All city establishments now required to install CCTV

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has approved the amendment of City Ordinance 2381 requiring churches, restaurants, bars, fast food chains, recreational facilities, spas, and other business establishments in the city to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

The amendment pushed by Councilor David Tumulak who sits as the chairman of the council committee on public order and safety was passed unanimously.

Before, the existing ordinance only compels business establishments and condominiums to install CCTV cameras for security purposes.

But with the approval of the amendment, it now covers other establishments and offices with an annual gross sales of not less than P5 million.

Those covered by the ordinance are mandated to save CCTV footage and are required to surrender CCTV files to the police authorities when a crime takes place in their area.

Before the council decided to pass the amendments, the committee on laws issued a report detailing that it has no objection about the matter since it is within the bounds of law.

The installation of CCTV cameras is a deterrent of crime and the CCTV footage will also help hasten the investigation if crime happens.

The business permit and licensing office of City Treasurer’s Office is tasked to inspect business establishments covered by ordinance.

An especially-designed sticker shall be posted by the inspection team as an indication that they complied with the ordinance.

In the penalty provisions, a fine amounting to P2,000 will be imposed for first offense, P3,000 for second offense and P5,000 for third offense. — MBG (FREEMAN)