Gatchalian calls on Congress to ‘immediately pass’ Proof of Parking Space Act

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has called on Congress to immediately pass the proposed Proof-of-Parking Space Act. This is to complement the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)’s move to impose higher fines on illegal parking.

Senate Bill 201, authored by Gatchalian, would require prospective vehicle owners to provide proof of parking space for a new car. It aims to complement MMDA’s initiative to raise the fine for attended illegally parked vehicles from P200 to P1,000. Meanwhile, drivers of unattended illegally parked vehicles will be required to pay P2,000.

Decongesting Metro Manila streets

MMDA imposed heftier fines in the hope of discouraging car owners from parking along streets. The agency also hopes that this measure will help decongest the already crowded streets of Metro Manila.

“The MMDA’s move to impose higher penalties may now prompt motorists to think twice before parking their cars along the streets. However, I believe that we still need a law that will instill a culture of responsible vehicle ownership among Filipinos,” Gatchalian said.

Under the proposed law, individuals and businesses based in Metro Manila will only be allowed to purchase vehicles if they can present an affidavit stating that they have acquired a parking space. This may be done either through purchase or lease.

Land Transportation Office (LTO) records show the number of registered motor vehicles from 2015 to 2017 were 10,410,814. It also revealed that there are around 1,000 registrations each day, 600 of which are for newly purchased vehicles.