Senate approves bill requiring body cameras for PH law enforcers

The Senate has approved on third and final reading a measure mandating law enforcement officers to wear body-worn cameras during official operations.

Deputy Majority Leader Sen. JV Ejercito said Senate Bill No. 1908, or the Law Enforcement Body-worn Camera Act, aims to boost transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies while safeguarding both civilians and uniformed personnel.

“Sa paggamit ng body-worn cameras, maaalis ang pagdududa laban sa ating kapulisan kasabay ang pangangalaga sa karapatang pantao ng ating mga mamamayan,” he said.

Ejercito, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, explained that the cameras would act as “impartial witnesses” in recording police operations.

The proposed law would make the use of body-worn cameras compulsory for operations conducted by the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

It also establishes minimum technical requirements for the devices to ensure reliable documentation, including at least 1080p Full HD video resolution, built-in audio recording, date and time stamps, and GPS functionality.

The bill provides penalties for violations such as failing to activate the cameras during operations, unauthorized access to recordings, negligent disclosure, tampering, destruction, or any improper handling of the footage.

Ejercito said the measure is expected to reinforce public confidence in law enforcement institutions while also protecting officers who faithfully carry out their duties.