Solons want CCTV in all commercial, government offices

Two lawmakers have filed a bill requiring all government offices and commercial establishments to install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

House Bill 2449 or the proposed “CCTV Act of 2013” was filed by siblings Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro City and Rep. Maximo Rodriguez of the Abante Mindanao Partylist.

According to the solons, the installation of CCTV cameras in these places would not only prevent crimes but could also help in solving them.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez noted that from January to November 2011, the Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded 230,817 crime incidents.

“While the number is lower compared to previous years like in 2009 when 333,416 crime incidents were reported, the figure is still very high. One way to lower this high crime rate is to provide deterrents, which would make criminals think twice and reconsider. One very effective form of deterrent is the installation of CCTV cameras,” he said.

Meanwhile, the party-list lawmaker said that also according to PNP data, physical assault and theft were the two largest contributors to the total number of crime incidents in 2011.

House Bill 2449 defines business establishments to include, but are not limited to, restaurants, hospitals, malls, shopping centers, movie houses, supermarkets, groceries, entertainment centers, office buildings, warehouses and other similar establishments. It also provides that all government offices and buildings be mandated to install CCTV cameras.

Under the measure, the installation of CCTV cameras would be required before any business is issued a business permit.

Specifically, the bill mandates all business establishments employing more than 20 employees and with work premises of not less than 50 meters to install and maintain high-quality surveillance cameras in all their entrances and exits within the premises of their work area, the perimeter of their work areas or establishments, and other areas of their business to protect their patrons and deter crime.

The bill requires that the CCTV cameras be able to clearly show the faces of the persons recorded, with the cameras running 24 hours a day seven days a week.

Should the measure be passed, establishments would also be required to keep a deposit of video recordings for a period of not less than 60 days from the date of recording.

However the bill prohibits the installation of CCTV cameras in any restroom, toilet, shower, bathroom, changing room, and similar areas.

The bill also provides that failure to comply would result in a fine of P1,000 and the suspension of the establishment's business permit until CCTV cameras are installed. For government offices, non-installation of CCTVs would be considered nonfeasance and subject to the proper penalties provided for in appropriate laws. — Patricia Denise Chiu/BM, GMA News