Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 31293

Introduced By: REPRESENTATIVE MAGNOLIA ROSA ANTON!

NADRES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The installation of Closed Circuit Televisions Surveillance Cameras (CCTVs) in
public places in the United Kingdom and many countries in Europe has generated raging
controversy for the reason that it is violative of the right to privacy of citizens, Law
enforcement authorities in these countries justified that CCTVs are valuable tools which
contribute to public safety and security and in protecting both people and property. These
facts therefore outweigh the issue on the invasion of privacy

The popularity of using CCTV surveillance cameras has increased tremendously
over the past few years. In the United States, the heated debates on the issue of privacy
had been toned down when the culprits in the recent terrorist attack at the Boston
Marathon had been identified as the action was caught on a surveillance camera that led
to immediate solution of the crime.

In our country when record of crime incidents is at its highest level, the
installation of CCTV surveillance cameras will certainly help not only to reduce the
crime rates but also to solve crimes.

It is therefore the paramount objective of this bill to require commercial
establishments to install, operate and maintain CCTVs within their premises in order to
deter individuals from committing crime. And if in case the crime has been
consummated, the possibility of apprehending the culprit is high with the aid of
surveillance cameras

The foregoing reasons warrant the approval of this measure.

ned

MAGNOLIA ROSA ANTONINO NADRES
Representative
Fourth District, Nueva Ecija


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
29

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced By: REPRESENTATIVE MAGNOLIA ROSA ANTONINO NADRES

AN ACT
REQUIRING CERTAIN COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS TO INSTALL.
AND MAINTAIN CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION CAMERAS (CCTVs)
WITHIN THEIR PREMISES AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives
of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “CCTV Act of 2013”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
maintain peace and order, protect life, liberty and property and promote the general
welfare of the people. Toward this end, it is necessary to require commercial
establishments to install and maintain Closed Circuit Televisions Cameras (CCTVs) in
strategic places in their respective premises in order to deter the possible commission of
crime for fear of apprehension or in case the crime has been committed, there is a bigger
chance that such device will be instrumental in the solution of the crime for the benefit of
the citizenry,

SEC. 3. Mandatory Installation and Maintenance of Closed Circuit Television
Cameras (CCTVs). = All commercial establishments employing five (5) or more workers
are hereby mandated to install, operate twenty four (24) hours a day and maintain Closed
Circuit Televisions Cameras (CCTVs) in strategic places within their premises, like
entrance and exit points, or within the perimeter of the workplace, etc.: Provided,
however, no CCTV shall be installed in a place that may violate the privacy of the
employee or worker.

All commercial establishments shall keep or store in a safe place such video
recordings for a period of not less than thirty (30) days from the date of recording

SEC. 4. Definition of Term. — As used in this Act, the term “commercial
establishments” shall include, but not limited to, convenience stores, hospitals, malls or
shopping centers, movie houses, amusement places, supermarkets, grocery stores,
warehouses or similar establishments.


SEC. 5. Pre-requisite to the Issuance of Business Permit. ~ No business permit
shall be issued by any local government unit or agency of the government unless Closed
Circuit Televisions Cameras (CCTVs) have been installed in such commercial
establishments

SEC. 6. Notice of Surveillance. — The owner or chief executive officer of the
commercial establishment shall ensure that clearly visible and readable signs are posted
to make the public aware that cameras are in use in the premises.

SEC. 7. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure of Recordings; Exceptions. - The
‘owner or chief executive officer of the commercial establishment shall not be allowed to
disclose the video feeds or recording to any person, media or to upload in the internet
except upon written request from government authorities and for legal objective or in aid
of law enforcement purposes as in the following instances:

a. In connection with an investigation or prosecution of an offense punishable
by law or regulation to ascertain the identity of the perpetrator of the crime,
and

b. In connection with any administrative, civil or criminal proceeding,

SEC. 8. Penalties. ~ Any person who violates any provision of this Act shall be
liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six (6) months or a fine not
exceeding fifty thousand pesos (PS0,000.00) or both at the discretion of the court.

If the offense is committed by a corporation, partnership or any other organization
or entity, the penalty provided herein shall be imposed on the president or chief operating
officer, whichever the case may be.

SEC. 9. Rules and Regulations. — The Department of Interior and Local
Government, in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), shall issue the necessary rules and
regulations to implement this Act

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations, which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or
modified accordingly.

SEC. 11. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any part or provision of this
Act is held invalid, the remaining provision not affected thereby, shall remain in full
force or effect.

SEC. 12. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in any newspaper of general circulation

Approved.