By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
KALIBO, Aklan — Cong. Teodorico Haresco Jr. is pushing for the mandatory installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on all roads covering the routes of public utility vehicles in the country.
His House Bill (HB) 4335, to be called “CCTV Act of 2014,” looks to CCTV cameras as a tool that can monitor road accidents more efficiently.
“CCTVs have been found very useful, especially in monitoring road accidents and [as] reliable tools used by the law enforcement authorities in their investigations and apprehension of criminals,” Haresco said.
Through the use of CCTVs, he said, investigations on road accidents and forecasting of traffic situations have been effectively managed.
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 Philippines, the Department of Health said.
In 2013, road accident deaths increased by 14.3 percent in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2012.
By 2020, road traffic accidents are projected to be the third leading cause of death globally.
Under the proposed “CCTV Act of 2014,” the departments of Interior and Local Government, Transportation and Communications, and Public Works and Highways, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Philippine National Police, in coordination with local government units, shall be mandated to implement its rules and regulations.
HB 4335 is pending with the House committee on transportation./PN
