r i 1 , ’
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
vff.'ffirr j[
)
SENATE 
S. No. 745
25 JUL21 PI ;45.
RliLLiVt-Q D.'.
Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito
AN ACT
MANDATING THE USE OF SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS FOR THE SECURITY 
AND SAFETY OF COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II Section 5 of the 1987 Constitution states that the maintenance of 
peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property and the promotion of 
general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of 
democracy.
The rise in incidents of theft, robbery, fraud and other crimes in commercial 
areas highlights the urgent need for more effective security measures. Many crimes 
go unsolved due to lack of visual evidence, delayed reporting, or poor coordination 
between law enforcement and business operators.
According to the Philippine National Police, "focus crimes" declined from 41,717 
incidents in 2023 to 38,667 in 2024, marking a 7.3% decrease. Focus crimes include 
theft, robbery, rape, murder, homicide, physical injury, and carnapping of motorcycles 
and motor vehicles.1 Despite this improvement, criminal activity continues to pose 
threats to consumer safety and business stability in high-traffic zones.
1 PNP reports decrease in crime rate despite viral incidents: httDs://www.ahs-
cbn.com/news/nation/2025/2/l9/pnp-reports-decrease-in-crime-rates-desDite-viral-incidents-
1132?utm source=chatgpt.com


The use of surveillance systems has been proven to significantly deter criminal 
behavior, assist law enforcement in investigations, and help resolve disputes. It also
supports real-time monitoring during emergencies and enhances consumers and 
employee safety.
This measure seeks to address the rising crime incidence and to show the 
inadequacy of proper security systems in different establishments. The mandatory 
installation of surveillance cameras in commercial establishments can address any lack 
in security personnel and can also supplement existing security systems. Further, this 
measure will enhance peace and order in commercial zones and contribute to a more 
secure business environment.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
JV E3ERCITO


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TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 745
ill,.
! :ffiCr of li i* I fi I
25 JUL21 P1.-45
Ri:cciv;.u av
Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito
AN ACT
MANDATING THE USE OF SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS FOR THE SECURITY 
AND SAFETY OF COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS
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 "Surveillance Camera for 
Commercial Establishments Act of2025."
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. -It is the policy of the State to maintain peace and 
order, to protect life, liberty and property, and to promote the general welfare of the 
public. Towards this end, the surveillance and security of commercial establishments 
should be regulated to maintain safety and as a preventive and investigative tool 
against crime in commercial areas.
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:
a. Surveillance Camera refers to electronic devices used for recoding 
images of a particular area, premises, or place, such as but not limited 
to closed circuit televisions (CCTVs);
b. Video Feed refers to the live input of a surveillance camera;
c. 
Video Record or Video Recording refers to the electronic record of the 
images captured by a surveillance camera;
d. Commercial Establishment refers to any establishment used for 
commercial purposes and operating for, selling products to, or providing 
services to the public. The term refers to establishments including but


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not limited to retail stores, banks, financial institutions, supermarkets, 
schools, kindergartens, hotels and restaurants
e. Covered Establishments refers to any commercial establishment with 
work premises of not less than fifty (50) square meters.
Sec. 4. Duties of Covered Establishments. - It shall be the duty of all covered 
establishments to:
a. Install and maintain good working condition and high-quality resolution 
surveillance cameras Inside and outside their premises frequented by 
the public or where people usually transact business of their work area;
b. Ensure that the surveillance cameras are able to monitor the perimeters 
of the establishment that it can delineate the activity and physical 
features of individuals and areas being recorded;
c. Ensure that surveillance cameras are turned on and recording for twenty 
four hours (24) per day and for seven (7) days per week;
d. Ensure that the video feeds are being monitored by security employees 
or personnel specifically tasked to do so;
e. Keep a deposit of video recordings for a period of not less than thirty 
(30) days from the date of recording; and
f. Make video recordings available within a reasonable period upon 
request and to allow copies thereof to be made, at the expense of the 
requesting party on instances covered under Section 8 of this Act.
The licensing office of every city or municipality shall require the installation of 
surveillance cameras or video surveillance system as a mandatory requirement before 
the Issuance of a business permit or permit to operate, and the renewal thereof.
Sec. 5. Notice of Surveillance. — The installation and use of surveillance cameras 
shall comply with the provisions of the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Clear notices 
indicating the presence of surveillance systems must be visibly posted at all monitored 
areas.
Sec. 6. Prohibited Surveillance. — The installation of surveillance cameras in any 
restroom, toilet, shower, bathroom, changing room, and other such areas where there 
is reasonable expectation of privacy shall be prohibited.


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Sec. 7. Confidentiality and Non-disclosure of Recordings. -The owner and/or 
manager of the commercial establishment shall maintain the privacy and 
confidentiality of the video feeds and records obtained as a result of establishment 
surveillance performed in accordance with this Act. As such, said owner and/or 
manager shall prohibit any use, viewing, disclosure, or publication of said video 
recordings.
Sec. 8. Allowed Use and Disclosure. - The use, copying, or disclosure of video 
records obtained pursuant to establishment surveillance performed in accordance with 
this Act shall only be allowed in the following instances:
a. Use, copying, or disclosure to a member or officer of a law enforcement 
agency in connection with and limited to the investigation or prosecution of 
an offense punishable by law or regulation;
b. Use, copying, or disclosure to further and in connection with any pending 
criminal or civil proceeding;
c. Use or disclosure that may be necessary to avoid an imminent threat to 
persons or property; or
d. Use of disclosure that may be necessary for persons to determine whether or 
not an offense was committed against their person or property, to ascertain 
the identity of a criminal perpetrator, and to determining the manner by which 
an offense was consummated.
It shall be the responsibility of the owner and/or manager, or their agents to 
ensure that the conditions for use, copying, or disclosure of video recordings are 
reasonably established before giving access to requesting parties. The extent of video 
recordings to be viewed, used, copied, or disclosed shall be limited to the images 
pertaining to the above-mentioned Instances.
Sec. 9. Exemptions. - Micro-enterprises or sari-sari stores with an annual gross 
income below the threshold determined by the Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI) may be exempted from the requirements of this Act, subject to rules and 
regulations.
Sec. 10. Penai Clause. - Any act or omission causing the violation of duties 
ascribed to commercial establishment under this Act shall be punishable with 
imprisonment not exceeding six (6) months, or a fine not exceeding Ten Thousand


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Pesos (Php 10,000.00), or both; without prejudice to other civil or criminal liabilities 
that may arise therefrom. The owner and/or manager of the establishment shall 
likewise be answerable for violations of this Act: Provided, That it is shown that the 
violation was due to his/her direct participation, lack of supervision, or negligence.
Sec. 11. Implementing Agency. - The Department of Interior and Local 
Government (DILG) and the respective local government units with jurisdiction over 
the area wherein a covered establishment is located shall ensure implementation and 
enforcement of this Act.
Sec. 12. Implementing Rules end Reguidtions. - The DILG, in coordination with 
the appropriate government agencies and other stakeholders, shall within ninety (90) 
days the effectivity of this Act, promulgate the rules and regulations to effectively 
implement the provisions of this Act.
Sec. 13. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act shall be declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby 
shall remain in full force and effect.
Sec. 14. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, memorandum 
orders, memorandum circulars, administrative orders, ordinances or parts thereof 
which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or 
modified accordingly.
Sec. 15. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of national circulation.
Approved,