Manila: Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada announced that he has filed a legislative measure aimed at regulating parking fees across the country, introducing standardized rates, and prohibiting establishments from disclaiming liability for any damage or loss incurred.
According to Philippines News Agency, Estrada's Senate Bill 1001, known as the Parking Fee Regulation Act, is designed to protect consumers from exorbitant parking charges while also holding malls, commercial establishments, institutions, and private parking operators accountable for vehicle security. The bill promotes free parking for patrons and mandates clarity in pricing and receipt issuance.
Estrada highlighted the daily challenges faced by motorists, stating, "Parking has become a daily struggle - mahal na, madalas mahirap pa makahanap sa mga matataong lugar (it is expensive and often difficult to find in crowded areas). Some establishments take advantage of the situation and, worse, refuse responsibility when a customer's vehicle gets damaged or stolen."
The proposed Senate Bill 1001 allows establishments to offer free parking but requires those that charge to adhere to standardized rates, with a maximum of PHP50 for the first eight hours for cars and PHP30 for motorcycles, plus an additional PHP10 per subsequent hour. Overnight parking would be limited to PHP200 for cars and PHP100 for motorcycles, while valet services could impose a maximum surcharge of PHP100 on top of regular fees.
A key provision of the bill is ensuring that customers who spend at least PHP1,000 in an establishment receive free parking upon presenting their receipts. Moreover, all parking facilities must offer a 30-minute grace period for quick drop-offs, pick-ups, or pass-throughs.
One of the bill's significant reforms is the ban on liability waivers, including the commonly seen 'Park at your own risk' signs. Section 9 stipulates that establishments charging fees are responsible for ensuring vehicle security and cannot deny accountability in the event of loss or damage.
Estrada emphasized, "Kung nagbabayad ang customer, dapat managot ang establisimyento. Hindi puwedeng kumikita sila, pero kapag nagkaroon ng aberya, hugas-kamay agad (If customers pay, the establishment must be accountable. They cannot profit yet wash their hands when something goes wrong)."
Parking operators will also be obliged to issue official receipts and clearly display parking rates at entry points. Non-compliance could result in fines up to PHP100,000 per violation and potential suspension or revocation of business permits.
In his explanatory note, Estrada pointed out that some establishments "take advantage of the situation to exact exorbitant parking fees" and "take no responsibility for any damage or loss occurring within their premises," emphasizing the necessity to protect consumers while ensuring businesses can achieve reasonable returns.
"This bill strikes a balance - consumers get protection, and businesses can still earn reasonable returns by making parking a service, not a burden," Estrada concluded.
The Department of Trade and Industry, along with other agencies, will be tasked with drafting the implementing rules within 60 days once the measure is enacted into law.
