COUNCILOR Danilo Dayanghirang pushed to create legislation to regulate parking fees of private establishments to balance the rights of businesses with the welfare of consumers.
Dayanghirang told reporters on Tuesday that the move stemmed from complaints of patrons of a shopping mall that imposed parking fees.
“Customer man sila dapat wala nay bayad. That is a long-term philosophy that malls are free provided they [buyers] will present receipts,” the councilor said.
Gmall of Davao posted their new parking rates last Aug. 22, which became effective on Sept. 1.
Dayanghirang stressed that the parking fees are an “unnecessary burden” on loyal patrons, considering GMall is strategically located at the heart of the city.
“Charging parking fees even for loyal customers with purchases is unfair and anti-consumer,” the councilor said.
He cited in his privileged speech the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code (Ordinance No. 0334-12, Series of 2012), which governs pay-parking zones only on city streets, as well as the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394), which mandates the protection of consumers against unfair trade practices.
The councilor also cited under the city’s Parking Ordinance (No. 052-13, Series of 2013), parking charges are limited to designated public roads, not private mall lots.
“We must protect the welfare of our people. If this is allowed to continue, other malls may follow suit, and the public will suffer from additional expenses that could have been avoided,” he added.
Effective Sept. 1, for weekdays 8 a.m. to 3 a.m., a P20 will be charged for regular vehicles for the first three hours and P10 for every succeeding hour. The flat rate for the motorcycle is P20.
For weekends and holidays, the flat rate for regular vehicles and motorcycles is P20.
Meanwhile, the fee is P300 for overnight parking for regular vehicles and motorcycles, from 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. A P200 penalty will be charged for the lost and damaged cards.
Dayanghirang urged the City Attorney’s Office and City Transport and Traffic Management Office to clarify that private establishments must not use municipal parking ordinances to justify additional charges on in-mall customers.
