the motorcycle clamping suspension remains uncertain as the ordinance undergoes further revisions, sparking backlash from motorcycle riders.
Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) Chief of Operation Wilson Chan explained that motorcycle clamping is a consideration for all violators of illegal parking, allowing them to pay lighter fine, but it was suspended due to improper implementation.
“Motorcycle clamping ay suggestion ni konsehal Quizon para di masyadong mabigat sa mga violators, kasi ang motorcycle clamping at yung four wheels clamping namin will only cost 900 pesos at wala pong ticket yun pero within 24 hours dapat kailangan mabayaran mo siya para di po siya i-tow,” MTPB Chief of Operation Wilson Chan told Manila Pulse.
(The suggestion for motorcycle clamping came from Councilor Quizon to make it less burdensome for violators, because our motorcycle clamping and four-wheel clamping will only cost 900 pesos and there's no ticket involved, but it needs to be paid within 24 hours to avoid being towed.)
“I cannot say kung gaano itatagal ng motorcycle clamping suspension, it is upon the city council; when they will amend the ordinance and when it will be approved,” he added.
(I cannot say how long the motorcycle clamping suspension will last; it is up to the city council when they will amend the ordinance and when it will be approved.)
Once the ordinance is revised, new rules and guidelines will be established. The MTPB Chief of Operations suggests that these revisions should include motorcycle clamping centered only on mabuhay lanes and national roads, excluding residential areas.
Chan also emphasized that while the intention behind motorcycle clamping is commendable, it still causes obstructions, making it preferable to tow the vehicle immediately instead.
On the other hand, motorcycle riders think otherwise as they voice out their concerns about the potential financial burden of the suspension.
Riders also believe that it’s unfair that only motorcycle clamping was suspended, while four-wheel clamping remained unaffected.
“Wala po dapat pinipili ang batas, dapat patas lang po kaya dapat suspended din ang four-wheel clamping kasi kung tutuusin mas malaking abala at mas malaki chance mag cause ng accident ang mga kotse compared sa motor na maliit lang,” said Excylson Soriano, a 29-year-old Angkas driver.
(The law should not discriminate; it should be fair. Therefore, four-wheel clamping should also be suspended because, in reality, cars pose a greater inconvenience and have a higher chance of causing accidents compared to motorcycles, which are smaller.)
“Mas mahal kapag na-tow agad yung vehicle, nakikita ko nga mas madalas na towing ngayon lalo sa quaipo, laonlaan at dapitan, mas okay talaga clamping muna kasi mas mura at kawawa naman kaming mga riders kaya tutol talaga ko sa suspension,” Mark Encienzo added, a resident of Sampaloc, Manila.
(It’s more expensive when the vehicle is immediately towed. I've noticed that towing has become more frequent lately, especially in Quiapo, Laonlaan, and Dapitan. Clamping is really a better option because it's cheaper, and us riders are really at a disadvantage, so I'm really against the suspension.)
The suspension of motorcycle clamping in the city of Manila took effect on April 17, following the announcement made by the city's Public Information Office via Facebook. - Manila Pulse
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