CCTV cameras to monitor public utility vehicles

Photo by Robert Viñas / PCOO

MANILA — A lawmaker has filed a bill requiring government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to install close circuit television to monitor all public utility vehicles in roads nationwide.

Rep. Mark Llandro Mendoza (4th District, Batangas), author of House Bill 4618, said a CCTV camera is not only significantly used in crime investigation and prevention but is likewise advantageous in road surveillance.

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

Mendoza said with the rapid advancement of technology globally, CCTV system has become economically viable and has now rapidly gaining popularity in the country.

According to Mendoza, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food, more businesses and private establishments, public buildings, places, roads and homes have CCTV cameras installed merely for surveillance purposes.

The need for 24/7 monitoring system has become necessary due to increasing criminal incidents happening everywhere, he added.

Mendoza said major highways and roads in various Metro Manila cities and other key local government units nationwide have installed CCTV system, however there are still thoroughfares plied by PUVs that need 24/7 monitoring.

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

The measure requires the video recordings obtained to be available for use and may be disclosed by any member or officer of a law enforcement agency in connection with and limited to investigation or prosecution of an offense punishable by law or regulation.

Under the bill, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the respective LGUs covering the routes of the PUVs, PUBs and PUJs to ensure the implementation and enforcement of this Act.