Manila shops must hook up with this ‘Erap’

MANILA, Philippines—Manila-based businessmen will soon be required to hook up with “ERAP” if they want to get a permit under a proposed ordinance.

In the draft ordinance coauthored by Councilor Joel Chua, ERAP refers to the Emergency Response Assistance Program—Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada’s campaign to reduce criminality and speed up the city government’s emergency response.

Under the measure, business establishments must connect their security cameras to the ERAP monitoring center, a communication hub based at City Hall, as a requirement for a business permit.

“For example, in an area where we need to install 50 security cameras but there are 25 business establishments with their own cameras, we could utilize [these] and [reduce] the city’s expenses,” Chua said.

The measure covers businesses with a minimum capital of P500,000.

Under an ordinance passed in 2008, businesses of this size are required to install security cameras on their premises.

“Threats from lawless and criminal elements and the dangers posed by natural and man-made calamities will always be the challenges that confront local government officials,” Chua said.

By adopting technology, the city government would be able to make a rapid response to safeguard the welfare of Manila residents, he added.