House Deputy Speaker Sergio Apostol has filed House Bill 3779, which seeks to prohibit owners of shopping malls and similar commercial entities from collecting fees for the use of parking spaces located within their establishments.
Apostol, who is also representative of the Second District of Leyte, said, “Parking fees exacted by these establishments are definitely irreconcilable with the essence of the Consumers Act, which protects consumers against abuses by setting the standards of suitable conduct for business and industry. It is a matter of courtesy that malls or hotels for that matter should not collect parking fees.”
“The bill also provides that no building permits shall be given unless owners submit a sworn statement that parking spaces shall be made available for free,” reports ABS-CBNnews.com.
The bill recommends that “owners of erring business establishments shall pay a fine of PHP100,000 to PHP500,000, while members of the Board of Directors or any other corporate officers face imprisonment of not more than five years.”
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