To reinforce and sustain the government’s efforts in clearing roads of obstructions, the Department of the Interior and Local Government has directed all cities and municipalities to designate impounding areas for towed illegally parked vehicles.
Through Memorandum Circular 2020-031, Sec. Eduardo Año said cities and towns are mandated to set up impounding areas for the safekeeping of illegally parked vehicles as well as those involved in road accidents or breakdowns.
“Ang pagtatalaga ng impounding area ay mandato sa ating mga syudad at bayan. Kailangan nating umaksyon para sa mas maluwag na daan, mas mabilis na daloy ng trapiko, at para sa kapakanan ng publiko,” he said.
Año also called on local sanggunians to pass ordinances specifying guidelines on towing, impounding and releasing of impounded vehicles and prescribing corresponding penalties.
He said that such ordinances should be consistent with national laws and policies, and shall not be unreasonable or discriminatory.
Año said the latest directive supplements Memorandum Circular 2019-121 issued by the Department in July last year, mandating local governments to reclaim roads and revoke parking permits of private vehicles on public roads. Furthermore, Section 16 of the Local Government Code provides police powers to local governments to regulate the use of roads, direct traffic, and remove obstructions.
Usec. and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya added that tricycles apprehended by LGUs for operating in national highways should also be brought to these impounding areas. – DILG release
April 20, 2024
