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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No._____ 
Introduced by: Congressman BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE, JR. 
AN ACT 
REQUIRING FREE PARKING IN VARIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS SUCH AS 
ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL SERVICES, FOOD SERVICES, HEALTH 
SERVICES, RETAIL SERVICES, AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING 
INDEPENDENT PARKING ENTERPRISES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS, PERSONS WITH 
DISABILITIES, AND SOLO PARENTS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men,…” 
Galatians 6:10 (KJV) 
No less than our Constitution in its Declaration of Principles and State Policies Principles 
declared that the promotion of the general welfare is essential for the enjoyment by all the people 
of the blessings of democracy.1  
The importance of inclusivity and support for marginalized groups cannot be taken 
lightly. Implementing free parking for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and solo parents 
is one of the crucial steps toward nurturing an equitable environment. This initiative not only 
alleviates financial burdens but also enhances accessibility, promoting independence among 
these groups who often face significant challenges in their daily lives.  
Arguably, the economic implications of free parking are profound. Senior citizens and 
individuals with disabilities frequently operate on fixed incomes due to retirement or limited 
employment opportunities. By waiving parking fees, it can help alleviate financial strain on these 
vulnerable populations. For solo parents balancing work and family responsibilities, the added 
expense of parking can be a significant barrier to accessing essential services such as healthcare 
and education. Providing free parking acknowledges their struggles and offers tangible support 
that can improve their quality of life.  
1 Sec. 5 Art. II, 1987 Constitution. 
August 20, 2024
8:00 am
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Furthermore, enhancing accessibility is paramount in ensuring that all community 
members can participate fully in society. Free parking for these specific groups would lead to 
increased mobility and social interaction, which are vital for mental health and well-being. It 
encourages seniors to engage more actively with their communities while allowing individuals 
with disabilities easier access to necessary facilities without the worry of additional costs. 
Similarly, solo parents would benefit from reduced logistical hurdles when attending 
appointments or extracurricular activities with their children. 
Hence,   
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
 
 
 
 
BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE, JR 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No._____ 
Introduced by: Congressman BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE, JR. 
AN ACT 
REQUIRING FREE PARKING IN VARIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS SUCH AS 
ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL SERVICES, FOOD SERVICES, HEALTH 
SERVICES, RETAIL SERVICES, AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING 
INDEPENDENT PARKING ENTERPRISES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS, PERSONS WITH 
DISABILITIES, AND SOLO PARENTS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in session assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Free Parking Act of 2024” 
SEC. 2 Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to prioritize public safety and 
public welfare, as well as to protect the interest and promote the general welfare of consumers 
while allowing reasonable return on investment.  
Towards this end, the State shall promulgate measures that will address issues of 
accessibility and economic inequality among the marginalized sector of our society that guarantee 
everyone has a fair opportunity to prosper. 
SEC. 3 Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act, the following terms are defined as follows: 
(a) Accommodation establishments – refer to hotels, motels, hostels, inns, resorts,
lodging facilities, and all other establishments that offer accommodation facilities
for lease.
(b) Corporate offices or facilities -- refer to all other public and private facilities that serve
the general public which are not accommodation establishments, food service
establishments, health service establishments retail establishments, including but
not limited to government and private offices.
(c) Covered establishments -- refer to accommodation establishments; corporate
Offices or facilities, food service establishments, health service establishments,
retail establishments, and all other similar establishments, whether government-
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owned or privately owned, including independent parking enterprises that 
charge a parking fee for the use of their parking spaces. 
 
(d)  Educational institutions -- refer to public or private schools, including daycare or 
childcare centers, preschools, nursery, kindergarten, elementary, secondary, 
tertiary or college, higher education institutions, universities, training 
institutions, and other learning facilities providing formal and informal education 
and training. 
 
(e) Food service establishments -- refer to restaurants, food parks, or any other 
establishments where food is prepared or served, which are independent from 
existing retail establishments. 
 
(f) Health service establishments -- refer to hospitals, clinics, and other establishments 
that provide health services, which are independent from existing retail 
establishments. 
 
(g) Independent parking enterprises – refer to establishments, whether government-
owned or privately owned, whose primary business is to provide parking spaces 
and charge a corresponding parking fee for its use. 
 
(h) Retail establishments -- refer to establishments open to the general public or selected 
members of the general public for the sale of goods and services, including but 
not limited to, shopping malls, retail stores, supermarkets, shops, and other 
similar establishments. 
 
(i) Parking fee -- refers to the amount paid or charged for the use of a parking space 
in a covered establishment. 
 
(j) Senior Citizen – refers to an individual who may be a driver, passenger, or owner 
of the motor or electric vehicle who is at least sixty (60) years old and is a resident 
of the Philippines. 
 
(k) Person with disability or (PWD) – refers to an individual who may be a driver, 
passenger, or owner of the motor or electric vehicle with physical or mental 
impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as defined 
by Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities. 
 
(l) Solo Parent – as defined by Republic Act 11861 also known as the Expanded Solo 
Parents Welfare Act who may be a driver, passenger, or owner of the motor or 
electric vehicle. 
 
SEC. 4 Coverage of this Act – This Act shall cover all parking facilities of covered 
establishments that impose parking fees for all types of motor or electric vehicles such as but not 
limited to bicycles, motorcycles, e-bikes, and motor vehicles. 
 
 
SEC. 5 Free Parking Requirements – All establishments under this Act shall provide free 
parking for senior citizens, PWDs, and solo parents provided that they shall be required to 


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present a specific ID. Senior citizen ID for senior citizens, PWD ID for PWDs, and Solo Parent ID 
for Solo parents. 
 
 
SEC. 6 Penalties – Any establishments under this Act that violates the provisions shall be 
fined not less than Php 100,000 but not more than Php 300,000 for the first offense, and not less 
than Php 200,000 but not more than Php 400,000 for the subsequent offenses. Repeat offenders 
may also face revocation of their business permit. 
 
 
SEC. 7 Exceptions – Commercial establishments with less than fifty (50) parking spaces 
shall be exempted.  
 
 
 
SEC. 8 Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), 
in consultation with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other 
concerned agencies shall issue necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation 
of this Act. 
 
 
SEC. 9 Review – The DTI, DILG, and other concerned government agencies, in 
consultation with the owners of the parking areas and other stakeholders, shall review  
 
SEC. 10 Repealing Clause.  All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, letters of 
instruction, administrative rules and regulations, or parts thereof which are contrary to or 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 11 Separability Clause. In case any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional 
or invalid, the other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue in full force 
and effect. 
 
SEC. 12   Effectivity.  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication 
in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation whichever is 
earlier. 
 
Approved.