Wednesday, March 14, 2007
ANTI-PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY
During most of last year, there were many similar scenes of construction or restoration works around Manila on account of the mayor's revitalization program. I am one to appreciate these beautification projects, and I'm certain many fellow Manilans do so as well.
Had a chance to talk to a couple of these construction crew members one afternoon. They proudly confided that although they sometimes get burnt by the sun, they still prefer doing this kind of work rather than as security guards at the malls. Furthermore, they claim that their accumulated skills might even lead them to higher paying jobs as master carpenters or general construction team members abroad. On the other hand, security guards merely stand on their feet the whole day while putting their lives on the line for meager salaries.
I'm truly happy for these young men, for they are creating a brighter future for themselves and their families. And as they hone their skills, there will be less grumpy security guards out there to accost avid photographers; stopping them from taking pictures.
Believe it or not, Metro Manila has indeed become unfriendly to anyone with a camera, especially those professional-looking digital SLRs. I was told that no one can take a picture of the sunset at Manila Bay nowadays without a permit. Same deal in Intramuros; you must have a permit. Makati City is even more notorious. A guard stopped me once for taking a picture of a very old balete tree near Ayala Avenue. Yet, the buildings along Ayala Avenue make a perfect subject for nighttime photography.
But what irks fellow photographers the most is that foreign tourists are allowed to take whatever pictures they desire in and around the city; whereas the locals are required to apply for permits to do the very same thing. This is supposedly more apparent over at SM's Mall of Asia.
Not sure where such prohibition is all leading to. I know Saudi Arabia has recently lifted its ban on taking pictures of its public places. Obviously, the government has finally realized that its "no picture policy" only adversely affected its tourism prospects.
What's it like where you are? Are you able to freely take pictures of city and park sceneries?
Labels: unfriendly to photographers
posted by Señor Enrique at 6:43 AM
48 Comments:
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Señor Enrique said... COMMENT BOX WAS SOMEHOW TURNED OFF EARLIER:
email from Rhodora:
Eric! Was going thru emails and browsing a bit on blogs before buckling down to work, I came across your latest blog entry, and I nearly fell off my chair upon reading about that anti-photography policy ek-ek. I couldn't post comment in your site, for reasons I don't know.
WTF! Ay, naku, pasensiya, makakapagmura talaga ako. Pero galit na galit talaga ako! And since when did anyone claim exclusive rights on the sunset, the balete tree, etc? Grabe, I can't believe you have to ask for permission to take photos of Manila Bay sunset..? I wonder if there is a Manila ordinance governing such. And even then, it would be arbitrary and contravenes civil liberties.
Ewan ko, ha.. teka.. ma-review nga ang constitution... but what I know is - unless an exercise of a right/liberty poses hazard or danger to life and public safety, its prohibition is against the law.-
Señor Enrique said...
from KARS (lifted from his comment on previous entry):
As for that 'No Picture Policy'
When we went to La Mesa Eco Park, I was told that taking pictures of the dam and the structure at the middle are not allowed.
Also when my fellow bloggers rode an LRT we were also advised not to take pictures.
The reason is for security. Because pictures at the internet might give terrorists a guide to carry out their plans.
pero...-
Señor Enrique said...
When I was confronted by a security guard at Intramuros, Rhoda, I showed my FPPF workshop ID card so he left me alone.
However, I struck up a friendly conversation with him and soon learned that the permit is mainly used as tool to drum up extra money for the Intramuros Administration operating funds.
Nonetheless, Intramuros is basically deemed a national park and there are no existing ordinances which prohibit taking of photographs or shooting any videos.-
Señor Enrique said...
I do understand their concern KARS, but I think this whole terrorism paranoia is hogwash.
We need not go in depth into studying the profiles of terrorists and their organizations to know that they quite a sophisticated and well-endowed bunch.
As old folks would say, if professional thieves took an interest in entering and robbing your house, one way or another, they will succeed in doing so. Therefore, it is the same with terrorists.
Anyone with nefarious intentions could easily purchase those tiny cameras which can be just as easily concealed, and take as much pictures or videos of anything they want within Metro Manila.-
said... Another gaya-gaya policy enacted by politically appointed no brainers. How will the future generation compare the present with the past if they only see sanitized pictures of todays sorroundings
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carlotta1924 said...
exagg!!!!!! can't take a pic of the magnificent manila bay sunset or the tree without a permit? meron ba silang papeles na nagsasaad na sila ang nagmamay-ari nung sunset at puno? will they throw us in jail for "trespassing?"
san nila naukha yang kalokohang yan? will they prohibit me to take pictures when they see me with my pipitsuging kb10? anong makukuha nila sa kalokohang yan?
kung sa bagay, sa bagong ferry bawal nga rin naman magkuhaan ng pics at magtext.
kalokohan talaga as in!-
said...
I can't believe that thing about "no taking of pictures policy" there in Manila, even that of a sunset, an object not owned by any person or entity and can never be susceptible to ownership ever.
I think there's some constituional violation here and any concerned photographer can seek legal advise about this.-
Señor Enrique said...
A very valid and precise point you made, Leo. Needless for me to add a single word to it.
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Señor Enrique said...
It was Tito who informed me, Carla, that picture taking is strictly not allowed while on board that ferry. How ridiculous, if not downright silly.
Part of the entire adventure of boarding that ferry is to see the sights along the river. And what better way to share these sights with friends or infirmed elderly relatives (who may have fond memories of river life) than take pictures.
I wonder how New Yorkers would react if told not to take pictures of anything while on board the Staten Island ferry which passes directly under the Statue of Liberty?-
Señor Enrique said...
This has been a growing sour point amongst avid photographers, Major Tom. And no, there is no single ordinance in Metro Manila that supports these people's anti-photography policies.
This is the reason why I thought of posting an entry on this thorny subject -- I was hoping that folks like you, Major Tom, savvy with our local laws would somehow lend us your opinion (as Rhoda is now investigating).
If I may add, it was you, Major Tom, who advised me of the law that made me win my case against a multinational firm, HP. Thanks much again for that!-
Señor Enrique said...
Steal their ideas, Kyels? Don't they know that there really is nothing new under the sun ... hehehe!
I'm getting very confused myself about this no photo taking policy inside the malls. Isn't it supposed to be a public place?-
sheilamarie said...
eric, seriously?! nakaka high-blood to read about the "no-picture policy". if it's a private property, fine! i will ask for permission first, but to be told that i am not allowed to take a pic of the sunset? aba, that's too much!
on the lighter side, there are no parks or picturesque sceneries here, hehe. and i always ask for permission first before taking any pics because i don't want to be thrown in jail in case it's not allowed.
and maybe because i've been watching t.v. too much, i seldom take pics of the locals in case they they have a tribal belief that "i'm taking their souls" when i shoot their pictures with the cam. LOL! baka mapaaway ako.-
said...
this is absurd!!!! kalokohan talaga to... grrrrrr....
bahala na, this wont stop me from taking pictures... :)-
Señor Enrique said...
Lol ... good idea, Sheilamarie! From what I've been learning from your posts, especially with the election also upcoming over there, better keep a low profile.
However, like you, when it comes to photographing people, I make it a point to ask permission first. But when it comes to ruins, sunsets, eclipses, or any other display of natural phenomenon, I don't think I need to secure a permit just to take pictures of any of them.-
Señor Enrique said...
Hehehe ... understandable, Lino, but take note.
Some security guards, especially the younger ones and new to the job, tend to get overzealous with their responsibilities and will talk down on people; obviously deluded by some power trip. But at the end of the day, they go home knowing that in a couple of months, their contract will end and must seek another post to feed their family. Meanwhile, they're leaving behind them some people offended by their gestapo-like tactics.-
NOYPETES said...
WTF!?!? Paranoia in Manila? Oh well, that's how it was during the Martial Law days in the whole P.I.
One reason why I got to roam around free then and shoot still photos and 16mm motion pictures was my employer, the National Media Production Center. Although my "government media pass" was a bonus, it was also a disadvantage to be identified with the gov't. media when shooting anti establishment rallies. Just keep on clicking, sometimes the best shots are those stolen ones. At least they don't confiscate your cameras. I remeber shooting the Quiapo Black Nazarene parade in 76. I was an eager beaver with my Nikons and a Bolex 16mm camera loaded with a 400 footer film magazine and a humonguos zoom lens. my establishing shot was from the MacArthur bridge facing the Quiapo church. I needed some close ups and wanted to feel the passion of the parade for dramatic images and so I went into the crowd...wrong move! I got out with a lot of very good shots but bruised and my t-shirt was ripped in half but i hanged on to my cameras with no damage at all.-
-= dave =- said...
Time to use whatever affinity you have with the Metro Manila mayors you've photographed, hehe.
The only reason I know for prohibiting taking pictures is that of counter-terror measures. But what would terrorists get from a sunset photo? Also, if foreigners are allowed, then the foreign terrorist, who have most likely slipped in the country with ease, can go unhindered in planning an attack. Aha! So the policy is essentially another money-making scheme.
Hard-hitting entries you have lately. It seems like the Gumamela post is just a lull in the storm.-
Senorito<- Ako said...
I didn't know that manila is now strict with SLR's. :(
If you can obtain a PRESS ID. I'm sure guards will let you off easy.-
Senorito<- Ako said...
If getting a permit is no hassle then why not ?
But if you have to spend half the day in line on an unairconditioned govt facility with 60 people ahead of you. Hmm..-
Señor Enrique said...
You went through the crowd during a feast of the Nazarene festival procession, Noypetes? Whoa! That I would never even think of! Seriously.
Prior to the one that just passed, many pros experienced with this event issued precautions and whatnot, especially for the benefit of the newbies. I opted to merely stay home. I didn't think I could handle such situation.
Nonetheless, I'm glad that you survived that incident, though with some bruises.
Did you know Ed Santiago and Vic Sison? The latter was a presidential/Malacanang photographer; both are my instructors at my Advance Photo workshop.-
said...
Medyo nakakainit yata ng ulo na malaman ito. I think this is not fair. I don't see why they allow foreigners and not Filipinos. We are on our own land and yet, we don't have the freedom to even see and share the beauty of our country in terms of pictures. Ano ang ikinatatakot nila? Dahil ba mas maraming nakikitang pangit ang mismong Pilipino kesa sa mga dayuhan. I just hope hindi matuloy ito at magbago ang pananaw ng kung sino man ang nag-isip nito.
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Señor Enrique said...
As they say, there's more truth in jest than realized, and indeed that is a true and wise recommendation you made, Dave ... hehehe.
However, I am yet to make any connections at Manila City Hall. I'm trying, though.
However, at Quezon City, with the recent photo contest, I met some city hall officials who are willing to help if I ever want to cover any major event in the city like the La Naval Feast of Sto. Domingo Church.
BUT, I'd still appreciate your personal guidance if ever the opportunity to take a pictorial of the Ateneo campus (and browse through its bookstore) presents itself. I'll buy you lunch ... hehehe.
Quite keen of you to notice the gumamela post, but then again I shouldn't be surprised. You're a sharp guy.-
Señor Enrique said...
Paying for permits can get to be a burden, especially if the photographer is a mere enthusiast and doesn't make a living off his shots, S.A.
Besides, I can understand taking over a section of a park for almost half an hour to take pics of after wedding shots of the bride and groom and their entourage, but to shoot a sunset or a facade of Malate Church for personal gratification and to share with family and friends, especially those who are abroad and miserably homesick?
BTW, I have a brother, who emails me his requests on a regular basis, including the university belt area and the facade of University of the East where he spent his college years. The guy is getting old and nostalgic, and somehow those photos I email him assuage his longing. Serious.-
Señor Enrique said...
Ay, sinabi mo, LAR!
The mall's reasoning is that they're tourists and wouldn't exploit the scenereries. How on earth do they know that the foreigner is not a pro doing an assignment for Discovery Channel or NatGeo? Dito sumasama ang loob ng ating mga kapwang Pinoy na mahilig sa camera. Bakit sa atin bawal, sa mga foreigner, eh, okay lang.-
said...
i agree with you on that. but then maybe they don't want passengers to take pics is because they'd see more squatter sites along the river. they wouldn't want to let others see that, would they? i rode the ferry at night so i couldn't see much except in those places that are lighted.
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Señor Enrique said...
A valid point you got there, Carla. Also, since it'll be passing by Malacanang which is strictly a no picture taking zone. But again, I wonder -- how would the Americans react if no one is allowed to take a picture of the White House?
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NOYPETES said...
Ed was more like an acquaintance then. We would bump into each other at events and I'm sure he will remember my face if he sees me again. I donn't know Vic Sison. I was advised by the late Greg Cendana, the NMPC director then, that if I wanted to work in Malacanang with Rene Santiago and Jolly Riofrir, I would have to trim my long hair and work long nights with the entourage. I declined and opted for the Dept. of Tourism gig with Rico Hizon. I was with the UGAT LAHI group of pinoy photojournalist. Ask Ed Santiago if he remembers Manny Goloyugo, the late Willie Vicoy, Nestor Fernandez, Ralph Tonggol, Andy Hernandez, these guys were the regulars on the beer garden hang out for "Kodakeros" in Malate. I was never a regular at the Malacanang press room.
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Señor Enrique said...
Ed wasn't familiar with Vic Sison, either during that time, though Vic supposedly knew by name and face the top photojournalists that attended the Malacanang presscons during the time of Marcos. Vic also admitted that he had to cut his long hair short when he started doing commercial work, and later on as Malacanang photographer.
I am jotting down all these names you mentioned so I'd remember to correctly mention them to Ed this Sunday.
I'm impressed, Noypetes, you have got to be one of our local great photojournalists then. Just wish you'd post some of your classic shots for us to appreciate, especially by our new generation of photojournalism students.
Many thanks for sharing this information. I'm sure Ed will be wondering who you are :)
Will advise you of his reaction/feedback.-
Sidney said...
I don’t agree with you Eric. I admit whole hardly that in some instances being a foreigner helps. BUT I was stopped countless times by security guards.
This was the case in Cubao, in Fort Bonifacio , in Ortigas and in ALL the Malls in general.
Why? Apparently because this is private property.
The only thing they can do is stop you from taking pictures and the security guards will tell you to get a permit from the “administration”.
I always tell them that I can’t know that this is private property and that if they don’t allow pictures they should put up signboards with a “No picture” sign. After lengthy discussions they allowed me to take pictures in Ortigas.
I keep taking pictures in Fort Bonifacio and I am regularly apprehended by police officers. Nowadays I take pictures when they are not around and I stop immediately when I see a policeman on a motorbike.
Concerning the pictures I took on the Pasig River boat. They only allowed me to take pictures because I have a “press card” and because I told them I would write about their ferry. 5 km before and after Malacañang I was rushed inside with a clear warning to stop taking pictures.
The SAME rules apply for foreign photographers. Maybe we foreigners discuss/challenge a bit more the rules than you but believe me when I tell you that I was harassed more than you can imagine.
Maybe some security guards might not stop me because they are ashamed or can’t speak English.
I don’t believe that you are not allowed to take pictures of the sunset in Manila Bay along Roxas Boulevard.
I agree with you that this is STUPIDITY. With “Google Earth” you can see every house everywhere in the world!-
NOYPETES said...
Thank you! Mention the names Jolly Riofrir and Rene Santiago to Vic Sison. Let him talk also about the "envelopes" in Malacanang. The "payola" from politicians, publicist, media coordinators was a regular dole out at press conferences then. "Beer money" ika nga. I will dig into my old portfolio and clippings and see what photos I can show you. here are a couple more names to mention to Ed: Maning Rivera of VisNews, Dik Trofeo of 16/35 Film productions, Glamor photographer ....De Leon(can't recall his first name), Pancho Escaler, .....?. Fernandez of the Manila Express
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Señor Enrique said...
Hi Sidney!
Firstly, what I mean and those of other photography enthusiasts who had witnessed such, when we speak of tourists or foreigners, we mean those foreigners who are tourists that come by the busload or calesaload.
They are allowed to freely photograph in front of the MOA, while the Pinoys are strictly forbidden.
Personally, I consider you more in the league of those foreigners working for the wire services with press cards, and yes, whom I can imagine to also get stopped from taking pics of certain subjects and/or situations.
Now, as for private property, here's my take on it: Your house and yard is private property and it would be utterly foolish of me to break and enter (or enter with permission), and start taking pictures without permission.
But a privately-owned complex which allows myriad members of the public at certain operating hours such as a humongous mall touted as the largest in wherever, to me is fair game for photography. Case in point: Empire State Building and Eiffel Tower (and I don't even mean the interior, just the exterior facades and grounds).
As for Cubao, I had discussed this with some officials of Quezon City and was told to let them know if I really wanted to take pictures of it -- in other words, no current ordinances are in place which prohibits the public from taking pictures.
As for Baywalk, I have heard this from a number of photography enthusiasts. I, myself, was stopped from taking pictures of Malate Church, but after speaking to the guard in fluent New York accent English, he was too stumped to further harrass me. This should never be the case. No one should be stopped from taking pictures of any of our historical structures.
Again, as for terrorists, it would be outright moronic of anyone to think that they are congenital idiots; unable to take decent photos of places they fancy to terrorize.
Ask for Google Earth, BRAVO! It has leveled the playing field, so to speak, by allowing anyone access to such views.
And yes, something has to be done to stop this harrassment and overall anti-photography sentiment.-
Señor Enrique said...
Lol ... I'm laughing Noypetes, because it is getting quite apparent that you have got to be one of our respectable photojournalists as well -- since you know all these heavies!
I will add these names to mention to Ed. I'm sure he'll be thrilled to hear these names. I really like Ed, he's someone like you who delights in sharing wonderful anecdotes and experiences that would benefit newbies.
I will post an entry early next week on Ed, and will cross reference these echanges we are having. And if you have those photos of yours uploaded in Flickr or something, let me know so I can link accordingly for our readers to appreciate :)
Thanks, Noypetes! Now, I can't wait til Sunday to speak to Ed!-
Ching said...
The idea of needing a permit to take photographs is plain absurd!
Here you can take photographs just about anywhere -- except in the malls because the stores don't like it. They probably don't want their wares copied or something.-
Señor Enrique said...
Yup, Ching, it is. And this is what's going on here in Metro Manila.
I can understand the objection of store owners to pictures being taken of their premises.-
Francesca said...
nasa glorietta kami ni frenchman, kunan ko sana ng pic yung bakeshop, compare ko sa bakeshop in france. Aba ang guard, stop daw. O di sige stop.Kinunan ko nga siya ng photo, sabay sabi, hanapan kita gf na puti sa France!
natuwa si loko! haha!-
Señor Enrique said...
That was cute, Francesca! I'm sure deep down he wished you were serious about getting her a French girlfriend.
But that's what they do stop people from taking photographs, especially inside the mall. I was once stopped from taking a picture of a cake I purchased at Red Ribbon pastry shop here in Manila.-
said...
This is outrageous, to say the least. What about ordinary photographers like us who do not have any press cards or IDs to show?
I hope big national associations of photographers would bring a case to see if this no-photo-policy would pass the constitutional test. This is a violation of our freedom of expression. :(-
said...
Now this really pisses me off. I can understand if folks in Egypt would flash cameras inside catacombs and pyramids because flash can damage the sensitive environment or inside the Egyptian museum where King Tut's golden sarchophagus lies - truly a security risk when thieves might just assault the place but in Metro Manila, outdoors at that ? What security risk are they talking about? Paranoia?
What is the government doing ? Is this is just another bureaucratic ploy /money scheme, an excuse to charge official photographers permits to shoot for anything in future? This really SUCKS man.-
Señor Enrique said...
I'm afraid the present administration may only support the current sentiment against photography, Bugsy. Let's see after the election.
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Señor Enrique said...
It certainly sucks big time, BW, but like I said to Bugsy, better to pursue after the election. Too many politikos may actually support the anti-photography campaign at present, especially those with something to hide.
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Eli van Ingen said...
Eric,
Feel free to insert the email I just sent to you. Personally I can understand why governments are sensitive regarding strategic locations, but those are now also on Google Earth.
We all assume that the government/mayor/Barangay captain has set the "no photos" policy. But, who are telling us? The security guards ? Does anybody have a copy or a reliable reference to a official law, decree in which it is stated that pictures may not be taken ...etc ?
eli@studio2401.com-
Señor Enrique said...
"Eric, I read this in your blog. It is not only pinoy, but also foreigners that are harassed by guards. Ako ren ! The reasons that hey give are ridiculous. Personally, I thing that they are after a few peso. In fort Santiago the limitation is only for professionals and school projects I believe, and who on earth can tell you not to take a picture from the sunset ? If this is policy, if it really exists, the foreign press will have a ball with DOT. "please come and visit The Philippines. Leave your camera at home". Can you imagine ? "
Hi Eli,
I shall continue seeking answers to this madness. Now that many of our incumbent and wannabes are out in public arenas campaigning, might take the opportunity to ask them the validity of such prohibitions.
Let's see what happens.-
said...
Wow, I thought I was an isolated case. I was surprised to read that your experiences were far more irritatingly ridiculous.
No picture taking of the sunset & of a tree. Talagang masisira nga araw mo kapag nasabihan ka ng ganyan.
In my blog I also posted a similar experience in a Toy Kingdom & Toys R Us. Details are here:
http://man-mecha-monster.blogspot.com/search/label/Taking%20Pictures
Anyway, after that incident I started my research on why picture taking wasn't allowed inside a mall. And i found the "photography law" http://www.photosecrets.com/tips.law.html
So sige ok you win, its copyrighted material.
As for the ferry ride, I was allowed to take pictures except of Malacanang Palace. Which i totally understand (Security Measures). Oh by the way, look at the back of the twenty peso bill.
But not being allowed to take pictures in intramuros or of the sunset is just BS.-
Señor Enrique said...
Hi Change!
Checked out your site and this URL you recommended,
http://www.photosecrets.com/tips.law.html
As for the Balete tree, I guess because it is planted on Ayala's private property. But for the sunset, I just found out that those prohibited to taking pics were those using tripods. I guess a monopod is fine -- but then we're now getting into technicalities.
You are ight about the ferry ride. They allow photo taking as long as it's not the Malacanang Palace.
Many thanks for your input!-
Photowalker said...
What is wrong with using a tripod? My second sunset picture in my blog was taken with a tripod.
Another incident that I experienced was last Feb. 17 in Robinsons Place Manila. They had a Dragon dance going from one store to another and passersby were taking pictures with their cellphone camera and I took out my Pentax Optio. The guard approached me and told me that taking pictures is not allowed. But everyone else using their cellphone were left alone.
Bwisit lang talaga.-
Señor Enrique said...
Undoubtedly, at this point, Change, perhaps, a Metro Manila-wide ordinance should be created and implemented, because this is really getting out of hand.
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alanblayco said...
Today is March 01, 2008. A year ago Senor Enrique, a blogger-photographer first posted the no picture policy at SM MOA. This afternoon, the photog-enthusiast in me kicked in. I went to SM Mall of Asia and wow what a sight. The SM Group made me proud to be a Pinoy. I have something to boast about. The SMX Convention is an awesomely-humongous structure. In my opinion, it is picture-perfect. The bay at the back of SM MOA is lined up with restaurants and bars. And Pinoys are enjoying the scene. So I started taking pictures of the surroundings and architectural designs using my old Sony Digicam. I love these latest developments within the metro and I want to preserve it before the elements start to make them look rusty. But lo and behold, a security guard approached and said that I should get a permit because SM MOA is a private property. He called someone using a radio. Another civilian in a motorcycle approached (a very rude one) and asked for my ID. He tricked me and got hold of my company ID and used that so they can escort me to the Security Office. Gosh!!!!!And so I explained that I am just taking pictures for my own personal collections as a hobby. AND THEY SAID I AM A SECURITY THREAT because I am taking pictures of buildings especially the SMX. Take note: buildings not people daw. Paksyet. My hobby is causing me stress. I want to understand their perspective but I think they have a myopic point of view. Anyone with bad intentions can just point and shoot at the buildings. O eto pa, how can they prevent Wikimapia and Google Earth pictures? I can't answer that, I am not a security officer. Still, I want to thank the SM Group for the latest developments. Mr. Henry Sy, I salute you sir.
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Señor Enrique said...
The way I look at it now, Alan, is this: So be it! If SM management doesn't want any pictures of their structures taken by photography enthusiasts, let it be. It will eventually be their loss anyway.
Personally, the architecture of many SM malls are so unimaginative that they are not worth photographing ... hehehe.
Oh, only surrender your company ID to uniformed official enforcement officers, not to security guards.
