P2M sought for cams at Legislative Building

CEBU, Philippines - A city councilor wants some P2 million to be appropriated in the next supplemental budget for the purchase of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to be installed in strategic areas in the Legislative Building to monitor crime activities.

Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias said that he will bring the matter before the City Council during their session today. He said the burglary of the office of Councilor Alvin Dizon over the weekend provided the impetus to strengthen the security system at City Hall.

Cabarrubias said he wants a budget similar to what was approved by the City Treasurer’s Office for the 46 CCTV cameras that were installed in the second and third floors of the executive building. The city spent P2.1 million for the 46 cameras.

Once approved, Cabarrubias said the 46 cameras will be installed at the lobby of the legislative building, the offices of the city councilors, as well as the other offices in the building.

Some councilors reportedly opposed the installation of cameras at their offices, but Cabarrubias said he will push for the same because aside from augmenting security, the presence of CCTV cameras would also promote transparency.

Vice Mayor Joy Augutus Young said the security agency commissioned by the city to field blue guards to ensure security at City Hall should pay for Dizon’s stolen laptop.

“They should pay for it. Mao lagi na, di man gud sila musuroy sa sulod. When I asked them before, ang tanang guards nagbantay diri, gawas ra ilang suruyon,” Young said.

The vice mayor also said that security is a matter that is supposed to be dealt with the executive department.

Last weekend, a burglar barged into Dizon’s office, messed up things at the receiving area and stole the councilor’s laptop.

The burglar, however, failed to enter the councilor’s private quarters where some valuables including the television sets and DVD players intended for distribution to the north district barangays were kept.

No other damage was reported.

Dizon already distributed the LG Television sets and DVD players to the 46 north district barangays yesterday. The TV sets will be put to the day care centers. — (FREEMAN)