A party-list lawmaker bats for the speedy passage of a bill that requires business establishments to install closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) in and around their premises.
Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan of Bicol Saro party-list group said that as a former official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), he recognizes the necessity of using CCTV cameras and other modern technological tools to help keep the public safe and aid police investigators in solving crimes.
Yamsuan, a co-author of House Bill (HB) 8068, said the measure mandates business establishments with 20 or more workers or those with transactions amounting to at least P50,000 a day to install CCTV cameras in their premises notably entrances and exits, and the workplaces.
Yamsuan recalled that back in 2022, the DILG issued a memorandum circular urging cities and municipalities to enact ordinances prescribing the installation of CCTV systems for certain business establishments, such as banks, office buildings, gasoline stations, pawnshops, supermarkets and medical facilities.
“HB 8068 takes this one step further by making this a requirement, rather than a preference, for all businesses that have more than 20 employees or those engaged in large transactions on a daily basis. The private sector can play a key role in helping law enforcers secure public places and prevent crime by installing CCTV cameras in strategic locations,” said Yamsuan, a former DILG assistant secretary.
“The goal is to make CCTV cameras effective tools in helping deter, detect and solve crimes,” he added.
Yamsuan said CCTVs also help check abuses committed by law enforcers as shown in some instances when CCTV footage played before the House Committee on Public Order and Safety showed police officers committing irregularities in conducting drug buy-bust operations.
Under the bill, “the installation of surveillance/CCTV cameras shall be a mandatory requirement before business permits or permits to operate are issued.”
The establishments covered by the measure include restaurants, hospitals, malls, shopping centers, movie houses, theaters, supermarkets, groceries, entertainment centers, office buildings, warehouses, and cockpit arenas.
These and other similar establishments are required to maintain their CCTV cameras in good working condition, and ensure such devices are turned on and operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
However, installing surveillance or CCTV cameras in “any restroom, toilet, shower, bathroom, changing room, and other similar areas” is prohibited under the measure.
Business establishments shall also inform the public about the installation and use of CCTV cameras in their premises through written notices prominently displayed at the entrances.
The owners or managers of business establishments are required to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the video clips and recordings obtained through the CCTVs.
Thus, it is prohibited to use, view, copy, disclose, or publish said video clips feeds, except in specific circumstances outlined in the measure.
These allowable circumstances are the use, viewing, copying and disclosure to a member or officer of a law enforcement agency in connection with the investigation or prosecution of an offense punishable by law or regulation, or in connection with any pending criminal proceeding.
Viewing, copying and disclosure of CCTV feeds are also allowed under the bill to determine whether or not an offense was committed against a person or property; to ascertain the identity of a criminal perpetrator; and to find out the manner by which the offense was committed.
The measure penalizes business establishments violating this provisions with imprisonment not exceeding six months, or a fine not exceeding P10,000, or both, “without prejudice to other civil or criminal liabilities that may arise” from such violations.
Local government units (LGUs) with jurisdiction over the business establishment and the DILG are the agencies tasked to implement the bill’s provisions.