Finding a parking spot in Metro Manila may soon become easier and less costly, if the new legislative proposal is enacted.

Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada filed Senate Bill No. 1001, also called the Parking Fee Regulation Act, which aims to curb excessive parking fees at malls, commercial establishments, and private parking facilities by setting standardized rates and offering free parking under certain conditions.

“Parking has become a daily struggle—mahal na, madalas mahirap pa makahanap sa mga matataong lugar. Some establishments take advantage of the situation and, worse, refuse responsibility when a customer’s vehicle gets damaged or stolen,” Estrada lamented Friday.

The proposed law sets clear ceilings on parking charges: P50 for the first eight hours for cars, P30 for motorcycles, and P10 for every additional hour. 

Overnight parking is capped at P200 for cars and P100 for motorcycles, while valet services may charge up to P100 extra. Customers who spend at least P1,000 at an establishment would enjoy waived parking fees, and all facilities must allow a minimum 30-minute grace period for drop-offs, pick-ups, or short pass-through entries.

A key reform in the bill is the prohibition of liability waivers. 

Parking facilities can no longer hide behind the common “Park at your own risk” sign; they are now required to ensure vehicle security for paying customers.

“If customers pay, establishments must be accountable. Hindi pwedeng kumikita sila, pero kapag nagkaroon ng aberya, hugas-kamay agad,” Estrada emphasized.

The legislation also mandates that all parking operators issue official receipts and clearly display rates at entrances. Violators could face fines of up to P100,000 per violation and even risk suspension or revocation of their business license.

Estrada stressed that the measure is not intended to hurt businesses but to strike a balance where consumers are protected while establishments can still earn reasonable returns

“This bill strikes a balance – consumers get protection, and businesses can still earn reasonable returns by making parking a service, not a burden,” he said.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other agencies, will draft the implementing rules within 60 days of the law’s enactment.