Valenzuela First District Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian. Nestor Corrales/INQUIRER.net
A lawmaker at the House of Representatives has proposed that motor vehicle buyers in Metro Manila should have a parking space as a pre-requisite in buying new cars.
Valenzuela First District Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday proposed House Bill 5098 known as the “Proof-of-Parking Space Act,” which aims to lessen traffic congestion in the metropolis.
The proposed bill would regulate “the sale of motor vehicles in Metro Manila by requiring a proof-of-parking space or facility from motor vehicle buyers as a pre-requisite for the purchase of a motor vehicle and registration with the Land Transportation Office.”
Gatchalian said vehicle owners should provide a permanent parking space for their private vehicles whether within their house, building or at a leased facility.
He said the Land Transportation Office (LTO) would be the regulatory body “to verify the public document submitted by the registrant attesting to the existence of the parking facility.”
The lawmaker clarified that the bill does not prohibit the purchase of more than one vehicle, provided that the owner has enough parking space.
“You can buy as many as you want, as long as you have the right parking or the ample parking for your cars,” he said.
He said this is “one of the solutions” to address traffic congestion in Metro Manila.
“What we are making sure is that there is order and discipline in the streets,” he said.
Gatchalian cited the condition of secondary roads in Metro Manila where vehicles got a hard time passing through because of parked vehicles along the road.
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He said the Metro Manila Development Authority, the Philippine National Police Higway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), LTO and local government units are supportive of the proposed bill.
“We need enforcement,” he said, adding that traffic congestion in the metropolis needs innovate ways and solutions.
Speaking to reporters at the House of Representatives, Chief Supt. Arnold Gunnacao of the PNP-HPG backed the claim of Gatchalian, saying secondary roads in Metro Manila have been used as parking space for vehicles.
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Gunnacao, who is the head of the PNP-HPG manning the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (Edsa), said secondary roads are a great help as shortcut roads for motorists.
Edsa has been the main and busiest thoroughfare in Metro Manila but heavy traffic has been a daily scenario in the 23-kilometer road.
Penalties
According to the proposed bill, untrue claims by vehicle owners would have their motor vehicle registration revoked and the owner would be suspended from registering a motor vehicle under his name for three years.
A P50,000 fine shall also be imposed for every violation. Nestor Corrales/RAM