Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed a bill that seeks to end excessive and unreasonable parking fees imposed by malls, commercial establishments, and parking facilities by institutionalizing standardized rates and free parking under certain conditions.

In filing Senate Bill (SB) No. 1001, Estrada aims to address the difficulty of finding parking spaces, especially in Metro Manila, as well as the exorbitant fees makes it even worse.

“Parking has become a daily struggle – mahal na, madalas mahirap pa makahanap sa mga matataong lugar (they're expensive and usually hard to find in crowded areas. Some establishments take advantage of the situation and, worse, refuse responsibility when a customer’s vehicle gets damaged or stolen,” Estrada lamented.

“This measure is about protecting consumer welfare from excessive fees while ensuring businesses can still recover investments. Parking should be fair, safe, and accessible,” the veteran lawmaker explained as he pushed for the approval of SB 1001, or the proposed Parking Fee Regulation Act.

SB 1001 sets reasonable ceilings on parking rates: P50 for the first eight hours for cars and P30 for motorcycles, and an additional P10 per succeeding hour. Overnight parking is capped at P200 for cars, and P100 for motorcycles.

Valet services may charge up to P100 in addition to standard fees.

Meanwhile, customers making purchases worth at least P1,000 shall enjoy waived parking fees, while all establishments must provide a minimum 30-minute grace period for drop-offs, pick-ups, or short pass-through entries.

Beyond affordability, a key reform in Estrada’s bill is the prohibition of liability waivers: Establishments collecting parking fees must ensure the security of vehicles and can no longer hide behind the common “Park at your own risk” signage.

“If customers pay, establishments must be accountable. Hindi pwedeng kumikita sila, pero kapag nagkaroon ng aberya, hugas-kamay agad (They can’t make money and then immediately wash their hands of responsibility when a problem arises)," Estrada said.

Parking facilities must also issue official receipts and clearly display rates at entrances. Violators face fines of up to P100,000 per violation and possible suspension or revocation of their business license.

Estrada stressed that the measure is not intended to hurt businesses but to ensure fairness and protect motorists.

“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 consultation with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other concerned agencies, will craft the implementing rules within 60 days from the law’s enactment.