(Eagle News)–Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday, July 25, urged President Rodrigo Duterte to certify as urgent the Proof-of-Parking Space bill to ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila.
Gatchalian made the call following President Rodrigo Duterte’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) in which he ordered local government units to “reclaim all public roads that are being used for private ends.”
Under Senate Bill No. 368, prospective vehicle owners are required to present proof that they have a parking space for the new vehicle they would be buying.
Individuals and businesses based in Metro Manila would 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 bills said.
The bill also mandates the Land Transportation Office, the Metro Manila Development Authority, and LGUs to conduct frequent ocular inspections of major and minor thoroughfares across Metro Manila to remove illegally parked vehicles.
Gatchalian said the bill is very timely and will instill a culture of responsible vehicle ownership among Filipinos.
“The street is primarily intended for vehicular or foot traffic and should not be appropriated as personal parking spaces for these vehicles,” Gatchalian said.
“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,” Gatchalian added.
