Valenzuela to require spy cameras for businesses

MANILA, Philippines - The Valenzuela City council recently approved a resolution requiring all business establishments in the city to install closed-circuit television cameras within their premises.

Authored by local Liga ng mga Barangay (LNB) president Alvin Feliciano, the ordinance “seeks to prevent or at least lessen criminal activities” affecting business establishments in the city.

LNB staff Christy Pael said the ordinance will take effect in October or after it is published in national newspapers.

Under the ordinance, business establishments with an initial capital of P5 million – such as banks, gas stations, and department stores – are compelled to install CCTV cameras within their property.

Owners who refuse to install CCTV cameras could have their businesses shut down, Feliciano said.

The ordinance gained the backing of Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian and Rep. Rex Gathalian, whom Feliciano said both urged the business sector to support the ordinance “for a cost-effective prevention of crime and lawlessness in the city.” – Pete Laude