DOJ backs bill requiring PUVs to have CCTVs

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has supported proposed laws in the House of Representatives to require the installation of monitoring devices like closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in public utility vehicles (PUVs).

In a two-page legal opinion signed by Undersecretary Zabedin Azis, the DOJ said it interposes no objection to House Bills 1992, 3704, 3755 and 5228 filed by Buhay party-list Rep. Mariano Michael Velarde Jr., Sultan Kudarat Rep. Arnulfo Go, Parañaque Rep. Eric Olivarez and Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo.

“The intention here is for the safety of passengers. The government cannot watch over its constituents 24 hours a day, however, the installation of CCTVs will at least serve as a deterrent to those with evil motive,” read the DOJ opinion issued on Dec.16.

The DOJ said the amendment of franchises, certificate of public convenience and other authorization of public utility “is within the ambit of the Congress,” citing Artixle XII, Section 11 of the Constitution.

But the DOJ suggested to the House committee on transportation to specify PUVs in the substitute bill by including the phrase “operating under a franchise or certificate of public convenience” to delineate that only PUVs with a franchise or certificate of public conveyance will be covered by the proposed measure.

The DOJ also suggested that the bill should include a provision allowing government authorities access to the CCTV footage in conduct of investigation on crimes.

“We understand that this particular provision only covers use of CCTV footages for evidentiary purpose. However, it’s not a secret that CCTV footages have proven (to be of) value to government agencies in investigating crimes in the past,” it said.