Parking is often a sore subject in the realm of Philippine motoring. I would like to think that each of us has at least one sad story when it comes to finding a suitable place to temporarily leave our car in. But nevertheless, it is what it is, and we just suck it up and deal with it. However, in recent months especially during the period leading up to the recent holiday season, a disturbing trend was making the rounds on social media.

Photos and videos of people standing in parking spaces in order to reserve them have gone viral. For those not in the know, this will supposedly keep the spot from being taken by anyone else other than this person’s companion who is behind the wheel of their vehicle.

From my perspective, it’s quite an effective move. Those who block these spots are often left unchallenged by motorists. With nerves already frayed by heavy traffic, it is understandable why anyone would want to avoid any sort of violent confrontation. But in case it isn’t obvious, just because people can stand their ground at the car park doesn’t mean they should.

First of all, it’s against parking etiquette. Just like getting a table at your favorite restaurant, each space is on a “first come, first served” basis. Standing in a parking slot violates that concept by depriving other drivers of a proper opportunity to park. It is unfair for patrons patiently waiting in the car park, and anyone making this happen deserves to be called human scum.

Next, it is dangerous. Picture this. You’re standing in a parking space and some dude signals his intention to drive into it. You refuse to budge and shoo him away with some colorful words. However, this guy has an equally incompetent conscience and a very short fuse. He backs his vehicle into the spot as if you didn’t exist. And now, you find yourself helpless in stopping this wheeled battering ram from flattening you into a tortilla.

Of course, such a scenario is extremely hypothetical (and quite exaggerated). But I’ve seen my fair share of idiots who get their five seconds of fame on our Facebook page. You never know when you’ll cross paths with people like them.

As far as I’m aware, there are no laws that penalize standing in parking spaces. While private facilities have their own rules and matching signage, there is only so much a stern warning from a roving security guard can do. A couple of months ago, House Bill 11076 or the “Mindful Parking Act” was filed at the House of Representatives. But it will be a long while before that becomes enacted into law.

You might be asking if you have any chance against a thick-skinned moron who’s refusing to walk away from a space you want to take. Well, you can take a deep breath and respectfully persuade him or her into leaving. Staying calm is key to preventing the situation from turning into a nasty one. But if he or she refuses to budge, resist the urge to run him or her over (it’s hard, I know) and simply search for another vacant spot.

And for those who stand by using themselves to reserve parking spaces, I guess you won’t change regardless of the public’s overwhelmingly negative opinion about what you do. It’s likely that nothing in this article will make you think twice about your wicked ways. I’ll just end my piece by saying that people who stand in parking spots in order to save them deserve a slot in a real-life Squid Game.