BACOLOD City — The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Bacolod is considering a proposed measure granting free parking privileges to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in malls and other establishments operating pay parking facilities in the city.
Authored by Councilor Jason Villarosa, the proposed “Parking Fee Exemption for Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability Ordinance” was approved on the first reading recently.
It seeks to exempt qualified individuals from paying parking fees in commercial establishments, including shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, banks, supermarkets, fitness clubs, and similar businesses offering paid parking services.
In filing the measure, Villarosa cited constitutional provisions prioritizing the welfare of the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable sectors.
The proposal also anchors its legal basis on Republic Act No. 7432, as amended by Republic Act No. 9257, which grant senior citizens various benefits and discounts in recognition of their contributions to nation-building.
Under the proposed ordinance, Villarosa said the exemption will cover Filipino citizens aged 60 and above, whether they are drivers or passengers. It will also extend to foreign guests, tourists, and resident aliens who meet the age requirement, as well as persons with disabilities of any age or nationality.
To avail of the benefit, senior citizens must present a valid Senior Citizen’s identification card(ID) issued by the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) or other government-issued identification showing their date of birth. Foreign senior citizens may present their passport or equivalent identification from their country of origin. PWDs must present an identification card issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) or other authorized social welfare agencies. Foreign PWDs must likewise provide proof of disability and identification documents.
The measure outlines penalties for non-compliant establishments. A first offense carries a fine of P1,000, while a second offense will result in a P3,000 fine. Individuals found misrepresenting themselves as senior citizens or PWDs to avail of the exemption may face a P5,000 fine.
Complaints may be filed personally by aggrieved senior citizens or PWDs. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with OSCA when applicable, will verify the complaint, which must include details such as the name of the complainant, the establishment involved, and the date and circumstances of the alleged violation.
The proposed ordinance provides that the right to file an action for violations prescribes within two months from the date of the incident./PN
