DAVAO CITY — The city government here is urging some establishments to prepare for closed-circuit television (CCTV) system installations as it will be required for business registration starting next year.

The amended CCTV ordinance passed on the third and final reading by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in November has enumerated the types of establishments required to install CCTV for public safety.

Councilor Luna Maria Dominique Acosta said they have expanded the scope of the ordinance and updated the technical specifications.

She said it covered three areas: the public area which will be covered by the City Government of Davao and other agencies; second, the private establishments with a capital of more than P3 million; and private establishments with less than P3 million capital but falling under enumerations.

"For these establishments regardless of whether or not they have reached the P3 million capital, you need to install CCTV but not the same specifications and cost with those with more than P3 million capitalization," Acosta said.

She added that the establishments included in the third category are financial establishments, banks, pawnshops, business establishments that are part of a national chain or those with several branches, food chains, drug stores, appliance stores, computer stores, shopping malls, educational institutions, dormitories, motels, factories, condominiums, apartments, hospitals, laboratories, clinics, theaters, and movie houses, airports, car dealerships, guns and ammunition shops, firing ranges, and other areas.

"So where should they install the CCTV — under the ordinance, when the room expects privacy like breastfeeding rooms, rooms inside hotels, motels, and condominiums, they do not need to install it there, what is needed is that they have installed it on the entrance and exit points, as well as the main area of business such as the lobby of the hotel, if they want they can place it in the corridor but we do not violate the privacy of individuals, and we require all establishments that have CCTVs to install CCTV signage, notice is required," Acosta said.

She also added that establishments with P3 million and above capitalization must have at least four CCTVs or one camera for each entry and exit point.

"Those with below P3 million are required to have at least two CCTV cameras, one for the entrance and exit and one for their main business area. Again if they have other entrance and exit points, all entrance and exit points should have their own CCTV camera," Acosta said.

Based on the ordinance, those who fail to operate and maintain a working CCTV camera shall be fined P5,000, suspension of business permit, and/or revocation of the business permit if the business owner still refuses to follow the requirement.