Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

0504

House Bill No.
Introduced by HON. ROBERT ACE S. BARBERS

AN ACT REGULATING THE USE OF SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC ROADS IN ALL URBAN
AREAS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to regulate the use of sidewalks and public roads which are meant for
the utilization and enjoyment of the general public for the purpose for which they were built.

It is of no secret that urban areas have become so congested that people tend to
disregard order and do things convenient to them. Small businesses have used and
‘occupied our sidewalks leaving pedestrians with no choice but to walk by the roadside, thus
exposing them to greater risks of bodily injury and even death. Residents who do not have
parking spaces in their houses use the streets for their parking lots. Business establishments
which do not have ample parking spaces use the roads as parking lots for their own vehicles
as well as their clients, thereby clogging the already narrow roads and impeding the free flow
of traffic. Adding to the already chaotic situation is the proliferation of public utility terminals.
Our roads are not built for such purposes and the taxpayers have all the right to complain.

economic losses
be pleared, traffic flow

It is a fact that the traffic congestion in urban areas res
amounting to billions of pesos yearly. Should these road obstructi
will ease and a more robust economy will result.

In view of the foregoing considerations, approval of this yill is earnpstly sought.


CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES )
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE BILL NO. 0504

Introduced by HON. ROBERT ACE S. BARBERS

AN ACT REGULATING THE USE OF SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC ROADS IN ALL URBAN
AREAS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Sidewalks and Public Roads Use
Act”.

‘SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It shall be the policy of the State to clear sidewalk and public
roads from unauthorized commercial or personal use in order to facilitate the smooth
passage of persons as well as to clear all obstructions to traffic and vehicular flow. Adequate
sidewalk and public road must be maintained to allow safe pedestrian passage and ease in
traffic flow that will result in a more progressive economy.

‘SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — For the purposes of this Act, the term:

a. “Sidewalk” means a paved path for pedestrians adjacent to public roads;

b. “Public roads” means all roads built using taxpayers’ money and built for
vehicular traffic;

¢. “Urban areas” means human settlement with high population density and
infrastructure of built environment;

d. “Proper authority” means the local government unit (LGU)

SEC. 4. Prohibited Acts on Sidewalks. - It shall be unlawful for anyone to build any edifice,
stall and other similar structures, put up any business and other forms of obstruction, leave
garbage and other junk materials, engage in ambulant vending, and other acts that tend to
impede or obstruct the use of sidewalks which are meant to service pedestrians. Special
permits may be issued by the proper authorities for the temporary use of sidewalks to
Conduct business such as but not limited to vulcanizing shops, repair shops, parking spaces,
eateries, advertisement spaces, and other similar activities.

SEC. 5. Prohibited Acts on Public Roads. ~ Without permit from the proper authorities, it
shall be unlawful to use public roads for parking, business, public utility terminals, and any
other activity that tend to impede the free flow of traffic. Only temporary activities may be
issued permits for the use of public roads. In no case shall public roads be designated by the
local government units or any government agency as parking spaces and/or terminals for
public utility vehicles, whether for free of for a fee.

SEC. 6. Content of the Application for Permit on Temporary Use of Public Road and
Sidewalk . — The application for the grant of permits for the temporary use of sidewalks and
Public roads shall contain the following information:

a. Full name and complete address of applicant/s;
b. The place where he is allowed to use and the duration of such use;


c. The purpose of such use; and
d._ If purpose of use is for selling of goods, the products he is authorized to sell.

SEC. 7. Implementing Agency. - The municipal or city government shall be responsible for
the implementation of the provisions of this Act. Within thirty (30) days from the approval of
this Act, the municipal or city governments shall formulate implementing rules and
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 8. Penalties. — The penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act shall be a fine
ranging from One Thousand Pesos (P 1,000.00) to Ten Thousand Pesos
(P 10,000.00), which shall accrue to the Municipal/City Treasury, and confiscation of the
obstructions and the impounding of vehicles by the proper authority.

Any permit issued shall be revoked upon violation of the requirements under this Act.
Such revocation shall prohibit the grant of a new permit for twelve (12) months from the date
of the conviction.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or constitutional,
the remained of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain valid and
subsisting.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. — Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order,
letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to, or inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at
least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,