Dash Cam Law Proposal
In a related development, a number of private motorists have been using
dash cams in their vehicles but the greater majority of automobiles plying
the roads of Metro Manila still do not, including public utility vehicles.
This may change soon with a new bill recently filed in the Senate.
A bill that makes dash cams mandatory in government vehicles has been filed
in the Senate. Dubbed as the "Dash Cam Law", it seeks to mandate the
installation of dash cams in all public utility vehicles including
app-based transportation services, government-owned units, school and
offices service units and vehicles that offer transport services to the
public.
Sen. JV Ejercito
"My bill about dash cams, I'm requiring Public Utility Vehicles, siguro
buses muna. We'll start with the buses then if it's successful then we'll
probably implement it and include other types of vehicles."
The bill states that the dash cam must not occupy more than a 5-square inch
area on the left side of the driver's side of the windshield or not more
than a 7-square inch area on the right side of the passenger's side of the
windshield.
It also states that the dash cam must be attached via a suction cup or
strapped onto the stock rearview mirror and must turn on automatically once
the vehicle is started and begin recording video on a removable storage.
The bill also highlights that the use of dash cams must be done in
compliance with the current Data Privacy Act of 2012. Penalty for
non-compliance is a fine not exceeding Php 50,000 and/or suspension of
franchise.
The Department of Transportation and Department of Interior and Local
Government shall be responsible for implementing this, should it be passed
into law.
Sen. JV Ejercito
"I think it will (help) for safety, for traffic infractions kasi, at least
you have a proof kune mayroon mang aksidente. It's easier for the
investigating team for probes 'pag mayroon tayong dash cam. At the same
time, it's a deterrent for crime prevention na hopefully, malaman ng mga
hold-uppers ngayon or other criminals that their identity will be known
because there will be CCTVs na rin for public buses."
Majority of the commuting public take PUVs in a daily basis. Should it be
passed into law, surely this will help with the safety of the motorists as
well as with the monitoring of the traffic condition.