Concerned about the increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones for civilian applications, Bacoor, Cavite Rep. Strike Revilla has filed a bill that would ensure drones are operated safely, without harming public and national security.
“Although the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in its website provides a video on the rules and regulations on drones, these are not enough given the fact that drones have already proliferated in society. Nowadays, drones are being used for photography, to increase crop production, and to conduct surveillance for military and law enforcement agencies,” Revilla said.
Revilla’s House Bill No. 445 proposes that the government should regulate the ownership and operation of drones by private persons whether used for hobbyist or commercial purposes in order to ensure public safety. The measure does not include UAVs owned and operated by the government.
Revilla pointed out that several private individuals use drones for recreational and commercial purposes, which could violate rights and could be exploited by terrorists and other criminal elements or be hazardous to aircraft.
HB 445 requires drone owners to periodically register their drones with the CAAP’s Public Safety and Security Command Center. Only a registered commercial drone owner may apply for a permit to operate, which shall be issued periodically upon proof – that the owner qualifies for a radio operator’s certificate of proficiency; has at least five hours of experience operating drones outside of controlled airspace and has valid insurance over the drone – among other qualifications for registration and permit to operate.
“The use of cameras on drones to record images, including people without their consent, poses issues of privacy. The privacy and data protection obligations that arise can be further complicated if images are then posted on social media and evolve from private to public content,” Revilla stressed.
