BAGUIO CITY – The City Council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance requiring all business establishments to install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, video recorders, and monitors for security purposes.
The ordinance authored by Councilor Edgar M. Avila stated that it will be a policy of the City Government to protect the life, property, liberty, maintain peace and order. and work for the general welfare of its constituents.
Under the proposed ordinance, all business establishments employing more than 10 employees or whose work premises exceeds 30 square meters will be mandated to install and maintain in good working condition surveillance and closed circuit television cameras (CCTV), video recorders and monitors and operate the same on a 24-hour, 7-day period.
The local legislative measure added video recordings from such CCTV system shall be preserved for a period of 15 days from the date of recording after which it may be automatically deleted.
He claimed the intent of the law is to make the installation of CCTV system as a mandatory requirement for business permits or permits.
For this purpose, the ordinance pointed out that the City government shall accredit CCTV system suppliers and installers to assure quality and efficiency in the operation of such systems to achieve its prescribed purpose.
Further, the ordinance provided that a written notice be displayed in bold letters in a publicly conspicuous place within and outside the establishment, an announcement that the establishment is conducting surveillance.
However, the proponent added in no case shall a CCTV camera be installed in any restroom, toilet, shower, bathroom, changing room and other similar areas.
On the other hand, the ordinance requires all business establishments to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all video feeds and recordings obtained via the surveillance camera and that the use, viewing, copying, disclosure or publication of the said video feeds and recordings shall be strictly prohibited except by order of a court of competent jurisdiction in connection with and limited to a criminal investigation or prosecution of an offense, punishable by law or regulation, provided that, the request is made by the City Director of the Philippine National Police or the Director of the National Bureau of Investigation.
For non-compliance and violation of the pertinent provisions of the ordinance, any person found violating the provisions of the local legislative measure shall pay the fine of P5,000 and or imprisonment of one year or both upon the discretion of the court.
The City Mayor shall, within 30 days from the effectivity of the measure, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the ordinance.
By Dexter A. See
