Bill mandating installation of 'dash cam' in PUVs pushed

MANILA, Philippines – A bill that mandates install dashboard cameras or “dash cam” systems in vehicles operated for public utility was proposed at the House of Representative to ensure maximum safety and protection of drivers and passengers.

Parañaque Rep. Eric Olivarez proposed the bill, House Bill 6050, citing that in California and nominally in Australia, 80 percent of accidents in cars were reduced following the legalization of dash cams.

Olivarez also cited drivers in Russia as an example since their drivers have been early adopters of dashboard camera technologies for self-protection. He said Russian drivers used and uploaded footages online as visual proof of allowable evidence to fend off charges from possibly corrupt police officers and against insurance scammers who often stage accidents.

"A 'dash cam' is a device attached to the vehicle that can monitor and record all of the automobile's activities. It can provide a record of police behavior during traffic stops, documenting incidents of road rage and recording events leading up to accidents caused by drunk drivers, sleepy or wayward drivers for reporting to insurance companies," Olivarez said.

The lawmaker said “dash cam” can also record one’s driving speed, road routes, direction, seat belt usage and steering and breaking events making it easier for authorities to discover, monitor unusual motion of the vehicle and offenses.

"Even when the car is parked, a dash cam can act as surveillance and can record who is responsible for the damage or an attempted break-in. Incidents of road mishaps and criminal actions can then be prevented," Olivarez added.

In filing HB 6050, he cited road accidents caused by driver error or violations compiled by Traffic Management Group of the Philippine National Police and were determined in the supporting study of A.C. Mendoza.

HB 6050 to be known as the “Dashcam Act of 2015,”shall require all owners and operators of taxi franchises, bus lines and other vehicles for public utility shall be required to procure dash cams and install these for all its units properly preventing it to impair the driver’s view of the road.

The ideal placement of the dash cam is in the windshield which may be no longer than a five-inch square area or seven-inch square area on the passenger’s side windshield so that the driver will have proper visibility of the road.

Under HB 6050, the usage of dash cam as a recording device shall always be in compliance with the provisions of Republic Act Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

The bill also states that bus, taxi or other public utility vehicle will not be allowed registration and renewal of registration by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) without the GPS, after the one-year grace period expiration.

LTO, the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will also be tasked to conduct regular ocular inspections after the lapse of one year and violation of which will account to P500,000 fine against the proprietor of the business.

HB 6050 is currently pending at the House Committee on Transportation chaired by Catanduanes Rep. Cesar V. Sarmiento.

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