MARCH 10, 2016

NR # 4135B

Bill to ban the use of sidewalk for business purposes

Using the sidewalks for commercial purposes may put you behind bars under a bill
declaring it a criminal act punishable with a fine and imprisonment.
Rep. Evelina G. Escudero (1st District, Sorsogon) filed House Bill 5943 as she noted
that sidewalks are occupied by vendors and used as illegal transport terminals while toads
and alleys are blocked by illegal structures such as basketball courts and business stalls.
Pedestrian are forced to walk on the road which causes traffic congestion while
motorist slow down to avoid accidents, Escudero said.
Escudero said the bill imposes imprisonment or fines upon any person who
obstructs or uses public roads and sidewalks for commercial purposes.
Escudero said barangay officials who will not implement the proposed act face
administrative sanction.
The mayors or barangay officials who fail or neglect to implement the proposed
act may be administratively charged, Escudero said.
Citing the Civil Code of the Philippines, Escudero said anything which obstructs or
interferes with the free passage of any public highways or street is a nuisance and subject
to abatement without judicial proceedings.
Under the bill, obstruction refers to any structure, permanent. Movable, erected
along, or in any manner impeding safe and convenient passage through any public road or
sidewalk.
A person who sells goods and commodities along public road and sidewalk is also
considered an obstruction.
The mayor or barangay officials may grant an applicant permit for the temporary
use of roads or sidewalk for special occasions such as fiestas or sale promotion for civic
and charitable purposes.
The bill imposes a fine of not more than P100,000 and six months to one-year
imprisonment to violators. (30) maprs