Manila rushing installation of 185 CCTV cameras

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said yesterday the local government will finish the installation of 185 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras all over the city before his 77th birthday on April 19.

In an interview with The STAR, Estrada said the CCTVs will be installed in strategic areas to prevent the commission of crimes as well as to effectively monitor traffic flow in major roads in the city.

“This is part of the city government’s anti-criminality and disaster preparedness campaign,” he said.

Estrada said he can monitor road activities in strategic areas in Manila such as Divisoria, Recto and the University Belt using video feeds from the CCTVs.

He added the city government has so far collected P6 billion in revenues since July last year.

The former President said that through effective tax mapping operations, they were able to capture delinquent taxpayers and reduce corruption.

Estrada said the city government is targeting to improve its tax collection from P6 billion to P12 billion this year.

“The installation of the CCTVs will boost our campaign against criminality,” he said.

Estrada vowed to bring back the glory of Manila as the premier capital of the country.