07/14/2009 [ tribune.net.ph ]
A coalition of entrepreneurs, transport operators, students, and Church leaders has been formed to oppose a proposed city ordinance that imposes parking fees in "places of special interest" in Quezon City.
Edwin Rodriguez, adviser and spokesman of the Tomas Morato Business Club and the main opponent of the proposed ordinance has described as unfair and unreasonable the proposed sharing arrangement, where the Quezon City government stands to get a bigger share of the parking revenues.
In his address to a consultative meeting of some 100 business, community, Church, and student leaders, who were opposing the proposed parking fees, Rodriguez assailed Councilor Jesus Suntay, its main author, for his failure to conduct any study of his proposal and consult the affected parties.
The leaders made a decision to form a coalition in the consultative meeting, where they have agreed to adopt a position paper and conduct an information drive to oppose the proposed ordinance.
They also agreed to ask Suntay to withdraw the proposed ordinance from the Sangguniang Panlungsod, which has started deliberations and held at least one public hearing.
Proposed Ordinance 2009-04 imposes parking fees of P20 to P150 for the first three hours on vehicles parked on "places of special interest," which include parks, churches, shopping malls and other areas, where a substantial number of people congregate in this premier city.
During the consultative meeting, entrepreneurs, transport operators, and Church and student leaders took turns denouncing the proposed ordinance, saying it would adversely affect business and parties, who are already suffering from the ill effects of rising petroleum prices and maintenance and repair cost.
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