Senate bill seeks nationwide parking fee Limits, accountability

Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Friday filed a measure aimed at regulating parking fees nationwide, setting standardized rates, and holding establishments accountable for damage or loss to vehicles.

Senate Bill 1001, or the Parking Fee Regulation Act, seeks to protect consumers from excessive charges while promoting transparency among malls, commercial establishments, institutions, and private parking operators. The measure encourages free parking for customers and requires clear display of rates and issuance of official receipts.

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

Under the bill, establishments that charge fees must adhere to standardized ceilings: ₱50 for the first eight hours for cars and ₱30 for motorcycles, plus ₱10 for each succeeding hour. Overnight parking would be capped at ₱200 for cars and ₱100 for motorcycles, while valet services may charge a maximum of ₱100 on top of regular fees. Customers spending at least ₱1,000 in an establishment would qualify for free parking, and all parking areas must provide a 30-minute grace period for drop-offs or pick-ups.

A major reform prohibits liability waivers, including the common “Park at your own risk” notices. Section 9 of the bill mandates that establishments charging fees must ensure vehicle security and cannot deny responsibility for any loss or damage. Estrada said, “If customers pay, the establishment must be accountable. They cannot profit yet wash their hands when something goes wrong.”

Violators could face fines of up to ₱100,000 per violation and potential suspension or revocation of business permits. The Department of Trade and Industry, in coordination with other agencies, will draft the implementing rules within 60 days once the measure becomes law.

Estrada emphasized that the bill balances consumer protection with business interests, allowing establishments to earn reasonable returns while making parking a service, not a burden.