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Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. has filed a bill called the “Parking Fees Regulation Act of 2015.”
“Andaya’s bill seeks to set a standard parking fee of PHP40 for eight hours and PHP10 for every succeeding hour at all establishments that offer parking spaces,” reports Jess Diaz in The Philippine Star.
Andaya explained that he found it necessary to have such a bull as eight million vehicles in Metro Manila “competing for scarce parking spaces have sparked rising demands for parking facilities.”
The report pointed out that “in many malls, hotels and parking buildings in Metro Manila, PHP40 or PHP50 is good for only three hours of parking.”
Aside from prescribing standard fees, Andaya’s bill also has provisions stipulated for standard parking spaces, as well as security requirements and facilities like toilets.
The report noted: “The bill encourages establishments to provide parking spaces for their customers free of charge. However, in case they decide to collect fees, the bill sets the standard PHP40 rate for eight hours and PHP10 for every succeeding hour.”
The bill also proposes that “if a customer purchases an item or service worth PHP1,000 or more, the parking fee would be waived upon presentation of proof of payment, provided that the customer only used the parking space for a maximum of three hours.”
Andaya’s bill also requires the following:
— Presence of security personnel and surveillance cameras, toilets, wash rooms and similar facilities for able and disabled persons
— waiver of liability for loss or damage contained in parking receipts would be prohibited, which means that the owner or operator of the parking building would bear the cost of damage or loss of any parked vehicle
Those who violate the bill’s mandates would face a fine of not less than PHP150,000 or a prison term of one year to three years, or both upon the discretion of the court.
The report further revealed that “Andaya’s bill covers all establishments that offer parking spaces, including vacant lots.” The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) secretary would be mandated to issue implementing rules and would be authorized to adjust parking fees based on the cost of maintaining the facilities.
Photo: MorgueFile
