Free parking sought for senior citizens in Q.C.

MANILA, Philippines—A Quezon City councilor is pushing for the exemption of senior citizens from paying the initial rate upon parking at commercial establishments, malls, and other similar venues.

The measure, which is awaiting its third and final reading, is an offshoot of Republic Act 9994 or the 2010 Senior Citizens Act.

Councilor Allan Benedict Reyes is the main author of the measure, which aims to grant the exemption to Quezon City’s elderly residents.

“Aware of the status, needs and concerns of the elder constituents, the city government, at the instance of the city council, sees the necessity of extending this privilege to senior citizens,” the measure reads.

Under the proposal, all senior citizens will not pay the initial rate in pay parking areas located within Quezon City.

The senior citizen wishing to avail himself or herself of the exemption will be required to present a senior citizen identification issued by the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs upon entering the parking area.

Reyes added that the elderly may be the driver or a passenger of the private vehicle.