Rama wants CCTV cameras in establishments

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama is strongly supporting the passage of a proposed ordinance requiring owners of big establishments to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras within their premises.

But the approval of the proposed legislative measure that was presented in the third and final deliberation during last Wednesday’s session of the City Council was deferred after some of the city legislators raised clarificatory questions and later requested the proponent, Councilor Sisinio Andales, to fix the lacking provisions.

Councilor Augustus Pe Jr., who chairs the Committee on Peace and Order, questioned Andales on the number of cameras that will be required for each establishment and which part of the building it will be installed.

Andales explained that only those establishments with a gross capital of P5 million or more will be required by the ordinance to install CCTV cameras within its premises.

Councilor Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba said that while CCTV cameras are a great help to the police, particularly on crimes that take place within the establishment, there are also instances when these are a disadvantage to business.

“Sa akong restaurant gipatangtang nako ang gipataud nako nga CCTV camera kay nabantayan nako nga miminos ang customer kay ang uban dili gusto, (In my restaurant, I had to remove the CCTC cameras because I noticed some customers do not like it.)” said Alcoseba, who owns a restaurant along Orchid Street in Capitol Site.

Andales explained that CCTV cameras shall not be installed inside the rooms of motels or hotels, but only outside the establishments.

Rama said he strongly supports the passage of the said ordinance because installing CCTV cameras in certain establishments, particularly financial institutions, may deter criminals.

“Gamay ra man ta og mga polis mao nga kon dunay CCTV camera makatabang kaayo ni nga mailhan pagdali ang mga kriminal kon adunay krimen, (We only have a few policemen and CCTV cameras help in identifying perpetrators in some crimes.)” the mayor said.

According to Rama, it is up to the city legislators to make the installation of CCTV cameras in big establishments a requirement in securing and renewing business permits.

Andales proposed that once approved, those who will violate the ordinance, shall be fined up to P5,000 for every violation.

Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young said a CCTV camera only costs P25,000 with four cameras that can record video footage within one month. (FREEMAN)