Philippine House of Representatives approves data privacy bill

By eGov Innovation Editors | Mar 21, 2011

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MANILA -- The Philippine

House of Representatives

has approved on third and final reading a measure that will protect individual personal data in information and communications systems in the government and in the private sector.

The Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) will be tasked to administer and implement the provisions of the Data Privacy Act of 2011 which seeks to ensure that the personal information and communications system in the government and in the private sectors are secure and protected.

The measure also seek to enhance the competitiveness of the Philippines in the international economy as a hub for business process outsourcing (BPO) and promotes consumer trust and user confidence in electronic commerce.

Rep. Roman Romulo, one of the authors of the bill, said the measure will establish fair practices and regulation relating to the collection, use and protection of an individual's private information in both private and government information and communications systems.

"The bill will also contribute to the promotion and development of electronic commerce in the Philippines and protect the consumers and promote consumer trust and user confidence in electronic commerce through the issuance of clear, transparent, predictable and enforceable rules to clarify and ensure the protection of personal data in information and communications systems in both the private sector and the government sector," Romulo said.

Rep. Susan Yap, another author of the bill, said it is the declared policy of the state to protect the fundamental human right to privacy of communication.

Under the bill, all sensitive personal information maintained by the government shall be secured with the use of the most appropriate standards recognized by the ICT industry and as recommended by the CICT.