Free parking for elderly, persons with disabilities

A NEW Cebu City ordinance gives senior citizens and persons with disability free parking space in commercial establishments and government offices for the first three hours.

The ordinance was approved on third and final reading by the City Council.

The privilege applies to PWDs and senior citizens who are 60 years old and above who come from Cebu City or neighboring cities. The elderly must possess a senior citizen identification card.

Free parking privileges apply in pay parking areas in government offices, malls, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, fitness centers, banks and retail stores among others.

They only have to show their IDs to pay parking attendants to avail of the privilege, and then pay for parking beyond three hours.

The ordinance was sponsored by Councilors Alvin Dizon, Augustus Pe Jr., Leah Japson, Richard Osmena, Rodrigo Abellanosa and Sisinio Andales.

Violators face a fine of P5,000 and 30 days imprisonment.

Dizon told the council during the May 16 session that he and the sponsors were “aware of the status, the needs and the concerns of the elderly and the PWDs.”

“We consulted with pay parking operators on the policy and they agreed to the necessity and practicability of the ordinance,” said Dizon.

Section 6 of the ordinance extends the free parking privileges to elderly foreigners if they can present their passport or a social security ID./Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac