REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
House of Representatives
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

6457

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Congressman Alfredo D. Vargas III

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The series of crime incidents taking place in shopping malls the past years has
brought about prime attention on mall safety. In all these cases, shoppers and security
guards have been the primary victims.

Ensuring the safety of the public inside shopping malls while they enjoy their
rest and recreation is of utmost importance. Thus, a codified system of security
inspection in these areas must be firmly put in place.

This bill requires the administrators of shopping malls and other public places to
implement mandatory security inspection and use of other safety measures. It also
provides the guidelines for conduct of security inspection and its monitoring.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

DOD. VARGAS IIT


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bill No.__ 6457

Introduced by Congressman Alfredo D. Vargas III

AN ACT
REQUIRING MANDATORY SECURITY INSPECTION AND USE OF OTHER SAFETY
MEASURES IN SHOPPING MALLS AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES THROUGHOUT THE
COUNTRY

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 “Inspection and Security
Measures Act.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. -It shall be the policy of the State to promote
increased awareness in the importance of maintaining peace and security in public places
throughout the country.

Section 3. Definition of Terms. - For the purposes of this Act, the term:

(A) “Public safety awareness campaign” means campaigns, which are conducted
by public safety officers, for the purpose of disseminating information on the
importance of maintaining peace and security in public places; it shall also
refer to campaigns aimed at providing the public with useful information on
how to participate in peace and order programs of the concerned
government agencies;

(B) "Shopping malls” means shopping centers as well as small retail store
complexes which are open to the public;

(©) “Other public places” means places open to the public for purposes such as,
but not limited to, recreation and transportation; and shall refer to, but not
limited to public transportation terminals, museums, parks, recreational
centers, etc.


(D)"Mandatory security inspection” means mandatory security measures which
shall be necessary to provide security for people in public places;

(E) “Other security measures” shall refer to other security measures which shall
be necessary to provide security for people in public places;

(F) “Public safety officers” means police officers and other authorized persons to
conduct security inspections and effect of other security measures;

(G) “Security inspection equipment” means equipment and gadgets necessary for
inspection such as, but not limited to portable metal detectors, walk-through
detectors, flashlight, and other security devices.

Section 4. Mandatory Security Inspection. - Mandatory security inspections shall
be conducted in all shopping centers and other public places to ensure the safety of the
public. Persons entering shopping malls and other public places shall be required to
undergo security inspection to be conducted by the authorized security personnel. Luggage
and other personal belongings shall also be subject to security checks if necessary. The
authorized security personnel shall use the necessary security inspection equipment or
gadgets.

Section 5. Guidelines for Conduct of Security Inspection. - Security inspection
should be to a reasonable extent only. With respect to individual inspection, only the outer
garment of the individual shall be searched unless detectors indicate possible presence of
harmful objects in the possession of the individual. Personal luggage and other belongings
shall also be subject to security inspection but are limited to the extent allowed under the
implementing rules and regulations of this Act.

Section 6. Monitoring the Conduct of Security Measures. - The conduct of security
inspections shall be periodically monitored by the superiors of the authorized security
personnel to ensure the effectiveness of the inspections are conducted according to the
implementing rules and regulations.

Section 7. Implementing Agency. - The Philippine National Police (PNP) and
Department of National Defense (DND), in coordination with the respective local
government units, shall be responsible for the implementation of this Act.

Section 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The PNP and DND, in
coordination with the respective local government units, shall draft implementing rules
and regulations (IRR) for this Act within sixty (60) days after its effectivity. The IRR shall
provide most importantly the guidelines on how to properly conduct security inspections
so as not to violate the right to privacy of every individual. The IRR shall also provide
penalties for owners of establishments who refuse to cooperate with the authorized


security personnel in the conduct of the mandatory security inspection and other security
measures.

Section 9. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof, is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall
remain valid and subsisting.

Section 10. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to, or
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is here by repealed, modified or amended
accordingly.

Section 11. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,