MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a memorandum urging local officials to enact ordinances that would expand the CCTV system as a requirement for securing business permits.
In its Memorandum Circular 2022-060, the DILG encouraged local councils to pass ordinances that would prescribe the installation of CCTVs before an establishment can be issued a permit.
The requirement will be imposed on establishments that cater to a large number of customers or those which are conducting transactions that carry risks of being targeted for criminal activity or could be prone to accidents.
Among the establishments cited in the memorandum circular are medical facilities and hospitals, places of entertainment (including theaters and internet cafes) and public transportation terminals and parking lots.
The DILG said the local government could also identify other business establishments to be covered as necessary.
Establishments that were previously required to install surveillance systems included financial establishments such as banks, pawnshops, money changers and remittance services as well as establishments that are part of national chains such as restaurants, convenience stores, grocery and drug stores.
Also required were shopping malls, markets and shopping centers, as well as car dealerships, gasoline stations and vehicle maintenance stations.
The memorandum recently signed by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año also prescribed the minimum specifications for the CCTV systems. It recommended that the ordinance to be enacted should have provisions for privacy as well as sanctions for non-compliance.