(Eagle News)–The Department of the Interior and Local Government will ask Congress to pass legislation that will require those who want to buy a car to present proof they own a garage first.
“.. If you cannot prove that you have parking, you should not be sold a car,” Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said in an interview over ANC on Thursday, Aug. 1.
Malaya issued the statement following a directive from President Rodrigo Duterte for local government units to “reclaim all public roads that are being used for private ends.”
Many of the obstructions found by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority personnel in previous clearing operations are unattended vehicles.
According to Malaya, the DILG would therefore support measures such as the one filed by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.
Under Senate Bill No. 368, or the Proof-of-Parking-Space bill, individuals and businesses based in Metro Manila will only be allowed to purchase vehicles after the execution of an affidavit that confirms they have acquired, whether through purchase or lease, a parking space for the vehicle.
The Land Transportation Office, the MMDA, and LGUs are also directed to lemove illegally parked vehicles and to punish vehicle owners who refuse to comply with the law under the bill.
“Motor vehicle owners should be made responsible to provide permanent parking space for their private vehicles, whether this is made an integral part of their house or building structure, or a leased facility,” Gatchalian said.
He has asked Duterte to certify the bill as urgent.