PERSONS with disabilities (PWDs) in Mandaue City may soon enjoy a three-hour free parking privilege in public and private establishments that charge parking fees.
A proposed ordinance granting this benefit passed its first reading during the City Council’s regular session on July 14.
The measure, authored by Councilor Jimmy Lumapas and co-authored by Councilor Carlo Fortuna, aims to formalize a practice already being offered informally by some businesses.
“Most establishments already give three hours free parking to PWDs, but there’s no ordinance backing it,” Fortuna said in an interview on July 21. “We want to make it official.”
The draft ordinance mandates that all establishments charging for parking must grant three hours of free parking to persons with disabilities (PWDs), whether they are drivers or passengers. The benefit applies even to non-resident PWDs, as long as they present a valid PWD ID.
“What matters is that the PWD is present in the vehicle,” Fortuna said.
Violators may face fines of up to P5,000 and possible revocation of their business permits after more than three offenses. The Persons with Disability Affairs Office will be responsible for enforcement.
Mandaue City has more than 7,000 registered PWDs. The proposed ordinance supports national laws such as the 1987 Constitution, Batas Pambansa 344 and Republic Act 10070 (Magna Carta for Disabled Persons). These laws advocate for accessibility and equal rights for PWDs.
Committee hearings will be conducted to gather input from businesses and stakeholders before the ordinance proceeds to second reading.
If approved, the ordinance will take effect after publication and compliance with posting rules under the Local Government Code of 1991. / CAV