FOLLOWING a devastating fire that swept through Bucana, Barangay 76-A, on Oct. 16, 2026, and a subsequent blaze in Agdao, local officials are sounding the alarm against pervasive illegal street parking, blaming obstructed roads for hampering firefighters during life-threatening emergencies.
In a statement, Barangay Captain Robert Elnar Olanolan lashed out at vehicle owners who use public roads and narrow interior alleys as private parking lots.
“Tell me, violators, who own cars, 4-wheels, e-bikes, tricycles, and motorcycles. You wouldn’t have caused the fire if it wasn’t for the stubbornness in your head,” Olanolan said.
The barangay leader emphasized that emergency vehicles face severe access delays in densely populated areas due to vehicles parked illegally along both sides of narrow thoroughfares.
He reiterated that vehicle owners—not the government—are solely responsible for securing private garage spaces.
“The government has no obligation to your parking lot. It’s your obligation… The road is an access for cars and people,” Olanolan added.
“No Garage, No Vehicle Registration“
To address the root cause of street congestion, Olanolan urged the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to strictly enforce a “No Garage, No Registration” policy for all motor vehicles.
He proposed that the LTO require applicants to present a Barangay Clearance or Certification proving they possess a legitimate parking space before approving new vehicle registrations or annual renewals.
Under the proposal, local barangay units would conduct physical site inspections to verify garage availability.
Barangay 76-A officials warned that stricter enforcement and towing operations will be executed in interior sub-villages to ensure clear passages for responding fire trucks and ambulances during future emergencies.
Meanwhile, in a message to TIMES on Monday afternoon, LTO XI operations chief Yuri Lim said, “Sa existing policies po.. Hindi po requirement ang barangay clearance/certification for renewal of registration.”
He can submit his suggestions to the Office through RD to be endorsed in Central Office Manila or through city council resolution/ordinance. “May role din naman po ang mga Barangay Officials natin for Brgy road clearing operations with guidance from DILG as preventive and proactive measures,” he said.
“For this time, the office will actively coordinate with CTTMO and PNP for enforcement procedures,” he further said.