Duterte asked to certify as urgent Senate bill on ‘proof of parking’

SEN. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian on Thursday called on President Rodrigo Duterte to certify as urgent the “Proof-of-Parking Space bill” to ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

The senator made the call in response to the President’s order during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) to “reclaim all public roads that are being used for private ends.”

Gatchalian has filed Senate Bill 368, or the Proof-of-Parking Space Act, as one of his priority measures for the 18th Congress.

The proposed measure will require prospective vehicle owners to present proof that they have parking space for the vehicle they will be buying.

“Passing this bill will be a big boost to the administration’s campaign of reclaiming public roads and help ease the perennial traffic woes we are experiencing in Metro Manila,” Gatchaian said.

“I hope President Duterte will certify this bill as urgent as it is very much aligned with his vision of alleviating the constant struggles of the commuting public,” he added.

Under the Proof-of-Parking Space Act, individuals and businesses based within Metro Manila will only be allowed to purchase vehicles after the execution of an affidavit confirming that they have acquired, either through purchase or lease, a parking space for the vehicle sought to be purchased.

The bill also mandates the Land Transportation Office, the Metro Manila Development Authority, and local government units to conduct frequent ocular inspections of major and minor thoroughfares across the National Capital Region to remove illegally parked vehicles and to punish vehicle owners who refuse to comply with the law.

Gatchalian said the bill was very timely and would instill a culture of responsible vehicle ownership among Filipinos.