Solon files resolution to probe misuse of drones

A drone is seen in the Nabatieh area of Lebanon on Oct. 25, 2018. (File photo by JAMAL SAIDI / REUTERS)

MANILA, Philippines — San Jose del Monte Rep. Florida Robes filed a resolution seeking a probe into the misuse of drones to invade privacy.

Under House Resolution 2473 filed on Jan. 26, Robes said the inquiry would help lawmakers come up with a bill to regulate the use of drones and other unmanned aircraft.

Robes said that she filed the resolution after reports that some robberies — like a recent one in Bustos, Bulacan — were done with the help of drones.

Apart from this, a drone was flown over her ancestral house in Bustos on Jan. 21. The drone almost entered the kitchen, she said.

“Considering such violations are being carried out by unscrupulous individuals, which may also be used for political partisanship, especially in the election season, there is a need to conduct an investigation in aid of legislation in order to determine the prevalence of drone operations in the country, how their operations are monitored and supervised and revisit existing regulations to guard against undue violations to rights to privacy, safety, and security,” the resolution read.

The resolution also cited the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), which said that regulations, registration, or permit would not be needed to fly a drone for recreational purposes.

CAAP states, however, that drones are not allowed to go into private places and populated zones, which include subdivisions and residential areas.

RELATED STORY

Drones to give PNP sharper eye in the sky

ATM