THE Cebu City Council has approved Councilor Dave Tumulak’s amendment ordinance, which expanded the coverage of City Ordinance (CO) 2381 that requires business establishments, residential subdivisions and condominiums in the city to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
Under the newly approved amendment ordinance, restaurants, bars and fast food chains that operate for 24 hours; and recreational facilities and spas, among other business establishments with annual gross sales of not less than P5 million are mandated to put up CCTV cameras.
When CO 2381 was approved, it only covered banks, money changers, lending institutions, jewelry pawnshops, gas stations, internet shops, private schools, factories, privately owned wet and dry markets, hotels, motels, inns, travel agencies, coffee shops, junk shops, terminals and other retail establishments.
Shopping malls, private hospitals, churches and privately owned paid parking lots are also covered by the ordinance.
The amendment ordinance also requires owners and managers of business establishments and the presidents of developers to keep all surveillance tapes and footage for turnover to the police or other law enforcement authorities in case a crime happens in their area.
Under CO 2381, violators will be fined P2,000 on the first offense, P3,000 for the second offense and P5,000 for the third offense, including closure of the business establishment or revocation of the development permit of the residential subdivision or condominium.
The City Treasurer’s Office is mandated to implement the ordinance. (RVC)