Through viva voce voting, the House of Representatives on Sunday approved on its second reading this week the bill mandating operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) and Global Positioning System (GPS) — preventing crimes and gathering information against criminals.
The House Bill 6112, entitled “Public Utility Vehicle Monitoring Act” stated that CCTV equipped with video cameras that can record and store digital information, connected to a set of monitors performing surveillance over a limited area, as well as, the GPS tracker to determine and record its particular location.
The bill ensured the safety of its citizen, specifically the public transport users from criminal activities.
Minimum of two units of CCTV shall be installed for every type of PUV, and the same process of installation on damaged or stolen CCTV or GPS tracker.
No PUV were allowed to operate on any roads without the required CCTV and GPS tracker installed and sealed by Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Also, no operator will be granted a Certificate of Public Convenience without complying with the requirements, and operators, which are already in operation prior to the effectivity of the bill, shall comply with the requirements upon renewal of registration or not later than six months from the implementation of the bill’s rules and regulations.
The LTFRB Central Office and its Regional Office shall establish GPS tracking server and archives of CCTV recordings of PUVs.
Furthermore, LTFRB and Land Transportation Office (LTO) shall establish GPS tracking server and archive to be managed by authorized LTO personnel.
Viewing and publication of the CCTV videos and other information, whether whole or part was prohibited.
On the first offense, violators will face P5,000 fine; P10,000 on the second offense; and P15,000 on the third offense.
Moreover, Suspension of driver’s license and franchise for 30 days on the fourth offense; 90 days on the fifth offense; 180 days on the sixth offense; cancellation on the seventh offense. | Angelica Bobiles – PTV
