By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
A bill prohibiting standing to reserve parking slots will be filed by the office of Akbayan Partylist Representative Perci Cendaña on Friday.
The lawmaker said that the “Mindful Parking” bill aims to ensure parking is made available for all motorists; this is in response to uproar from netizens over recent viral videos showing individuals standing on empty parking spaces to block off other vehicles who are unable to find available parking slots.
“Sadly, common courtesy is not so common nowadays. Imbes na magbigayan, nagiging agawan na lang ang pagkuha ng mapaparkingan,” according to Rep. Cendaña.
“Like all activities in life, ayaw natin ng may lamangan. Car owners and drivers should follow basic rules—not just when their car is on the road but also off the road,” the solon added.
He urged motorists to refrain from engaging in heated disagreements over parking slots and maintain cooler heads.
Rep. Cendaña reiterates that although this practice can cause tempers to boil over, it is best to either resolve the situation in a composed manner or simply raise the issue to parking attendants or respective authorities.
Akbayan said the proposed bill will fine individuals for every violation and will cancel driver’s licenses for repeat offenders who hold a driver’s license. The proposed measure also follows similar local ordinances such as that in Marikina City which also prohibits similar behavior. (With report from Mela Lesmoras/PTV News)
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