Updated October 2, 2017, 12:19 PM
By Charissa Luci-Atienza

A House leader proposes to require business establishments to install closed circuit television (CCTV) or video surveillance system to deter crimes and to protect lives and properties.

Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez filed House Bill (H.B.) 6381 calling for the installation of the CCTV cameras or video surveillance system in business establishments, public offices and facilities, public and private schools, parks, public markets, and major roads and intersections.

“The ever- changing methods of criminals in perpetrating crimes and avoiding capture requires and complex us to likewise change and adjust our efforts by making use of all resources and technological innovations available at our disposal,” he said.

He said that emergence of CCTV is seen as one of those technological developments that will deter crimes and solve unresolved and pending offenses.

“The puzzle on the death of Kian Loyd delos Santos, who was allegedly killed without basis during an anti-drug operations shows how CCTV cameras can help determine the truth and identify the perpetrators and bring them to the Courts of Law and face the consequences of their actions,” Benitez said.

H.B. 6381 mandates business establishments and public areas to turn on their CCTV/ surveillance cameras for recording for 24 hours every day.

The video recording shall be kept on safe keeping for 90 days from the date of recording and may be disposed of after the lapse of the period.

For business establishments, the installation of the CCTV cameras/video surveillance shall be a mandatory requirement prior to the issuance of business permits.