Congressman wants more CCTV installed nationwide

MANILA, Philippines - Soon government agencies and local government agencies may be required by law to install close circuit television (CCTV) cameras to monitor public utility vehicles nationwide.

In filing House bill 4618, Batangas 4th District Rep. Mark Llandro Mendoza said CCTV cameras, which is already being used in crime investigation, should also be utilized for road surveillance.

"CCTVs provide accurate and real-time traffic situations and video information of road accidents," Mendoza said.

The lawmaker said that the CCTV system has become economically viable and has now rapidly gaining popularity in the country. He cited CCTV cameras installed in private establishments, public places and even homes.

"The need for 24/7 monitoring system has become necessary due to increasing criminal incidents happening everywhere," Mendoza said.

The congressman, meanwhile, cited that several local government units have already installed CCTV cameras but said that there are roads plied by PUVs that still need 24/7 monitoring.

The bill to be known as CCTV Cameras for Road Incident Monitoring Act of 2014 requires video recordings obtained to be available for use and may be disclosed by any member or officer of a law enforcement agency in connection with and limited to investigation or prosecution of an offense punishable by law or regulation.

The bill seeks compliance from the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Public Works and Highways, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority , Department of Transportation and Communications and the respective LGUs covering the routes of the passenger jeepneys, buses and other public utility vehicles to ensure the implementation and enforcement of this Act.