Good news to motorists in Manila.

     Mayor Honey Lacuna has ordered a temporary stop to all clamping and towing operations by the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB).

     The directive, she said, is in light of numerous complaints from the motorists being received by City Hall on a regular basis, regarding the conduct of towing and clamping operations within the city.

    Newly-appointed MTPB Officer-In-Charge Narciso Diokno III issued a memo to this effect, sternly warning those who will violate the mayor's order.

    The memo stated that all clamping and towing operations are temporarily suspended "until further notice."

    "In view of this, all concerned personnel are hereby directed to ensure that no towing or clamping operation will take place," the memo said.

   It added: "Otherwise, those who will deliberately ignore this directive will be dealt with immediately.

     Lacuna said that the directive was issued with the interest of the residents in mind.

     It will be recalled that in April, Lacuna also ordered a stop to the implementation of a city ordinance that includes motorcycles in clamping operations, due to concerns and complaints brought upon her office regarding the implementation of the said ordinance.  

         Ordinance No. 8998 includes motorcycles in the list of vehicles for clamping if they are illegally parked, pursuant to an agreement reached by mayors in Metro Manila and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on national roads and Mabuhay lanes. 

          The lady mayor's pronouncement came also after a 48-second audio recording was circulated, announcing the implementation of the ordinance subjecting illegally parked motorcycles to clamping. The recording imitated the way Lacuna spoke.