Lawmaker seeks passage of CCTV bill

MANILA, Philippines - An administration lawmaker has sought the passage of a bill requiring government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems along all roads nationwide to monitor public utility vehicles (PUVs).

Batangas Rep. Mark Llandro Mendoza, author of House Bill 4618, said a CCTV system is important not only in crime investigation and prevention, but also in road surveillance.

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

He said more business and private establishments, public buildings, roads and even private homes have CCTV cameras installed for surveillance purposes.

The lawmaker said the need for a monitoring system is necessary due to the increasing crime rate.

In filing the bill known as the “CCTV Cameras for Road Incident Monitoring Act of 2014,” Mendoza cited a policy of the government to serve and protect the people; maintain peace and order; protect life, liberty and property and promote general welfare.

The measure requires that footage taken by the CCTV system be made available for use in an investigation or prosecution of an offense and may be disclosed by any member or officer of a law enforcement agency. 

The bill identifies the departments of the interior and local government, public works and highways, and transportation and communications; the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the LGUs as the implementing agencies once the measure is signed into law.