Senator Bong Go expressed support for measures that promote transparency in law enforcement operations following the Senate’s approval on third and final reading of Senate Bill No. 1908, or the proposed Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera Act.
Go co-sponsored the bill, which seeks to mandate the use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement personnel during official operations.
The measure aims to ensure that police actions during arrests, searches, and other enforcement activities are properly documented through audio and video recordings.
Supporters of the bill say the requirement could help strengthen accountability while also protecting both civilians and officers by providing an objective record of events during operations.
The veteran legislator emphasized the importance of maintaining clear documentation in law enforcement activities to avoid disputes and establish transparency in the conduct of operations.
“Kapag may body-worn camera, may maayos na record kung ano talaga ang nangyari.”
“Mahalaga na malinaw ang bawat hakbang sa operasyon ng ating mga alagad ng batas. Kapag may body-worn camera, may maayos na record kung ano talaga ang nangyari. Nakakatulong ito para maprotektahan ang publiko at pati na rin ang mga pulis na maayos na ginagawa ang kanilang tungkulin,” the seasoned lawmaker said.
Senate Bill No. 1908 requires law enforcement personnel to wear and activate body-worn cameras while carrying out official duties. The devices are intended to record the entire operation to create a clear and verifiable account of interactions between officers and civilians.
The proposed legislation also contains provisions governing the storage, retention, and handling of recorded footage to ensure that recordings are preserved and can be used as evidence in investigations or court proceedings when necessary.
The senator explained that having recorded documentation can help clarify incidents that may later be questioned or investigated.
“Kung may malinaw na video at audio record, mas madaling masuri kung tama ba ang naging proseso sa operasyon.”
“Kung may malinaw na video at audio record, mas madaling masuri kung tama ba ang naging proseso sa operasyon. Makakatulong ito para maiwasan ang hindi pagkakaunawaan at para malinaw ang pananagutan kung may pagkakamali,” he said.
The bill also outlines penalties for violations related to the improper use or failure to activate body-worn cameras during law enforcement operations.
Go added that the use of such devices may help reinforce public confidence in law enforcement institutions while ensuring that operations are properly documented.
“Kung maayos ang ginawa sa operasyon, makikita iyon sa recordings. Kung may kailangang imbestigahan, may malinaw na ebidensyang mapag-aaralan,” he concluded.
