The Quezon City government is tapping businessmen in its fight against criminality and in ensuring the city’s preparedness for disasters and emergencies.
Mayor Herbert Bautista said in a statement that he had ordered the city’s Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) to require business owners to install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in their establishments before they could renew their business permits.
According to him, the “no CCTV, no business permit” policy will be implemented in the city starting next year to address crimes like car thefts, kidnappings and robberies.
He urged “high-risk” establishments such as car dealerships, convenience stores, gasoline stations and banks to comply with the policy.
At the same time, Bautista said that CCTVs would also be used to monitor flooding in establishments located near riverbanks, creeks and other waterways.
“CCTVs will not only be used as security against lawlessness but also as a safety measure against disasters that might come, particularly [during the] rainy season,” he added.
The BPLO will begin inspecting establishments in August to determine if their owners have complied with the law. Should they fail to do so, their business permits would be cancelled.