DAVAO CITY – A Davao City councilor appealed to Gaisano Mall of Davao on Tuesday, Sept. 2, to withdraw its new parking fee policy as it unfairly burdens customers and could set a precedent for other malls.

Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chairman of the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means, and Appropriation, issued the appeal during the City Council regular session at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Gaisano Mall in Bajada began charging parking fees for cars and motorcycles on Sept. 1 after years of being free.

Dayanghirang said he stands with Davaoeños against the mall’s new parking fees, warning that charging even paying customers is unfair, harms consumers, and could push other establishments to do the same.

The councilor said that his call was driven by customer complaints, emphasizing that shoppers should have free parking. He said the parking fee in the mall was free in the past.

“It was the philosophy before that malls should offer free parking as long as customers present their receipts, but now they are charging fees, and even increasing them,” Dayanghirang said.

Under the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code (Ordinance No. 0334-12, Series of 2012), managing public road use, including day-parking zones, is a municipal function aimed at equitable access to public infrastructure.

Dayanghirang said the Parking Fee Ordinance (Ordinance No. 052-13, Series of 2013) authorizes the city to collect fees only on streets designated as pay-parking zones and not within private commercial developments such as malls.

He called on the City Attorney’s Office and the City Transportation and Traffic Management Office to review the issue and explore possible rules on parking fees in private establishments to balance business rights with consumer welfare.

Dayanghirang said the goal is to promote both responsible commerce and consumer accessibility, especially for establishments situated in the heart of the city. “We must protect the welfare of our people."