WITH the new schoolyear on, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Special Operations Group–Strike Force (SOG-SF)  Chief Gabriel Go said that school zones are definitely ‘no parking areas,’ as he also bared that he is not closing his doors on politics.

Speaking at the monthly “MACHRA Balitaan” of the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association (MACHRA), Go has warned that the MMDA will not tolerate motorists who will use the vicinities of schools as parking or waiting areas.

He encourages school authorities to report the matter to the MMDA through its 24/7 hotline, 136 or the Presidential Action Center 8888.  He also said that the MMDA receives complaints via its Facebook page or Twitter account.

He cited Republic Act 4136 which prohibits parking that would obstruct hydrants, pedestrian crossings  or park on street corners, among others, as he stressed that public roads are for public use ‘and we have no right to obstruct them.’

“No parking zone ang paligid ng mga eskwelahan… di pupuwedeng me nakaparada.  It’s actually a daily routine (clearing) na talagang pinaiigting po namin,” Go declared.

“Our way of addresssing the “Balik-Eskwela”  is to provide continous mobility ng mga sasakyan na dapat ginagamit ang kalsada para mapabilis ang biyahe… ang mga sidewalks ay dapat ginagamit ng mga estudyante at senior and anyone, as long as you’re a pedestrian…. not just sidewalk but safe sidewalk,” he explained.   

Meanwhile, Go said he is not closing his doors on politics but clarified that he is leaving everything up to destiny, stressing that he actually has no such plans to enter the political arena at the moment.

Pressed to choose between a national and local post though should the opportunity present itself, Go said he would go for national, saying he wants to serve more people.  It was learned that during the pandemic, Go was part of the business sector and a non-government office which constantly helped the poor, particularly via feeding programs and the establishment of community food pantries.

Go announced that the MMDA has begun its heightened clearing operations particularly in areas where there are big schools like in Quezon City. (MARISA SON)