---

Introduced by Councilor JOSE MARIO DON S. DE LEON.

Co-Introduced by Councilors Anthony Peter D. Crisotogo, Dorothy A. Delarmente, Lena Marie P. Juico, Victor V. Ferrer, Jr., Alexis R. Herrera, Precious Hipolito Castelo, Voltaire Godofredo L. Liban III, Roderick M. Paulate, Estrella C. Valmocina, Allan Benedict S. Reyes, Gian Carlo.G. Sotto, Franz S. Pumaran, Eufemio C. Lagumbay, Jaime F. Borres, Jesus Manuel C. Suntay, Marvin C. Rillo, Vincent DG. Belmonte, Raquel S. Mala gen, Jessica Castelo Daza, Bayani V. Hipol, Jose A. Visaya, Julienne Alyson Rae V. Modalla, Godofredo T. Liban II, Andres Jose G. Yllana, Jr., Allan Butch T. Francisco. Karl Edgar C. Castelo, Candy A. Medina, Diorella Maria G. Sotto, Marivic Co-Pilar, Rogelio "Roger" P. Juan, Melencio "Bobby" T. Castelo, Jr., Donato C. Matias and Ricardo B. Corpuz.

---

WHEREAS, Section 11, Article XIII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution empowers the State to give priority for the needs of the underprivileged sick, elderly, disabled, women and children;

WHEREAS, Section 458 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, empowers the Sangguniang Panlungsod to enact ordinances, approve resolutions and appropriate funds for the general welfare of the city and its Inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of the same Code;

WHEREAS, pursuant to the above-mentioned policy, the Congress of the Philippines enacted Republic Act No. 7432, as amended by Republic Act No. 9257, and further amended by Republic Act No. 9994, otherwise known as the "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010";

WHEREAS, in keeping with the needs and concerns of the elderly constituents, the Quezon City Government, at the instance, of the City Council, sees the necessity of extending such privileges also to differently-abled persons and pregnant women.

NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF QUEZON CITY IN REGULAR SESSION ASSEMBLED:

SECTION 1. TITLE - This Ordinance shall be known as 'An Ordinance Requiring Malls, Groceries and Other Business Establishments Located within Quezon City to Give Priority to Differently-abled Persons, Pregnant Women and Senior Citizens by Designating a Special Lane for Them at the Cashier Counters, and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof.

SECTION 2. BASIS - It is the policy of the Government of Quezon City to firmly commit and to give priority to the protection of the basic rights of the differently-abled, pregnant women and senior citizens, as enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

SECTION 3. COVERAGE - All existing malls, groceries and other business establishments within the territorial jurisdiction of Quezon City shall be covered by the provisions of this Ordinance.

SECTION 4. MANDATORY REQUIREMENT. - All malls, groceries and other business establishments within the coverage of this Ordinance is hereby directed to designate a Special Lane for differently-abled individuals, pregnant women and senior citizens to give priority to them and provide signage for such.

SECTION 5. PENALTIES - The following penalties shall be imposed upon the operator, manager and/or owners of the mall, grocery or any other business establishment and/or individual who shall fall to give priority and designate a special lane for the above-mentioned individuals;

First Offense - Five Thousand Pesos (Php5, 000.00) fine
Second Offense-Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5, 000.00) fine, and/or the revocation of its license to operate for a period of one (1) year

SECTION 6. IMPLEMENTATION - The Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) is hereby tasked to monitor, inspect and secure the strict implementation of the provisions of this Ordinance.

SECTION 7. REPEALING CLAUSE - All ordinances, resolutions, local executive orders, rules and regulations, or any part thereof inconsistent herewith are deemed repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

SECTION 8. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE - In case any provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE - This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its approval.

ENACTED: February 17, 2014.


ATTESTED:

(Sgd.) ATTY. JOHN THOMAS S. ALFEROS III
                City Gov't Asst. Dept. Head III

CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that this Ordinance was APPROVED by the City Council on Second Reading on February 17, 2014 and we PASSED on Third/Final Reading on February 24, 2014.