Surveillance Camera for Commercial Establishments Act of 2025

Affier sim TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session JUL 21 P1:45 SENATE RECEIVED o: S. No.. Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito AN ACT MANDATING THE USE OF SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS FOR THE SECURITY AND SAFETY OF COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS EXPLANATORY NOTE Article II Section 5 of the 1987 Constitution states that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property and the promotion of general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy. The rise in incidents of theft, robbery, fraud and other crimes in commercial areas highlights the urgent need for more effective security measures. Many crimes go unsolved due to lack of visual evidence, delayed reporting, or poor coordination between law enforcement and business operators. According to the Philippine National Police, "focus crimes" declined from 41,717 incidents in 2023 to 38,667 in 2024, marking a 7.3% decrease. Focus crimes include theft, robbery, rape, murder, homicide, physical injury, and carnapping of motorcycles and motor vehicles. Despite this improvement, criminal activity continues to pose threats to consumer safety and business stability in high-traffic zones. ' PNP reports decrease in crime rate despite viral incidents: https://www.abs- cbn.com/news/nation/2025/2/19/pnp-reports-decrease-in-crime-rates-despite-viral-incidents- 1132?utm_source=chatgpt.com

The use of surveillance systems has been proven to significantly deter criminal behavior, assist law enforcement in investigations, and help resolve disputes. It also supports real-time monitoring during emergencies and enhances consumers and employee safety. This measure seeks to address the rising crime incidence and to show the inadequacy of proper security systems in different establishments. The mandatory installation of surveillance cameras in commercial establishments can address any lack in security personnel and can also supplement existing security systems. Further, this measure will enhance peace and order in commercial zones and contribute to a more secure business environment. In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. JV EJERCITO

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session JUL 21 P1:45 SENATE RECEIVED S S. No. 745 Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito AN ACT MANDATING THE USE OF SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS FOR THE SECURITY AND SAFETY OF COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Surveillance Camera for

Commercial Establishments Act of 2025."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to maintain peace and

order, to protect life, liberty and property, and to promote the general welfare of the public. Towards this end, the surveillance and security of commercial establishments should be regulated to maintain safety and as a preventive and investigative too! against crime in commercial areas.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:

a. Surveillance Camera refers to electronic devices used for recoding images of a particular area, premises, or place, such as but not limited to closed circuit televisions (CCTVs); b. Video Feed refers to the live input of a surveillance camera; c. Video Record or Video Recording refers to the electronic record of the images captured by a surveillance camera; d. Commercial Establishment refers to any establishment used for commercial purposes and operating for, selling products to, or providing services to the public. The term refers to establishments including but

not limited to retail stores, banks, financial institutions, supermarkets, schools, kindergartens, hotels and restaurants e. Covered Establishments refers to any commercial establishment with work premises of not less than fifty (50) square meters.

Sec. 4. Duties of Covered Establishments. - It shall be the duty of all covered

establishments to: a. Install and maintain good working condition and high-quality resolution surveillance cameras Inside and outside their premises frequented by the public or where people usually transact business of their work area; b. Ensure that the surveillance cameras are able to monitor the perimeters of the establishment that it can delineate the activity and physical features of individuals and areas being recorded; c. Ensure that surveillance cameras are turned on and recording for twenty four hours (24) per day and for seven (7) days per week; d. Ensure that the video feeds are being monitored by security employees or personner specifically tasked to do so; e. Keep a deposit of video recordings for a period of not less than thirty (30) days from the date of recording; and f. Make video recordings available within a reasonable period upon request and to allow copies thereof to be made, at the expense of the requesting party on instances covered under Section 8 of this Act. The licensing office of every city or municipality shall require the installation of surveillance cameras or video surveillance system as a mandatory requirement before the Issuance of a business permit or permit to operate, and the renewal thereof.

Sec. 5. Notice of Surveillance. - The installation and use of surveillance cameras

shall comply with the provisions of the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Clear notices indicating the presence of surveillance systems must be visibly posted at all monitored areas.

Sec. 6. Prohibited Surveillance. - The installation of surveillance cameras in any

restroom, toilet, shower, bathroom, changing room, and other such areas where there is reasonable expectation of privacy shall be prohibited.

Sec. 7. Confidentiality and Non-disclosure of Recordings. - The owner and/or

2 manager of the commercial establishment shall maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the video feeds and records obtained as a result of establishment surveillance performed in accordance with this Act. As such, said owner and/or manager shall prohibit any use, viewing, disclosure, or publication of said video recordings.

Sec. 8. Allowed Use and Disclosure. - The use, copying, or disclosure of video

records obtained pursuant to establishment surveillance performed in accordance with this Act shall only be allowed in the following instances: a. Use, copying, or disclosure to a member or officer of a law enforcement agency in connection with and limited to the investigation or prosecution of an offense punishable by law or regulation; b. Use, copying, or disclosure to further and in connection with any pending criminal or civil proceeding; c. Use or disclosure that may be necessary to avoid an imminent threat to persons or property; or d. Use of disclosure that may be necessary for persons to determine whether or not an offense was committed against their person or property, to ascertain the identity of a criminal perpetrator, and to determining the manner by which an offense was consummated. It shall be the responsibility of the owner and/or manager, or their agents to ensure that the conditions for use, copying, or disclosure of video recordings are reasonably established before giving access to requesting parties. The extent of video recordings to be viewed, used, copied, or disclosed shall be limited to the images pertaining to the above-mentioned Instances.

Sec. 9. Exemptions. - Micro-enterprises or sari-sari stores with an annual gross

income below the threshold determined by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) may be exempted from the requirements of this Act, subject to rules and regulations.

Sec. 10. Penal Clause. - Any act or omission causing the violation of duties

ascribed to commercial establishment under this Act shall be punishable with imprisonment not exceeding six (6) months, or a fine not exceeding Ten Thousand

1 Pesos (Php 10,000.00), or both; without prejudice to other civil or criminal liabilities 2 that may arise therefrom. The owner and/or manager of the establishment shall likewise be answerable for violations of this Act: Provided, That it is shown that the violation was due to his/her direct participation, lack of supervision, or negligence.

Sec. 11. Implementing Agency. - The Department of Interior and Local

6 Government (DILG) and the respective local government units with jurisdiction over 7 the area wherein a covered establishment is located shall ensure implementation and 8 enforcement of this Act.

Sec. 12. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DILG, in coordination with

10 the appropriate government agencies and other stakeholders, shall within ninety (90) days the effectivity of this Act, promulgate the rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 13. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act shall be declared

unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 14. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, memorandum

orders, memorandum circulars, administrative orders, ordinances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 15. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of national circulation. Approved,