Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
15" Congress
First Regular Session

WNo.__ 8233

Introduced by Representative Malapitan

EXPLANATORY NOTE,

‘The attached bill seeks to require owners of shopping malls, markets, schools,
hospitals, hotels and other similar commercial establishments. to provide free adequate
parking areas to its clientele in accordance with Article 2 of R.A.No. 7304, otherwise
known as the “Consumer Act of the Philippines” which provides that it is the policy of the
State to protect the interests of the consumer, promote the general welfare and to establish
standards of conduct for business and industry.

A barrage of complaints from the public about the prevalent practice of most
commercial establishments and shopping centers to charge and collect parking fees from
customers who use their parking areas, notwithstanding the fact that they are patrons of
said establishments. The customers have no choice but to accept the terms and conditions,
printed in small letters at the back of the parking ticket, which are often unconscionable,
lopsided and disadvantageous to them, thus depriving them of their rights as consumers.

Moreover, commercial centers and shopping malls management always deny
responsibility for loss of any vehicle or any personal property left inside the car, even if
the camapping or robbery occurred inside their guarded parking areas.

In order to protect the consumers, approval of the attached bill is urgently urged.

AN


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
15" Congress
First Regular Session

H.No._ 3238

Iniroduced by Representative Malapitan

AN ACT

TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE FREE PARKING AREAS FOR CUSTOMERS OF
SHOPPING MALLS, MARKETS, HOTELS, SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, AND OTHER
SIMILAR ESTABLISHMENTS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS
THEREOF.

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

SECTION 1. It is the policy of the State to protect the interests of consumers,
promote their general welfare and to establish standards of conduct for business and
industry.

SEC. 2. In pursuance to such policy, it is mandated that owners of shopping
malls, markets, hotels, schools, hospitals, and other similar commercial establishments to
provide adequate free parking areas for their clientele and prohibiting the exaction of
parking fees thereof.

SEC. 3. Any person violating the provision of the preceding section shall be fined
of not less than fifty thousand pesos (Php 50,000.00) but not exceeding One hundred
thousand pesos (Php 100,000.00) and imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not
more than two (2) years or both fine and imprisonment upon the discretion of the Court. If
the offender is a corporation, organization or any similar entity, the officials thereof
directly involved shall be liable therefore. °

SEC. 4. Any provision of law, presidential decree, executive orders and rules and
regulations or parts thereof, contrary to or inconsistent with the provision of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in any two
(2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,