QUEZON City 5th District Rep. Patrick Michael “PM” Vargas has filed House Bill No. 11575, seeking to strengthen security in schools and other educational institutions through the mandatory installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in strategic areas and the implementation of comprehensive campus security plans.

The proposed measure aims to provide safer learning environments for students, teachers, non-teaching personnel, and school visitors.

In the bill’s explanatory note, Vargas cited findings from the 2024 Philippine Global School-based Student Health Survey, which showed that 35.3 percent of students aged 13 to 17 had been involved in a physical fight within the previous 12 months, while 30.2 percent reported experiencing bullying on school property.

The lawmaker also pointed to recent incidents of violence in schools, underscoring the need for stronger preventive security measures, improved incident reporting, and faster emergency response.

Under the proposed legislation, educational institutions would be required to formulate and implement campus security plans identifying potential risks and outlining measures for access control, visitor management, incident reporting, emergency response, and coordination with relevant government agencies.

The bill also mandates the installation of CCTV systems in strategic areas to help detect security threats, monitor suspicious activities, preserve evidence, assist investigations, and facilitate timely responses from school authorities and law enforcement agencies.

However, CCTV cameras would be prohibited in toilets, washrooms, changing rooms, clinics, counseling rooms, sleeping quarters, and other areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

The proposed measure also requires schools to comply with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, or Republic Act No. 10173, and relevant issuances of the National Privacy Commission.

These requirements cover the collection, use, storage, access, disclosure, retention, and deletion of CCTV footage to ensure that individuals’ privacy rights are protected.

Vargas said the measure seeks to strengthen campus security and ensure that educational institutions provide a safe and secure environment conducive to learning.