Installing closed-circuit television cameras in the workplace without informing employees may expose business owners to legal trouble under Philippine law, lawyers said.
The issue surfaced after Aya of MariTeam shared a story on CIA with BA about a friend who installed CCTV cameras in a new business to prevent employee theft. Aya raised the question of whether it is legal to install surveillance cameras without notifying workers.
Lawyer Marian Cayetano said such practice may violate the Data Privacy Act.
“Actually, pwede talaga siyang maging violation ng Data Privacy Act,” Cayetano said.
She explained that employers are required to inform employees about CCTV installation and may be expected to post visible notices.
“Kailangang ipaalam ng employer na may ikakabit siyang CCTV do’n sa kanyang business at pwede ring maglagay ng notification [na nagsasabing] ‘This establishment is equipped by CCTV,’” she said.
Cayetano said transparency is essential because CCTV systems collect personal data.
“Importante talaga na nano-notify ‘yung mga tao kasi ang CCTV, nag-ga-gather ‘to ng personal data so importanteng alam at hindi nakaka-violate ng privacy,” she added.
Lawyer Rafael Rivera cited a recent National Privacy Commission circular, saying proper signage is mandatory and CCTV footage should not be stored indefinitely or shared freely.
“Kung sakaling kailangan ‘to gamitin, dapat hingin ito sa may-ari at hindi basta-basta ipo-post [sa social media],” Rivera said.
He noted that while business owners have the right to protect their establishments, surveillance must always serve a reasonable purpose.
“May management prerogative din kasi so karapatan ng nagnenegosyo na protektahan ang negosyo niya,” Rivera said, adding that security measures should not override employees’ privacy rights.
CIA with BA, led by Senators Alan and Pia Cayetano and television host Boy Abunda, airs Sundays at 11 p.m. on GMA Network.
