FREE INITIAL PARKING FOR SENIOR, PWD PROPOSED

May 18, 2025 Community Billboard

BAGUIO CITY

A proposed ordinance, if approved, will exempt all senior citizens and PWDs from paying the initial rate of parking fees in all places in the
city that charge such fees including business establishments, malls, hospitals, designated parking areas, or any other similar venues. The exemption does not apply to overnight parking to ensure that the benefit targets short-term or essential visits rather than extended vehicle
storage. Under the proposed ordinance authored by Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr., senior citizens must present their ID issued by the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), while persons with disabilities (PWDs) must present their ID issued by the Persons with
Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) to avail of the exemption.

The senior citizen or PWD must be physically present in the vehicle, either as the driver or a passenger, to qualify for the exemption.
Violators of the ordinance may face fines or imprisonment. Cashiers or booth attendants who deny the exemption may be fined P500.00 or imprisoned for 1-30 days. Managers, operators, or owners may be fine P2,000.00 or face the same imprisonment term. Repeat violations may lead to the revocation of the business permit of the concerned parking area. In his proposed ordinance, Yangot emphasized the city government’s commitment to promoting the welfare of senior citizens and PWDs. He said the city government must ensure that these individuals receive priority in access and have avenues for self-reliance and rehabilitation.

The proposed ordinance is aligned with Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, and Republic Act No. 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, in terms of protecting and uplifting these marginalized sectors. The proposed ordinance
has been approved on second reading and for publication by the city council and will undergo public consultation before it is deliberated for approval on third and final reading.

Jordan G. Habbiling/SP