THE Senate has approved on third and final reading a bill requiring law enforcement officers to wear body-worn cameras during official operations, a measure aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability in policing. Sen. Bong Go expressed support for Senate Bill 1908, also known as the proposed Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera Act, which he co-sponsored. The measure was approved by the Senate on Monday, March 16. The bill seeks to mandate the use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement personnel during arrests, searches, and other official operations to ensure that interactions with civilians are properly documented through audio and video recordings. Supporters of the measure said the requirement would help provide an objective record of law enforcement activities, potentially protecting both civilians and officers while improving accountability. Go emphasized the importance of clear documentation during police operations. He said the use of body-worn cameras would help ensure that law enforcement procedures are transparent and that there is a reliable record of events in case incidents are later questioned or investigated. The measure sets rules on the storage, retention, and handling of recorded footage to ensure that the recordings are preserved and may be used as evidence in investigations or court proceedings when necessary. The bill provides penalties for violations, including the improper use of body-worn cameras or failure to activate them during operations. Go said the measure could help reinforce public confidence in law enforcement institutions while protecting officers who properly carry out their duties. “If the operation was carried out properly, it will be evident in the recordings. If there is something that needs to be investigated, there will be clear evidence to study,” the senator said in Filipino. The measure will next be transmitted to the House of Representatives for consideration before it can be sent to the president for approval.