There's no denying the numerous benefits that dashcams have brought us. Aside from recording crimes and helping resolve accidents, dashcams have also served as deterrents against irresponsible and reckless drivers.

So it comes as no surprise that a congressman now wants to make dashcams mandatory equipment in vehicles.

Congressman Frederick W. Siao of the lone district of Iligan City has reportedly filed House Bill 4475 which is titled as the Motor Vehicle Digital And Electronic Recording Systems For Road Safety And Security Act. If passed, it would make the installation of digital video recorders (AKA dashcams) mandatory in all vehicles.

According to the bill, dashcams won't be required on just private vehicles as light commuter vehicles, public utility vehicles (PUVs), buses, and other large vehicles (i.e. trucks, container vans) will also be required to have a dashcam installed.

There are also requirements for the way the dashcam will be installed and used as well. According to the bill, there must be one forward facing onboard camera that has a video resolution of at least 1080p and night capable. A second rear-facing camera with the same features is also required. On top of that, the dashcam must have a visual display, battery backup and motor vehicle power adaptor, a data storage device, and built-in GPS.

In order to protect the privacy of others, the bill also prohibits posting on any social media platform, recording for personal purpose, or sharing the video to others without a proper reason. Specifically, the bill also takes into consideration the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act 10173), Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, Revised Penal Code, and the Anti-Distracted Driving Act.

Should it be passed into law, the provision is given a three-year compliance period. According to Siao, the longer period is needed because it is would be impossible for all vehicles to comply in one year considering the millions of vehicles nationwide.