Cebu City councilor Pastor Alcover Jr. has called for a review of parking fees in the city, citing complaints that some privately owned off-street parking facilities may be charging rates higher than allowed under city law.
In a privilege speech on Tuesday, Alcover raised concerns over what he described as non-uniform and excessive fees, noting that the issue affects residents visiting malls, hospitals, churches, and business centers.
According to complaints received by his office, some operators charge P30 to P40 for the first three hours of parking, and P10 for each succeeding hour.
Alcover said these rates exceed the limits set under Cebu City Ordinance No. 2089.
“The ordinance is explicit. The rate ceilings are clearly defined. There is no ambiguity in its language,” Alcover told the council.
Under Ordinance No. 2089, privately operated off-street parking areas are classified into two categories:
Class A establishments, which have concrete parking spaces, good facilities, and are located near malls, hospitals, churches, and business centers, may charge only P20 for the first three hours and P5 for each succeeding hour.
Class B establishments, with underdeveloped parking areas, may charge P10 for the first three hours and P5 per succeeding hour.
Alcover said receipts obtained by his office showed higher collections in several locations, including areas near APM Mall, Ayala Center Cebu, Robinsons Galleria, SM City Cebu, and Iconic.
“Naa mi nakuha nga mga resibo,” he said, noting that some facilities were charging P30 to P40 per entry. “Kon atong subayan, Mr. Chair, wa kini mahisubay sa atong ordinance. Makapangutana kita unsay ilang gibasihan niining ilang collections?”
He stressed that the issue goes beyond the peso difference.
“When parking establishments charge beyond what is authorized by law, this constitutes more than a mere pricing discrepancy,” Alcover said. “It raises serious concerns on regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and the effective enforcement of local legislation.”
Alcover noted that parking operations, while privately managed, impact the public daily—from patients seeking treatment and families attending religious services to workers and business owners.
“Any excessive or unauthorized collection, however small it may seem, multiplied daily across hundreds of motorists, results in substantial financial burden to our constituents,” he said.
The City Council will determine the extent of possible non-compliance with Ordinance No. 2089. Departments including the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) and the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO, formerly CITOM) are expected to present their monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
Representatives of privately owned off-street parking operators will also be invited to clarify their rate structures. The council may consider legislative amendments or stronger enforcement provisions if necessary.
“This representation does not seek to unduly burden legitimate businesses,” Alcover said. “Rather, we seek to ensure fairness, transparency, and uniform implementation of duly enacted city laws.” (LLP)
Photo from Sangguniang Panglungsod Cebu City - Secretariat
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