Aklan solon pushes for mandatory installation of CCTVs in roads

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Aklan lawmaker Teodorico Haresco, Jr. has filed a bill calling for the mandatory installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in all roads covering the routes of public utility vehicles.

Haresco filed House Bill No. 4335 or the “CCTV Act of 2014” for the efficient road incident monitoring following a spate of fatal accidents. 

“CCTVs have been found very useful especially in monitoring road accidents and reliable tools used by the law enforcement authorities in their investigations and apprehension of criminals,” the solon stated in his explanatory note.

“The investigations of road accidents and improved forecasting of traffic situations have been effectively managed  and monitored through the use of CCTVs.” 

Haresco said video/ tape recordings may be  used also as evidence in road accidents or cases involving traffic violations. 

Road accident is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the country, the Department of Health (DoH) said. Last year, deaths increased by 14.3 percent during the first quarter compared to the same period last year. 

By 2020, road traffic accidents are projected to be 3^rd globally. 

Under the proposed “CCTV Act of 2014”, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippine National Police in coordination with local government units shall be mandated to implement the rules and regulations of this Act.

HB 4335 on mandatory installation of surveillance cameras is pending with the House Committee on Transportation.