Restaurant Obstructing the Sidewalk

If there is one thing I really despise in the Philippines it's all the sidewalk and roadway obstructions.  And here's another one!

Why would they do this?  Who gave them the permit? Who gave them the go ahead?  It makes me so angry because it should not be there. Look at the first picture.  You literally have to either walk in the street or around the back. Most people will be walking in the street like the person in the first picture is doing. Remember when the president himself ordered the clearing of all sidewalk obstructions? And here we are back to zero. 

In Surigao del Norte legislation has been filed to regulate the use of sidewalks. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/20/22/surigao-del-norte-lawmaker-wants-govt-to-regulate-sidewalk-use

Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers wants government to regulate the use of sidewalks. 

Under House Bill 1545 that he filed, it is unlawful for anyone to build any edifice, stall and other similar structures, put up any business and other forms of obstruction, leave garbage and other junk materials, and engage in ambulant vending on sidewalks.

Other acts that tend to impede or obstruct the use of sidewalks which are meant to service pedestrians are also prohibited. 

Barbers' proposed measure states that special permits may be issued by authorities for the temporary use of sidewalks for businesses like vulcanizing shops, repair shops, parking spaces, eateries, advertisement spaces, and other similar activities.

Without such a permit, any act that impedes the free movement of people on sidewalks will be deemed unlawful and punishable by a penalty ranging from P 1,000 to P 10,000. 

Any objects blocking the sidewalk will be confiscated by local officials, the bill said. 

City and municipal governments will be in charge of implementing this if it lapses into law. 

"It is of no secret that urban areas have become so congested that people tend to disregard order and do things convenient to them," Barbers said in the bill's explanatory note. 

"Small businesses have used and occupied our sidewalks leaving pedestrians with no choice but to walk by the roadside, thus exposing them to greater risks of bodily injury and even death. Residents who do not have parking spaces in their houses use the streets for their parking lots," the lawmaker noted.

"Our roads are not built for such purposes and the taxpayers have all the right to complain," he said.

It is ridiculous that a bill like this has to be filed but even if it becomes law can the people really count on it being enforced?