Gatchalian Renews Call for "No Parking Space, No Car" Policy
to Solve Transportation Crisis

On Thursday, Senator Win Gatchalian renewed his call for the implementation of a strict "no parking space, no car" policy in Metro Manila as part of the government's push to solve the troubling transportation crisis in the nation's capital.

"The transportation situation in Metro Manila has hit an all-time low. Around-the-clock traffic jams are causing significant economic losses and have had a grave impact on the quality of life of NCR residents. We need to take decisive action to clear the roads of improperly parked cars," said Gatchalian, the freshman senator from Valenzuela City.

To fully implement this policy Gatchalian urged his congressional colleagues to act on his proposed measure, Senate Bill No. 201, also known as the "Proof-of-Parking Space Act".

Under the Proof-of-Parking Space Act, individuals and businesses based within Metro Manila would only be allowed to purchase vehicles after the execution of an affidavit confirming that they have acquired, either through purchase or lease, a parking space for the vehicle being purchased.

The bill also mandates the Land Transportation Office, the Metro Manila Development Authority, and local government units to conduct frequent ocular inspections of major and minor thoroughfares across the NCR to remove illegally parked vehicles and to punish vehicle owners who refuse to comply with the law.

"If passed into law, the Proof-of-Parking Space Act would play a critical role in the Duterte administration's push to solve the transportation crisis. This law will help bring discipline back to our streets, for the benefit of vehicle owners and the commuting public," said Gatchalian.

In addition, Gatchalian reiterated his openness to granting emergency transportation powers to the executive branch as long as the concerned agencies would present detailed and transparent plans on how they will use these powers.

Gatchalian also urged the Department of Transportation to fast-track the implementation of a long-term public transportation plan which would use bus rapid transit and light rail technologies to significantly ease the burden of commuting for the millions of Metro Manila residents who rely on public transportation.

"The present administration is in a good position to achieve real, tangible change by overhauling Metro Manila's outdated public transportation system. Alleviating the constant struggles of the commuting public should be one of government's top priorities," said Gatchalian.