Republic of the Philippines

Department of the Interior and Local Government

MIMAROPA Region

MEMORANDUM

TO ALL PROVINCIAL DIRECTORS, CD OF PPC, C/litGOOs AND

AtL OTTIERS CONCERNED

SUBJECT : DESIGNATION OF DATA

PROTECTION OFFICERS AND
GoMPLIANCE OFFTCER FOR PRTVACY (COp)
DATE March 21, 2018

Pursuant to the attached Memorandum Circular No. 2018-36, National Privacy

Commission Advisory 20L7-01 and RA No. 10173 titled Data Privacy Act of 20L2,
each LGU shall designate a Data Protection Officer (DPO). A component city,
municipality, or barangay is allowed to designate a Compliance Officer for Privacy
(COP), which shall be under the supervision of the DPO of the province of such
component city, municipality or barangay. The details on the manner and
qualifications as well as duties and responsibilities of DPO and COP is avallable
through www.privacy.gov. ph.
In view of this, kindly provide the list of names of DPO and COP using the
monitoring template already shared via Google Drive titled "DPO and COP MIMAROPA
(Patrik)".

For inquiries,you may contact Atty.Vida Zora Bocar of the National Privacy
Commission at Tel. Nos. (02) 5L7-7810 or (02) 920-0101 loc. 704L or via email
address vida. bocar@privacy. gov. ph

All DILG Officers are hereby directed to disseminate these issuances and
advisory to all LCEs within their area of jurisdiction and to encode the requested data
in the abovementioned monitoring form.

encl: RA. 10173, NrcAdvisory No, 2OL7-OL

LGMED RSCT/AGD/RKSS
2O18-03-21:25{
"Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan"
822, Quezon Ave., Brgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City
Telephone Number 995.78.31 . 995.77.25 (TF)
www. mimaropa.dilg. gov. ph . dilgmima ropa@omail. com
www. faceboo k. com/dilgmi maropa
 14
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Republic of the Philippines o*RELEASED-e7
DEPARTMENT OF THE II{TERIOR AIIID LOCAL
DILG-NAPOLCOM Center, EDSA comer Quezon Avenue, West Triangrle,
HfpJAuww.dilg.gov.ph

!-

DESIGNATION OF DATA PROTECTION OFFICERS PU

TOIT 3,TITLED, DATA PRIVACY
ilfi[i,ji]a-iiijetra]
Memorandum Circular No. G>i,El li\)//fE i-b)
Uarch 19, 2018 b
- iij',.i:,1,.9 s*jfrY -"i {"
1.0 Background

l.l.T.l{6 Nadonal Privary Commission (NPCJ is a government agenry mandated to

administer and implement the Data Privacy Act of 2012 [R.A. No. 10173J, to
monitor and ensure compliance of entities that process personal data with the
standards set for data protection in government and the private sector.
\.
1.2. The NPC has previously issued NPC Advisory NO. 2O77-Ol dated March 14,
2AL7 relfve on the designation of Data Protection Officers (DPO].

2.O Purpose

2.1 The purpose of this Circular is to ensure compliance with the provisions of the
Data Privacy Act of 2012 including its Implementing Rules and Regulations
[RR) and Section 4 of NPC Circular 2016-Ot, which provides that a government
agency engaged in the processing of personal data shall, through its head of
agency, designate a DPO.

3.0 Legal Compliance

3.L. Pursuant to SecfionT of Republic Act No.10173, also known as the Data Privacy
Act of 2012 (DPA), the National Privary Commission (NPCI is charged with the
administration and implementation of the provision of the law, which includes
ensuring compliance with the provisions of the DPA and with international
standards for data protection, and carrying out efforts to formulate and
implement plans and policies that strengthen the protection of personal
information in the country, in coordination with other government agencies and
the private sector.

3.2. Under Section 26[aJ of the IRR of the same laq any natural or iuridical person
or other body involved in the processing of personal data shall designate an
individual or individuals who shall function as data protection ofihcer (DPOJ,
compliance officer, or shall otherwise be accountable for ensuring compliance
with applicable laws and regulations for the protection of data privary and
security.

4.O Scope/Coverage

All Provincial Governors, City and Municipal Mayors, Punong Barangays, DILG
Regional Directors, ARMM Regional Governor, and all o
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Republic of the Philippines
NATIONAL PRIVACY COMMISSION

NPC Advisory No. 2017-01

DATE 14 MARCIJ2OL7

SUBIECT DESIGNATION OF DATA PROTECTION OFFICERS

Preamble

WHEREAS, Article II, Section 24 of the 1987 Constitution provides that the State recognizes
the vital role of communication and information in nation-building. At the same time,
Article II, Section L1 thereof stresses that the State values the dignity of every human person
and guarantees full respect for human rights. Finaliy, Article XIII, Section 21 states that
Congress shall give highest priority to the enactment of measures that protect and enhance
the right of the people to human dignity;

WHEREAS, Section 2 of Republic Act No. L0173, also known as the Data Privary Act of 2012
(DPA), provides that it is the policy of the State to protect the fundamental human right of
privacy of communication while ensuring free flow o{ information to promote innovation
and growth. The State also recognizes its inherent obligation to ensure that personal
information in information and communications systems in the government and in the
private sector ate secured and protected;

WHEREAS, Section 21(b) of the DPA and Section 50(b) of its Implementing Rules and
Regulations (IRR) provide that personal information controllers (PICs) shall designate an
individual or individuals who are accountable for the organization's compliance with this
Act. Section 14 of the DPA and Section 45 of the IRR also require personal information
processors (PIPs) to comply with all the requirements of the Act and other applicable laws,
including issuances by the NPC;

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 26{a) of the IRR, any natural or juridical person or other
body involved in the processing of personal data shall designate an individual or
individuals who shall function as data protection officer (DPO), compliance officer, or shall
otherwise be accountable for ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations for
the protection of data privacy and security;

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 7 of the DPA, the National Privary Commission (NPC) is
charged with the administration and implementation of the provisions of the law, which
includes ensuring compliance with the provisions of the DPA and with international
standards for data protection, and carrying out efforts to formulate and implement plans
and policies that strengthen the protection of personal information in the country, in
coordination with other government agencies and the private sector;
 NPC Advisory No. 2017-01
**iltil:ffiTi;
Desisnation of Data

WHEREAS, Section 4 of NPC Circular 20L5-01 declares that a government agency engaged
in the processing of personal data shall, through its head of agency, designate a DPO;

WHEREAS, in consideration of the foregoing premises, the NPC hereby issues this
Advisory that prescribes the guidelines for the designation of a DPO:

Scope

These Guidelines shall apply to all natural or juridical persons, or anv other body in the
govemment or private sector engaged in the processing of personal data within and outside
of the Philippines, subject to the applicable provisions of the DPA, its IRR, and issuances by
the NPC.

Definition of Terms

Whenever used in this Advisory, the following terms shall have their respective meanings
as hereinafter set forth:

a. " Act" or "DPA" refers to Republic Act No. 10173, otherwise known as the Data
Privacy Actof.2072;

b. "Commission" or "NPC" refers to the National Privacy Commission;

C. "Compliance Officer for Privacv" or "COP" refers to an individual or individuals

who shall perform some of the functions of a DPO, as provided in this Advisory;

d. "Conflict of Interest" refers to a scenario wherein a DPO is charged with performing

tasks, duties, and responsibilities that may be opposed to or could affect his
performance as DPO. This includes, inter alia,holding a position within the PIC or
PIP that leads him to determine the purposes and the means of the processing of
personal data. The term shall be liberally construed relative to the provisions of this
Advisory;

e. "Data Sharing Agreement" refers to a contract, joint issuance, or any similar

document that contains the terms and conditions of a data sharing arrangement
betu'een two or more parties; Proztided, that only personal information controllers
shall be made parties to a data sharing agreement;

t. "Data Subject" refers to an individual whose personal, sensitive personal, or

privileged information is processed;

o
b' "Government Agenry" refers to a government branch, body, or entity, including
national government agencies, bureaus, or offices, constitutional commissions, Iocal
government units, government-owned and controlled corporations, government
financial institutions, state colleges and universities;
 NPC Advisory No. 2017-01
Desigration of Data Protection Officers
14 March 2017

h. "Personal data" refers to all types of personal information, including privileged

information;

"Personal information" refers to any information whether recorded in a material

form or not, from which the identity of an individual is apparent or can be
reasonably and directly ascertained by the entity holding the information, or when
put together with other information would directly and certainly identify an
individual;

j "Personal information controller" or "PIC" refers to a person or organization who

controls the collection, holding, processing or use of personal information, including
a person or organization who instructs another person or organization to collect,
hold, process, use, transfer or disclose personal information on his or her behalf. The
term excludes:

1.) a person or organization who performs such functions as instructed by another

person or organization; or
2.) an individual who collects, holds, processes or uses personal information in
connection with the individual's personal, family or household affairs.

There is control if the natural or juridical person or any other body decides on what
information is collected, or the purpose or extent of its processing;

k. "Personal information processor" or "PIP" refers to any natural or juridical person

or any other body to whom a PIC may outsource or instruct the processing of
personal data pertaining to a data subject;

I
L "Privacy by Design" is an approach to the development and implementation of
projects, programs, and processes that integrates into the latter's design or structure
safeguards that are necessary to protect and promote privacy, such as appropriate
organizational, technical, and poliry measures;

m. "Privacy Impact Assessment" is a process undertaken and used to evaluate and

manage the impact on privary of a particular project, protram, process or measure;

"Privileged Information" refers to any and all forms of data which, under the Rules
of Court and other pertinent laws, constifute privileged communication;

"Processing" refers to any operation or any set of operations performed upon

personal data including, but not limited to, the collection, recording, organization,
storage, updating or modification, retrieval, consultation, use, consolidation,
blocking, erasure or destruction of data;

p. "Sensitive Personal Information" refers to personal information:

1.) About an individual's race, ethnic origin, marital status, age, color, and
religious, philosophical or political affiliations;

2.) About an individual's health, education, genetic or sexual life of a person, or to

any proceeding for any offense committed or alleged to have been committed
by such person, the disposal of such proceedings, or the sentence of any court
in such proceedings;
 NPC Advisory No. 2017-01
Desigrration of Data Protection Officers
14 March 2017

3.) Issued by govemment agencies peculiar to an individual which includes, but

not limited to, social security numbers, previous or current health records,
licenses or its denials, suspension or revocation, and tax returns; and

4.) Specifically established by an executive order or an act of Congress to be kept

classified.

General Principles

These Guidelines shall be governed by the following general principles:

a. The responsibility for complying with the Act, its [RR, issuances by the NPC, and all
other applicable laws lies with the PIC or PIP.I When necessary, it must be capable of
demonstrating its capacity to comply.

b. The DPO or COP shall act independently in the performance of his or her functions,
and shall enjoy sufficient degree of autonomy. For this purpose, he or she must not
receive instructions2 from the PIC or PIP regarding the exercise of his or her tasks.

c. The DPO or COP is bound by secrery or confidentiality conceming the performance

of his or her tasks.

Mandatory Designation
/

A PIC or PIP shall designate an individual or individuals who shall function as DPO. The
DPO shall be accountable for ensuring the compliance by the PIC or PIP with the DPA, its
IRR, issuances by the NPC, and other applicable laws and regulations relating to privacy
and data protection.

In certain cases, a PIC or PIP is allowed to designate a compliance officer for privacy (COP):

a...Local Goaernment Units (LGUs). Each LGU shall designate a DPO. Howevet, a
component city, municipality, or barangry is allowed to designate a COP, provided
that the latter shall be under the supervision of the DPO of the corresponding
province, city, or municipality that that component city, municipality or barangay
forms part of.

V4oaentment Agencies. Each government agency shall designate a DPO. Where a

goverrurient agency has regional, provincial, district, city, municipal offices, or any
other similar sub-units, it may designate or appoint a COP for each sub-unit. The
COPs shall be under the supervision of the DPO.

' RA 10173, $21(a), and $14.

z
e.g., what results should be achieved, how to investigate a cornplaint. whelher to consult the NPC, what view or
interpretation of the law to take relative to a specific data protection issue. e!c.
 NPC Advisory No. 2017{11
Desi snation of Data **ilfl:?fl;l?

c. Priaate Sector. Where a private entity has branches, sub-offices, or any other
component units, it may also appoint or designate a COP for each component unit.

Subject to the approval of the NPC, a group of related companies may appoint or
designate the DPO of one of its members to be primarily accountable for ensuring
the compliance of the entire group n'ith all data protection policies. Where such
common DPO is allowed by the NPC, the other members of the group must still
have a COP, as defined in this Advisory.

d. Other Analogous Cases. PICs or PIPs that are under sirnilar or analogous
circumstances may also seek the approval of the NPC for the appointment or
designation of a COP, in lieu of a DPO.

An individual PIC or PIP shall be a de facto DPO.

G eneral Qualific ations

The DPO should possess specialized knowledge and dernonstrate reliability necessary for
the performance of his or her duties and responsibilities. As such, the DPO should have
expertise in relevant privacy or data protection policies and practices. He or she should have
sufficient understanding of the processing operations being carried out by the PIC or PIP,
including the latter's inJormation systems, data security and/or data protection needs.

Knowledge by the DPO of the sector or field of the PIC or PIP, and the latter's internal
structure, policies, and processes is also useful.

The minimum qualifications for a COP shall be proportionate to his or her functions, as
provided in this Advisory.

Position of the DPO or COP

The DPO or COP should be a full-time or organic employee of the PIC or PIP.

In the government or public sector, the DPO or COP may be a career or appointive position.

In the private sector, the DPO or COP should ideally be a regular or permanent position.:
Where the employment of the DPO or COP is based on a contrac! the term or duration
thereof should at least be two (2) years to ensure stability.

In the event the position of DPO or COP is left vacant,4 the PIC or PIP should provide for the
appointment, reappointment, or hiring of his or her replacement within a reasonable period
of time. The PIC or PIP may also require the incumbent DPO or COP to occupy such
position in an holdover capacity until the appointment or hiring of a new DPO or COP, in

3
Consultants and project, seasonal, probatioaary, or casual employees should not be designated as DPOs.
' In the event of resignation, incapaciry, or death of the DPO, or, where the term of the DPO is fixed or is coterminous with
the appoir*ing authority, in the case of government agencies, or based on a contracl in the case ofprivate sector entitics.
 NPC Advisory No. 2017-01
Designation of Data Protection Officers
14 March 2017

accord:rnce with the PIC or PIP's internal policies or the provisions of the appropriate
corrtract.

Independence, Autonomy
And Conflict of Interest

A DPO or COP must be independent in the performance of his or her functions, and should
be accorded a significant degree of autonomy by the PIC or plp.

In his or her capacity as DPO or COP, an individual may perform (or be assigned to
perform) other tasks or assume other functionss that do not give rise to any cooflict of
interest.

Duties and Responsibilities

Of the DPO and COP

A DPO shall, inter alia:

monitor the PIC's or PlFs compliance with the DpA, its IRR, issuances by the NpC
and other applicable laws and policies. For this purpose, he or she may:

1.) collect in{ormation to identify the processing operations, activities, measures,

projects, programs, or systems of the PIC or PIP, and maintain a record thereof;
2') analyze and check the compliance of processing activities, including the
issuance of securi$r clearances to and compliance by third-party service
providers;
3.) infonn, advise, and issue recommendations to the PIC or plp;
4.) ascertain renewal of accreditations or certifications necessary to maintain the
required standards in personal data processing; and
5.) advice the PIC or PIP as regards the necessity of executing a Data Sharing
Agreement with third parties, and ensure its compliance with the law;

b. ensure the conduct of Privacy Impact Assessments relative to activities, rneasures,

projects, prograrns, or systems of the PIC or PIP;

c. advice the PIC or PIP regarding complaints and/or the exercise by data subjects of
their rights (e.g., requests for information, clarifications, rectification or deletion of
personal data);

u. ellsure Proper data breach and security incident managertent by the PIC or PIP,
including the latter's preparation and submission to ttre NpC of reports and other
documentation concerning security incidents or data breaches within the prescribed
period;

5
The desigrrated DPO may also occupy some other position in the organization (e.g., legal counsel, risk managcmenr officer,
elc. l.
 NPC Advisory No. 2017-01
Designation of Data Protection Officers
14 March 20L7

inJorm and cultivate awareness on privacy and data protection within the
organization of the PIC or PIP, including all relevant laws, rules and regulations and
issuances of the NPC;

f. advocate for the development, review and/or revision of policies, guidelines,

projects and/or Programs of the PIC or PIP relating to privacy and data protection,
by adopting a privacy by design approach;

(r serve as the contact person of the PIC or PIP vis-A-vis data subjects, the NPC and
b'
other authorities in all rnatters concerning data privacy or security issues or concems
and the PIC or PIP;

h. ccoperate, coordinate and seek advice of the NPC regarding matters concerning data
privary and security; and

i. perform other duties and tasks that may be assigned by the PIC or PIP that will
further the interest of data privacy and security and uphold the rights of the data
subjects.

Except for items (a) to (c), a COP shall perform all other functions of a DPO. Where
appropriate, he or she shall also assist the supervising DPO in the performance of the latter's
functions.

The DPO or COP must have due regard for the risks associated with the processing
operations of the PIC or PIP, taking into account the nature, scope, context and purposes oi
processing. Accordingly, he or she must prioritize his or her activities and focus his or her
efforts on issues that present higher data protection risks.

General Obligations of the PIC or PIP

Relative to the DPO or COP

The PIC or PIP should;

effectively communicate to its personnel, the designation of the DPO or COP and his
or her functions;

b. allow the DPO or COP to be involved from the earliest stage possible in all issues
relating to privacy and data protection;

provide sufficient time and resources (financial, infrastrucfure, equipment, training,

and staff) necessary for the DPO or COP to keep himself or herself updated with the
developments in data privacy and security and to carryr out his or her tasks
effectively and effi ciently;

d. grant the DPO or COP appropriate access to the personal data it is processing,
including the processing systems;

where applicable, invite the DPO or COP to participate in meetings of senior and
middle management to represent the interest of privacy and data protection;
 NPC Advisorv No, 2017-01
Designation of Data Flotection Officers
14 March 2017

promptly consult the DPO or COP in the event of a personal data breach or security
incidenU and

ensure that the DPO or COP is made a part of all relevant working groups that deal
with personal data processing activities conducted inside the organization, or with
other organizations.

Outsourcing or Subcontracting of Functions

A PIC or PIP may outsource or subcontract the functions of its DPO or COP' However, to
the extent possibie, the DPO or COP must oversee the performance of his or her functions
by the third-party service provider or providers. The DPO or COP shall also rernain the
contact person of the PIC or PIP vis-i-vis the NPC.

Protections

To strengthen the autonomy of the DPO or COP and ensure the independent nature of his or
her role in the organization, a PIC or PIP should not dLectly or indirectly penalize or
disrniss the DPO or COP for performing his or her tasks. It is not necessary that the penalty
is actually imposed or metedout. A mere threat is sufficient if it has the effect of impeding
o, pr"rr"rrting the DPO or COP from performing his or her tasks. Howevet, nothing shall
pr".l,rd" thelegitimate application of labor, administrative, civil or criminal laws against the
DPO or COP, based on just or authorized grounds.

Publication and Communication

Of Contact Details

To ensure that its own personnel, the data subjects, the NPC, or any other concerned party,
is able to easily, directiy, and confidentiallv contact the DPO or COP, a PIC or PIP must
publish the DPb's or CdP's contact details in, at least, the following materials:

a. website;
b. privary notice;
c. privacy policy; and
d. privacy manual or PrivacY guide
A pIC or pIP may introduce or offer additional means of communicating (e'g., telefax, social
media platforms, etc.) with its DPO or COP.

For this purpose, the contact details of the DPO or COP should include the following
irrformation:
 NPC Advisory No. 2017-01
Designation of Data hotection Officers
14 March 2017

a. title or designation
b. postal address
c. a dedicated telephone number
d. a dedicated email address

The name or names of the DPO or COP need not be published. However, it should be made
available upon request by a data subject or the NPC.

Weight of Opinion

The opinion of the DPO or COP must be given due weight. In case of disagreement, and
should the PIC or PIP choose not to follow the advice of the DPO or COP, it is
recommended, as good practice, to document the reasons therefor.

Accountabilify

While the responsibility of complying with the DPA, its IRR, issuances by the NPC, and
other applicable laws remains with the PIC or PIP, malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance
on the part of the DPO or COP relative to his designated functions may still be a ground for
administrative, civil, or criminal liability, in accordance with all applicable laws.

Approved:

(sgdJ RAYMUND E. LIBoRo

Privacv Commissioner

(sgd.) wY D. PATDU (sgdJ DAMIAN DOMINGO o. MAPA

Deputy Prir"acy Commissioner Deputy Privacy Commissioner

Date: 14 March 2017

 fA)
utl
Republic of the Philippines
Congress of the Philippines
Metro Manila
Fifteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the tn'enty-fifth day of July, two
thousand eleven-

IREPUBLTC ACT NO. 101731

AN ACT PROTECTING INDTVIDUAT PERSONAL INFORMATION IN

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS IN THE
GOVERNMENT AND THE PRTVATE SECTOR, CREATING FOR THIS
PURPOSE A NATIONAL PRTVACY COMMISSION, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

Be it enactud, by tlrc Senak and. House of Representatiaes of the Philippines in Congress

assembled:

CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Slwrt Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Data Privacy Act of
2012',.

- It is the policy of the State to protect the

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy.
fundamental human right of privacy, of communication while ensuring free flow
of information to promote innovation and growth. The State recognizes the vital
role of in-formation and comrnunications technology in nation-building and its
inherent obligation to ensure that personal information in information and
communications systems in the goverrunent and in the private sector are secured
and protected.

- Whenever used in this Act, the following terms shall

SEC. 3. Defnitiott of Terns.
have the respective meanings hereafter set forth:
 (n)
:,

YHU !{ NATToNAL
%rraIlrrrrrr]" .ffilig"-
-7

(a) Conmission shall refer to the National Privary Commission created by virtue
of this Act.

p\ to any freely given, specific, informed

Consent of the data subject refers
indication of will, wherebV the data subject agrees to the collection and
processing of personal information about and/or relating to him or her. Consent
shall be evidenced by written, electronic or recorded means. It may also be given
on behalf of the data subject by an agent specilically authorized bv the data
subject to do so.

(c) Data subject refers to an individual whose personal information is processed.

(d) Direct marketingrefers to communication by whatever means of any

advertising or marketing material which is directed to particular individuals.

(e) Filing systemrefers to any act of information relating to natural or juridical

persons to the extent that, although the information is not processed by
equipment operating automatically in response to instructions given for that
purpose, the set is structured, either by reference to individuals or by teference to
criteria relating to individuals, in such a way that specific information relating to
a particular person is readily accessible.

(f) lnformatitm and Communicatiotts System refers to a system for generating,

sending, receiving, storing or otherwise processing electronic data messages or
electronic documents and includes the computer system or other similar device
by or which data is recorded, transmitted or stored and any procedure related to
the recording transmission or storage of elechonic data, electronic message, or
electronic document.

(g) Personal informatior refers to any information whether recorded in a material

form or not, from which the identity of an individual is apparent or can be
reasonably and directly ascertained by the entity holding the information, or
when put together with other informationwould directly and certainly identify
an individual.
 Republic of the Philippines
Depaftment of the Interior and Local Government
MIMAROPA Region

MEUORANDUIII

TO ALL PROVINCIAT DIRECTORS, CD OF ppG, C/MLGOOs AND

ALL OTHERS CONCERNED
SUBJECT : DESIGNATIOT{ OF DATA PROTECTION OFFICERS AND
coirpLrANcE oFFrcER FOR pRrVACy (COp)
DATE March 21.,2Ot,8

Pursuant to the attached Memorandum Circular No. 2018-36, National privacy

Commission Advisory 2OL7-01 and RA No. 10173 titled Data Privacy Act of 20L2,
each LGU shall designate a Data Protection Officer (DPO). A component city,
municipality, or barangay is allowed to designate a Compliance Officei for privaiy
(COP), which shall be under the supervision of the DPO of the province of such
component city, municipality or barangay. The details on the manner and
qualifications as well as duties and responsibilities of DPO and COp is available
through www.privacy.gov. ph.
In view of this, kindly provide the list of names of DPO and COp using the
monitoring template already shared via Google Drive tifled'Dpo and cop MIMARoPA
(Patrik)".

For inquiries,you may contact Atty.Vida Zora Bocar of the Nationat privacy
Commission at Tel. Nos. (02) 5L7-7810 or (02) 920-0101 loc. 704L or via emait
address vida. bocar@ privacy. gov. ph

All DILG Officers are hereby directed to disseminate these issuances and
advisory to all LCEs within their area of jurisdiction and to encode the requested data
in the abovementioned monitoring form.

encl: RA. 10173, NrcAdvisory No, 2OL7-OL

LGMED RSCT/AGD/RKSS
2O18-03-21:2t{
"Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan,,
822, Quezon Ave., Brgy. paligsahan, euezon City
Telephone Number 995.78.31 .995.77.25 (TF)
www. mimaropa. dilg. gov. ph . dilg mimaropa@qmail. com
www. facebook. com/dilgmimaropa
 o5*nEnt
.rF'oFFtcnue'a
"'4i
Republic of the Philippines o*RELEASEDeF
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AIID LOCAL
DILG-NAPOLCOM Center, EDSA mmer Quezon Avenue, West Triangle,
i
http:/turww.di lg. gov.ph
ffi..+'
DESIGNATION OF DATA PROTECTION OFFICERS
TOIT 3,TITLED, DATA PRIVACY
ilti$laF. tolPa)
Memorandum Circular No. 2
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Uarch 19. 2018

1.0 Background

1.l.T16 National Privary Commission INPCJ is a government agenry mandated to

administer and implement the Data Privacy Act of 2012 [R.A. No. 10173J, to
monitor and ensure compliance of entities that process personal data with the
standards set for data protection in government and the private sector.
\
1.2. The NPC \as previously issued NPC Advisory NO. 2077-01 dated March 14,
2Ol7 relfe on the designation of Data Protection Officers (DpO).

2,O Purpose

2.1 The purpose of this Circular is to ensure compliance with the provisions of the
Data Privacy Act of 20tZ including its Implementing Rules and Regulations
(lRR) and Section 4 of NPC Circular 2016-0l, which provides that a government
agency engaged in the processing of personal data shall, through its head of
agency, designate a DPO.

3,0 Legal Compliance

3.1. Pursuant to SectionT of Republic Act No.10173, also known as the Data Privacy
Act of 2012 [DPA), the National Privacy Commission (NPC] is charged wirh the
administration and implementation of the provision of the law, which includes
ensuring compliance with the provisions of the DPA and with international
standards for data protection, and carrying out efforts to formulate and
implement plans and policies that strengthen the protection of personal
information in the country, in coordination with other government agencies and
the private sector.

3.2. Under Section 26[a) of the IRR of the same law, any natural or juridical person
or other body involved in the processing of personal data shall designate an
individual or individuals who shall function as data protection officer (DPO),
compliance officer, or shall otherwise be accountable for ensuring compliance
with applicable laws and regulations for the protection of data privary and
security.

4.O Scope/Coverage

All Provincial Governors, city and Municipal Mayors, Punong Barangays, DILG
Regional Directors, ARMM Regional Governor, and all otlgTs.comg-"d,.,,
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Fsr related queries, kind$ co*ectttfiy. Vida ?qa Bocar of the Nadonel Privacy
Commiesion at Tel ilos, t02J S17-7810 or {02} 9X&'O1O1 loc, 70{1 or at email
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Republic of the Philippines
NATIONAL PRIVACY COMMISSION

NPC Advisory No. 2017-0L

DATE 14 MARCri2OL7

SUBJECT DESIGNATION OF DATA PROTECTION OFFICERS

Preamble

WHEREAS, Article II, Section 24 of the 1987 Constitution provides that the State recognizes
the vital role of communication and information in nation-building. At the same time,
Article II, Section 11- thereof stresses that the State values the dignity of every human Person
and guarantees full respect for human rights. Finally, Article XIII, Section 21 states that
Congress shall give highest priority to the enactment of measures that protect and enhance
the right of the people to human dignity;

WHEREAS, Section 2 of Republic Act No. 10173, also known as the Data Privary Act of 2012
(DPA), provides that it is the policy of the State to protect the fundamental human right of
privacy of communication while ensuring free flow of information to promote innovation
and growth. The State also recognizes its inherent obligation to ensure that personal
information in information and communications systems in the government and in the
private sector are secured and protected;

WHEREAS, Section 21(b) of the DPA and Section 50(b) of its Implementing Rules and
Regulations (lRR) provide that personal information controllers (PICs) shall designate an
individual or individuals who are accountable for the organization's compliance with this
Act. Section 14 of the DPA and Section 45 of the IRR also require personal inJormation
processors (PIPs) to comply with all the requirements of the Act and other applicable laws,
including issuances by the NPC;

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 26(a) of the IRR, any natural or juridical person or other
body involved in the processing of personal data shall designate an individual or
individuals who shall function as data protection officer (DPO), compliance officer, or shall
otherwise be accountable for ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations for
the protection of data privacy and security;

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 7 of tirre DPA, the National Privary Commission (NPC) is
charged with the administration and implementation of the provisions of the law, which
includes ensuring compliance with the provisions of the DPA and with intemational
standards for dati protection, and carrying out efforts to formulate and implement plans
and policies that strengthen the protection of personal information in the country, in
coordination with other govemment agencies and the private sector;
 o",i " 3?l1"Xl
s."tio.TfS*.tff.:il^
14 March 2017

WHEREAS, Section 4 of NPC Circular 2015-01 declares that a government agency engaged
in the processing of personal data shall, through its head of agency, designate a DPO;

WHEREAS, in consideration of the foregoing premises, the NPC hereby issues this
Advisory that prescribes the guidelines for the designation of a DPO:

Scope

These Guidelines shall apply to all natural or juridical persons, or anv other body in the
govenunent or private sector engaged in the processing of personal data within and outside
of the Philippines, subject to the applicable provisions of the DPA, its IRR, and issuances by
the NPC.

Definition of Terms

Whenever used in this Advisory, the following terms shall have their respective meanings
as hereinafter set forth:

a. " Act" or "DPA" refers to Republic Act No. 10173, otherWise known as the Data
Privacy Act of.2072;

b. "Commission" or'NPC' refers to the National Privacy Commission;

c. "Compliance Officer for Privacy" or "COP" refers to an individual or individuals

who shall perform some of the functions of a DPO, as provided in this Advisory;

d. "Conflict of Interest" refers to a scenario wherein a DPO is charged with performing

tasks, duties, and responsibilities that may be opposed to or could affect his
performance as DPO. This includes, inter alia, holding a position within the PIC or
irIP tnat leads him to determine the purposes and the means of the processing of
personal data. The term shall be liberally construed relative to the provisions of this
Advisory;

e. "Data Sharing Agreement" refers to a contract, joint issuance, or any similar

document that contains the terms and conditions of a data sharing arrangement
between two or more parties: Proaided, that only personal information controllers
shall be made parties to a data sharing agreemen!

t. "Data Subject" refers to an individual whose personal, sensitive personal, or

privileged information is processed;

g. "Government AgenCy" refers to a governmerrt branch, body, or entity, including

national gorr"*i"r,t agencies, bureius, or offices, constitutional commissions, local
gover.runent units, government-owned and controlled corporations, government
financial institutions, state colleges and universities;
 NPC Advisory No. 2017-01
Designation of Data Protection Officers
14 March 2017

h. "Personal data" refers to all types of personal in{ormation, including privileged

information;

i. "Personal information" refers to any information whether recorded in a material

form or not, from which the identity of an individual is apparent or can be
reasonably and directly ascertained by the entity holding the information, or when
put together with other information would directly and certainly identify an
individual;

"Personal information controller" or "PIC" refers to a person or organization who

controls the collection, holding, processing or use of personal information, including
a person or organization who instructs another person or organization to collect,
hold, process, use, transfer or disclose personal information on his or her behalf. The
term excludes:

1.) a person or organization who performs such functions as instructed by another

person or organization; or
2.) an individual who collects, holds, processes or uses personal inJormation in
connection with the individual's personal, family or household affairs.

There is control if the natural or juridical person or any other body decides on what
information is collected, or the purpose or extent of its processing;

k. "Personal information processor" or "PIP" refers to any natural or juridical person

or any other body to whom a PIC may outsource or instruct the processing of
personal data pertaining to a data subject;

I "Privacy by Design" is an approach to the development and implementation of

projects, programs, and processes that integrates into the latter's design or structure
iaf"guard" that are necessary to protect and promote privary, such as appropriate
organizational, technical, and poliry measures;

m. "Privacy Impact Assessment" is a process undertaken and used to evaluate and

manage the impact on privary of a particular project, pfogram, Process or measure;

n. "Privileged lnformation" refers to any and all fonns of data which, under the Rules
of Court and other pertinent laws, constitute privileged communication;

o. "Processing" refers to any operation or any set of operations performed upon

personal rlita including, but not limited to, the collection, recording, organization,
,torug", updating or modification, retrieval, consultatiorL use, consolidation,
blocking, erasure or destruction of data;

p. ,,sensitive Personal Information" refers to personal information:

1.) About an individual's race, ethnic origin, marital status, age, color, and
religious, philosophical or political affiliations;

Z.) About an individual's health, education, genetic or sexual life of a Petson, or to

any proceeding for any offense committed or alleged to have been committed
by-such p"r"oi, the disposal of such proceedings, or the sentence of any court
in such proceedings;
 NPC Advisorv No. 2017-01
Designation of Data Protection Officers
14 March 2017

3.) Issued by government agencies peculiar to an individual which includes, but

not limited to, social security numbers, previous or current health records,
licenses or its denials, suspension or revocation, and tax returns; and

4.) Specifically established by an executive order or an act of Congress to be kept

classified.

General Principles

These Guidelines shall be govemed by the following general principles:

a. The responsibility for complying with the Act, its IRR, issuances by the NPC, and all
other applicable laws lies with the PIC or PIP.1 When necessary, it must be capable of
demonstrating its capacity to comply.

b. The DPO or COP shall act independently in the performance of his or her functions,
and shall enjoy sufficient degree of autonomy. For this purpose, he or she must not
receive instructions2 from the PIC or PIP regarding the exercise of his or her tasks.

c. The DPO or COP is bound by secrery or confidentiality concerning the performance

of his or her tasks.

Mandatory Designation

A PIC or PIP shall designate an individual or individuals who shall function as DPO' The
DPO shalt be accountable for ensuring the compliance by the PIC or PIP with the DPA, its
IRR, issuances by the NPC, and other applicable laws and regulations relating to privacy
and data protection.

In certain cases, a PIC or PIP is allowed to designate a compliance officer for privary (COP):

a.TLocal Goaernment llnits (LGlls). Each LGU shall designate a DPO. However, a
component city, municipatity, or barangny is allowed to designate a COP, provided
that the latter shall be under the supervision of the DPO of the coffesponding
province, city, or municipality that that component city, municipality or barangay
forms part of.

brfioaemment Agercies. Each government agency shall designate a DPO. Where a

goverrunent agency has regional, provincial, rtisa"i61, city, municipal offices, or .rny
other similar zub-units, it may designate or appoint a COP for each sub-unit. The
COPs shall be under the supervision of the DPO'

' RA 10173, $21(a), and $14.

e.g., what results should be achieved, how to investigate a cornplaint. whether ro consult rhe NPC. what view or
2

interpretation of the law to take relative to a specific data protection issue, etc.
 D*i s"".i""Tfs#ffi 3il: 3?1'"*
L4 March 2017

c. Priuate Sector. Where a private entity has branches, sub-of6ces, or any other
comPonent units, it may also appoint or designate a COP for each component unit.

Subject to the approval of the NPC, a group of related companies may appoint or
designate the DPO of one of its members to be primarily accountable for ensuring
the compliance of the entire group \^'ith all data protection policies. Where such
common DPO is allowed by the NPC, the other members of the group must still
have a COP, as defined in this Advisory.

d. Other Analogous Cases. PICs or PIPs that are under similar or analogous
circumstances may also seek the approval of the NPC for the appointment or
designation of a COP, in lieu of a DPO.

An individual PIC or PIP shall be a de facto DPO.

G eneral Qualifications

The DPO should possess specialized knowledge and demonstrate reliability necessary for
the performance of his or her duties and responsibilities. As such, the DPO should have
expertise in relevant privacy or data protection policies and practices. He or she should have
sufficient understanding of the processing operations being carried out by the PIC or PIP,
including the latter's information systems, data security and/or data protection needs.

Knowledge by the DPO of the sector or field of the PIC or PIP, and the latter's intennal
structure, policies, and processes is also useful.

The minimum qualifications for a COP shall be proportionate to his or her functions, as
provided in this Advisory.

Position of the DPO or COP

The DPO or COP should be a full-time or organic employee of the PIC or PIP.

tn the government or public sector, the DPO or COP may be a career or appointive position.

In the private sector, the DPO or COP should ideally be a regular or Permanent position.3
Where the employment of the DPO or COP is based on a contract, the term or duration
thereof should at least be two (2) years to ensure stability'

In the event the position of DPO or COP is left vacant 4 the PIC or PIP should provide for the
appointment,
-ti-". reappointment, or hiring of his or her replacement within a reasonable period
o? The PIC or PIP may also require the incurnbent DPO or COP to occupy such
position in an holdover capacity until the appointment or hiring of a new DPO or COP, in

Consultants and project, seasonal, probationary, or casual ernployees should not be designated as DPOs.
3

In the event of resignation, incapaiity, or death of the DPO, or, where the tsrm of the DPO is fixed or is coterminous with
a

the appoilting authoiiry, in the case ofgovernment agencies, orbased on a contract, in the case ofprivate sector entities.
 NPC Advisory No. 2017-01
Designation of Data Protection Officers
14 March 2017

accordance with the PIC or PIP's internal policies or the provisions of the appropriate
contract.

Independence, Autonomy
And Conflict of Interest

A DPO or COP must be independent in the performance of his or her functions, and should
be accorded a significant degree of autonomy by the PIC or PIP.

ln his or her capacity as DPO or COP, an individual may perform (or be assigned to
perform) other tasks or assume other functionss that do not give rise to any conflict of
interest.

Duties and Responsibilities

Of the DPO and COP

A DPO shall,inter alia:

a. monitor the PIC's or PIIvs compliance with the DPA, its IRR, issuances by the NPC
and other applicable laws and policies. For this Purpose, he or she may:

1.) collect information to identify the processing operations, activities, measures/

projects, programs, or systems of the PIC or PIP, and maintain a record thereof;
2.) aurralyze and check the compliance of processing activities, including the
issuance of securitlr clearances to and compliance by third-party service
providers;
3.) inJonn, advise, and issue recommendations to the PIC or PIP;
4) ascertain renewal of accreditations or certifications necessary to maintain the
required standards in personal data processing; and
5.) advice the PIC or PIP as regards the necessity of executing a Data Sharing
Agreement with third parties, and ensure its compliance with the law;

b. ensure the conduct of Privacy Impact Assessments relative to activities, ltleastlres,

projects, prograrns, or systems of the PIC or PIP;

c. advice the PIC or PIP regarding complaints and/or the exercise by data subjects of
their rights (e.g., requests for information, clarifications, rectification or deletion of
personal data);

d. ensure proper data breach and security incident management by the FIC or PIl,
including the latter's preparation and submission to the NPC of reports and other
documentation concerning security incidents or data breaches within the prescribed
period;

The designated DPO may also occupy some other position in the organization (e.g., legal counsel, risk management officer,
5

etc.).
 o.,i g'utio.TfS#H:1il#l 3?1,'#
14 March 2017

e. inform and cultivate awareness on privacy and data protection within the
organization of the PIC or PIP, including all relevant laws, rules and regulations and
issuances of the NPC;

t. advocate for the development, revielv and/or revision of policies, guidelines,

projects andf or programs of the PIC or PIP relating to privacy and data protection,
by adopting a privacy by design approach;

g. serve as the contact person of the PIC or PIP vis-i-vis data subjects, the NPC and
other authorities in all matters concerning data privary or security issues or concerns
and the PIC or PIP;

h. cooperate, coordinate and seek advice of the NPC regarding matters concerning data
privary and security; and

i. perform other duties and tasks that may be assigned by the PIC or PIP that will
iurther the interest of data privacy and security and uphold the rights of the data
subjects.

Except for items (a) to (c), a COP shall perform all other functions of a DPO- Where
appropriate, he or she shall also assist the supervising DPO in the performance of the latter's
functions.

The DPO or COP must have due regard for the risks associated with the processing
operations of the PIC or PIP, taking into account the nature, scope, context and purposes of
proc"ssing. Accordingly, he or she must prioritize his or her activities and focus his or her
efforts on issues that present higher data protection risks'

General Obligations of the PIC or PIP

Relative to the DPO or COP

The PIC or PIP should:

a. effectively communicate to its persorrnel, the designation of the DPo or coP and his
or her functions;

b. allow the DpO or COP to be involved frorn the earliest stage possible in all issues
relating to privacy and data protection;

c. provide sufficient time and resources (financial, infrastructure, equipment, training,

and staff) necessary for the DPO or COP to keep himself or herself updated
with the
developments in data privacy and security and to carry out his or her tasks
effectivelY and effi cientlY;

d. grant the DPO or COP appropriate access to the personal data it is processing'
including the Processing sYstems;

e. where applicable, invite the DPo or COP to participate in meetings of senior and
middle mzrnagement to represent the interest of privacy and data protection;
 NPC Advisory No. 2017-01
Designation of Data Protection Officers
14 March 2017

promptly consult the DPO or COP in the event of a personal data breach or security
incidenU and

g. ensure that the DPO or COP is made a part of all relevant working glouPs that deal
with personal data processing activities conducted inside the organization, or with
other organizations.

Outsourcing or Subcontracting of Functions

A PIC or PIP may outsource or subcontract the functions of its DPO or COP. However, to
the extent possible, the DPO or COP must oversee the performance of his or her functions
by the third-party service provider or providers. The DPO or COP shall also rernain the
contact person of the PIC or PIP vis-d-vis the NPC.

Protections

To strengthen the autonomy of the DPO or COP and ensure dre independent nature of his or
her role in the organizatiorL a PIC or PIP should not directly or indirectly penalize or
dismiss the DPO or COP for performing his or her tasks. It is not necessary that the penalty
is actually imposerJ or meted out. A mere threat is sufficient if it has the effect of impeding
o, pr"rr"rrting the DPO or COP from performing his or her tasks. However, nothing shall
pr".lrrd" thelegitimate application of libor, administrative, civil or criminal laws against the
bpO or COP, based on just or authorized grounds'

Publication and Communication

Of Contact Details

To ensure that its own Personnel, the data subjects, the NPC, or any other concerned party'
is able to easily, directiy, and confidentiallv contact the DPO or COR a PIC or PIP must
publish the DPb's or CdP's contact details in, atleast, the following materials:

a. website;
b. privary notice;
c. privacy policy; and
d. privacy manual or PrivacY guide

A pIC or pIP may introduce or offer additional means of communicating (e.g., telefax, social
media platforms, etc.) with its DPO or COP.

For this purpose/ the contact details of the DPO or COP should include the following
information:
 NPC Advisory No. 2017{f1
Designation of Data Protection Officers
14 March 2017

a. title or designation
b. postal address
c. a dedicated telephone number
d. a dedicated email address

The name or narnes of the DPO or COP need not be published. However, it should be made
available upon request by a data subject or the NPC.

Weight of Opinion

The opinion of the DPO or COP must be given due weight. In case of disagreement, and
should the PIC or PIP choose not to follow the advice of the DPO or COP, it is
recommended, as good practice, to document the reasons therefor.

AccountabilitY

While the responsibility of complying with the DPA, its IRR, issuances by the NPC, and
other applicable laws remains with the PIC or PIP, malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance
on the part of the DPO or COP relative to his designated functions may still be a ground for
administrative, civil, or criminal liability, in accordance with all applicable laws.

Approved:

(sSdJ RAYMUND E. LIBoRo

Privacy Commissioner

(sSdJ rvY D. PATDU (SgdJ DAMIAN DOMINGO o. MAPA

Deputy Privacy Commissioner Deputy Privacy Commissioner

Date:14 March 2017

 v
Hli'xt

Republic of the Philippines

Congress of the Philippines
Metro Manila
Fifteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-fifth day of July, two
thousand eleven.

IREPUBLIC ACT NO. 101731

AN ACT PROTECTING INDTVIDUAL PERSONAL INFORMATION IN

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS IN THE
GOVERNMENT AND THE PRWATE SECTOR, CREATING FOR THIS
PURPOSE A NATIONAL PRIVACY COMMISSION, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

Be it enacted, by the Senate and House of Representatiaes of the Philippines in Congress

assanbled:

CF{APTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1,. ShortTitle. -This Act shall be known as the "Data Privacy Act of
2012',.

- It is the poliry of the State to protect the

SEC. 2. Declaration of Potiry.
fundamental human right of privary, of communication while ensuring free flow
of information to promote innovation and growth. The State recognizes the vital
role of information ancl communications technology in nation-building and its
inherent obligation to ensure that personal information in information and
communications systems in the goverrunent and in the private sector are secured
and protected.

SEC. 3. Defnition of Ternts,- Wrenever used in this Act, the following terms shall
have the respective meanings hereafter set forth:
 v
Hlil$

(a) Conmissior shall refer to the National Privacy Commission created by virtue
of this Act.

p) to any freely glven, specific, informed

Consent of the data subject refers
indication of will, whereby the data subject agrees to the collection and
processing of personal information about and/or relating to him or her. Consent
shall be evidenced by writtery electronic or recorded means. It may also be given
on behalf of the data subject by an agent specifically authorized by the data
subject to do so.

(c) Data subject refers to an individual whose personal information is processed.

(d) Direct marketing refers to communication by whatever means of any

advertising or marketing material which is directed to particular individuals.

(e) Filing system refers to any act of information relating to natural or juridical
persons to the extent that, although the information is not processed by
equipment operating automatically in response to instructions given for that
PurPose, the set is structured, either by reference to individuals or by reference to
criteria relating to individuals, in such a way that specific inforrnation relating to
a particular person is readily accessible.

(f) Information rnd Cotnmunications System refers to a system for generating,

sending, receiving, storing or otherwise processing electronic data messages or
electronic documents and includes the computer system or other similar device
by or which data is recorded, transmitted or stored and any procedure related to
the recording ttansmission or storage of electronic data, electronic message, or
electronic document.

(g) Persanal information refers to any information whether recorded in a material

form or not, from which the identity of an individual is apparent or can be
reasonably and directly ascertained by the entity holding the informatiory or
when put together with other information would directly and certainly identify
an individual.
 -
.H'i.H"

(hl Personal information cantroller refers to a person or organization who controls

the collectioru holding processing or use of personal information, including a
person or organization who instructs another person or organization to collect,
hold, process, Llse, transfer or disclose personal information on his or her behalf.
The term excludes:

(1) A person ororganizationwho performs such functions as instructed by

another person or organization; and

(2) Anindividual who collects, holds, processes or uses personal information in

connection r,r'ith the individual's personal, family or household affairs.

(i) Persorut information ptocessor refers to any natural or juridical person qualified
to act as such under this Act to whom a personal information controller may
outsource the processing of personal data pertaining to a data subject.

fi\ performed upon

Processins refers to any operation or any set of operations
personal information including but not limited to, the collection, recording,
organizatiory storage, updating or modification, retrieval, consultatiory use'
consolidatiorq blockin& erasure or destruction of data-

$) Priuileged information refers to any and all forms of data which under the
Rules of Court and other pertinent laws constitute privileged communication.

(l) Sensitive personal infonnatiotr refers to personal information:

(1) About an individual's race, ethnic ofigin, marital status, age, color, and
religious, philosophical or political affiliations;

(2) About an individual's health, education, genetic or sexual life of a person, or

to any proceeding for any offense committed or alleged to have been committed
by such person, the disposal of such proceedings, or the sentence of any court in
such proceedings;
 v
Htrlll

(3) Issued by government agencies peculiar to an individual which includes, but

not limited to, social security nurnbers, previous or crn-rent health records,
licenses or its denials, suspension or revocatiory and tax returns; and

(4) Specifically established by an executive order or an act of Congress to be kept

classified.

SEC.4. Scope. - This Act applies to the processing of all types of personal
in{ormation and to any natural and juridical person involved in personal
information processing including those personal information controllers and
processors who, although not found or established in the Philippines, use
equipmerrt that are located in the Philippines, or those who maintain an office,
branch or agency in the Philippines subject to the immediately succeeding
paragraph: Proaided, That the requirements of Section 5 are complied with.

This Act does not apply to the following:

(a) Inlormation about any individual who is or was an officer or employee of a

govemment institution that relates to the position or functions of the individual,
including:

individual is or \r'as an officer or employee of the

(1) The fact that the
govemment institution;

(2) The title, business address and office telephone number of the individual;

(3) The classification, salary range and responsibilities of the position held by the
individual; and

( ) The name of the individual on a document prepared by the individual in the

course of employment with the governmen!

(b) Information about an individual who is or was performing service under

contract for a govemment institution that relates to the services performed,
including the terms of the contract, and the n rme of the individual given in the
course of the performance of those services;
 tt
(c) Information relating to any discretionary benefit of a financial nature such as
the granting of a license or pennit given by the government to an individual,
including the name of the individual and the exact nature of the benefiU

(d) Personal information processed for journalistic, artistic,literary or research

purposes;

(e) Information necessary in order to carry out the functions of publicauthority

which indudes the processing of personal data for the performance by the
independent, central rnonetary authority and law enforcernent and regulatory
agencies of their constitutionally and statutorily mandated functions. Nothing in
this Act shall be construed as to have amended or repealed Republic Act No.
L405, otherwise known as the Secrecy of Bank Deposits Act; Republic Act No.
6426, otherwise known as the Foreign Currenry Deposit Act; and Republic Act
No. 951O otherwise known as the Credit Information System Act (CISA);

(f) Information necessary for banks and other financial institutions under the
jurisdiction of the independent, central monetary authority or Bangko Sentral ng
Pilipinas to comply with Republic Act No. 951.0, and Republic Act No. 915O as
amended, otherwise known as the Anti-Money Laundering Act and other
applicable laws; and

(g) Personal information originally collected from residents of foreign

jurisdictions in accordance with the laws of those foreign jurisdictions, including
any applicable data privacy laws, which is being processed in the Philippines.

SEC. 5. Prctection Afforded to lournalists andTluir Sources. - Nothing in this Act

shall be construed as to have amended or repealed the provisions of Republic
Act No.53, which affords the publishers, editors or duly accredited reporters of
any newspaper, magazine or periodical of general circulation protection from
being compelled to reveal the source of any news report or information
appearing in said publication which was related in any confidence to such
publisher, editor, or reporter.

- This Act applies to an act done or practice

SEC. 6. Extraterritorial Applicntiun.
engaged in and outside of the Philippines by an entity if:
 a t

-
.hiTs:"

(a) The act, practice or processing relates to personal information about a

Philippine citizen or a residen!

(b)Th" entity has a link with the Philippines, and the entity is processing
personal information in the Philippines or even if the processing is outside the
Philippines as long as it is about Philippine citizens or residents such as, but not
limited to, the following:

(1) A contract is entered in the Philippines;

juridical entity unincorporated in the Philippines but has central

(2) A
management and control in the country; and

(3)An entity that has a branch, agency, office or subsidiary in the Philippines
and the parent or affiliate of the Philippine entity has access to personal
in-formation; and

(c) The entity has other links in the Philippines such as, but not limited to:

(1) The entity carries on business in the Philippines; and

(2) The personal information was collected or held by an entity in the

Philippines.

CHAPTER II
TFIE NATIONAL PRTVACY COMMISSION

SEC. 7. Functions of the National Pivary - To administer and

Contmission
implement the provisions of this Act, and to monitor and ensure compliance oi
the country with international standards set for data protection, there is hereby
created an independent body to trc known as the National Privacy Commission,
winch shall have the following functions:

(a) Ensure compliance of personal inlormation controllers with the provisions of

this AcU
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(b) Receive complaints, institute investigations, facilitate or enable settlement of

complaints through the use of alternative dispute resolution processes/
adjudicate, award indemnity on matters affecting any Personal informatiory
prepare reports on disposition of complaints and resolution of any investigation
it initiates, and, in cases it deems appropriate, publicize any such
reporL Proaided, That in resolving any complaint or investigation (except where
amicable settlement is reached by the parties), the Commission shall act as a
collegial body. For this purpose, the Commission rnay be grven access to
personal information that is subject of any complaint and to collect the
information necessary to perform its functions under this Act;

(c) Issue cease and desist orders, impose a temporary or perm;rnent ban on the
processing of personal informatiorL upon finding that the processing will be
detrimental to national security and public interes|

(d) Compel or petition any entity, govemment agency or instrumentality to abide

by its orders or take action on a matter affecting data privary;

(e)Monitor the compliance of other government agencies or instrumentalities on

their security and technical measures and recommend the necessary action in
order to meet minimum standards for protection of personal information
pursuant to this Acf

(Q Coordinate lvith other government agencies and the private sector on efforts
to formulate and implement plans and policies to strengthen the protection of
personal information in the country;

(g) Publish on a regular basis a guide to all laws relating to data protection;

(h) Publish a compilation of agency system of records and notices, including

index and other finding aids;

(i) Recommend to the Department of Justice (DOD the prosecution and

imposition of penalties specified in Sections 25 to29 of this AcU
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fi) Review, approve, reiect or require modification of privacy codes voluntarily

adhered to by personal inforrnation controllers:Prooided,That the privacy codes
shall adhere to the underlying data privacy principles embodied in this
Act: Prouided, firther,That such privacy codes may include private dispute
resolution mechanisms for complaints against any participating personal
in-formation controller- For this purpose, the Commission shall consult v!'ith
relevant regulatory agencies in the formulation and administration of privacy
codes applying the standards set out in this Act, with respect to the persons/
entities, business activities and business sectors that said regulatory bodies are
authorized to principally regulate pursuant to the law: Proaided, Jinally. That the
Cornrnission may review such privacy codes and require changes thereto for
purposes of complying with this Act;

(k) Provide assistance on matters relating to privacy or data protection at the

request of a national or local agency, a private entity or any person;

(l) Comment on the implication on data privacy of proposed national or local

statutes, regulations or procedures, issue advisory opinions and interpret the
provisions of this Act and other data privary laws;

(m) Propose legislation, amendments or modifications to Philippine laws on

privacy or data protection as may be necessary;

(n) Ensure proper and effective coordination with data privacy regulators in
other countries and private accountability agents, participate in internatonal and
regional initiatives for data privary protection;

(o) Negotiate and contract with other data privacy authorities of other countries
for cross-border application and implementation of respective privacy laws;

(p) Assist Philippine companies doing business abroad to respond to foreign

privacy or data protection laws and regulations; and

(q) Generally perform such acts as may be necessary to facilitate cross-border

enforcement of data privary protection.
 a ,

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SEC. 8. ConfdentialitV.- The Commission shall ensure at all times the

confidentiality of any persorull inforrnation that cornes to its knowledge and
possession.

SEC. 9. Organizational Structure of the Coymnission - The Commission shall be

attached to the Department of Information and Communications Technology
(DICT) and shall be headed by a Privacv Commissioner, who shall also act as
Chairman of the Commission- The Privacy Commissioner shall be assisted by
two (2) Deputy Privary Commissioners, one to be responsible for Data
Processing Systems and one to be responsible for Policies and Planning. The
Privary Commissioner and the two (2) Deputy Privary Commissioners shall be
appointed by the President of the Philippines for a term of three (3) years, and
may be reappointed for another term of three (3) years. Vacancies in the
Commission shall be filled in the s:rne manner in which the original
appointment was made.

The Privary Commissioner must be at least thirty-five (35) years of age and of
good moral character, unquestionable integnty and known probity, and a
recognized expert in the field of information technology and data privacy- The
Privacy Commissioner shall enjoy the benefits, privileges and emoluments
equivalent to the rank of Secretary.

The Deputy Privacy Commissioners must be recognized experts in the field of

information and communications technology and data privary' They shall
"tjoy
the benefits, privileges and emoluments equivalent to the rank of
Undersecretary.

The Privary Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioners, or any Person acting on

their behalf or under their direction, shall not be civilly liable for acts done in
good faith in the performance of their duties. However, he or she shall be liable
for willful or negligent acts done by him or her which are contrary to lalv,
morals, public policy and good customs even if he or she acted under orders ot
instructions of superiors: Prouided,Thatin case a lawsuit is filed against such
official on the subject of the performance of his or her duties, where such
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performance is lawful, he or she shall be reimbursed by the Commission for

reasonable costs of litigation.

SEC. 10, The Secretsist. - The Cornmission is hereby authorized to establish a

Secretariat. Majority of the members of the Secretariat must have served for at
least five (5) years in any agency of the government that is involved in the
processing of personal information including, but not limited to, the following
offices: social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System
(GSIS), Land Transportationoffice (LTo), Bureau of Lrternal Revenue (BIR),
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Commission on Elections
(COMELEC), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Departrnent of
Justice (DoD,
and Philippine Postal Corporation (philpost).

CHAPTER III
PROCESSING OF PERSONAL INFORMATION

SEC- 11. GeneralData Priaacy Principles- - The processing of personal information

shall be allowed, subiect to compliance with the requirements of this Act and
other laws allowing disclosure of information to the public and adherence to the
principles of transparency, legitirnate purpose and proportionality.

Personal information must, be:

(a) Collected for specified and legitimate purposes determined and declared
before, or as soon as reasonably practicable after collectiory and later processed
in a way compatible with such declared, specified and legitimate purposes only;

(b) Processed fairly and lawfully;

(c) Accurate, relevant and, u'here necessaryfor purposes for which it is to be

used the processing of personal information, kept up to date; inaccurate or
incomplete data must be rectified, supplemented, destroyed or their further
processing restricted;

(d) Adequate and not excessive in relation to the purposes for which they are
collected and processed;

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(e) Retained only for as long as necessary for the fulfillment of the purposes for
which the data was obtained or for the establishment, exercise or de{ense of legal
claims, or for legitimate business purposes, or as provided by law; and

(f) Kept in a form which permits identification of data subjects for no longer than
is necessary for the purposes for which the data were collected and
processed: Proaided, That personal information collected for other purposes may
lie processed for historical, statistical or scientific purposes, and in cases laid
down in law may be stored for longer periods: Prwided, fttrther,That adequate
safeguards are gu;uanteed by said laws authorizing their processing.

The personal information controller must ensure implementation of personal

information processing principles set out herein.

SEC. 12. Citeriafor Lawful Prccessitrg of Personal Infonnation - The processing of

personal information shall be permitted only if not otherwise prohibited by law,
and when at least one of the following conditions exists:

(a) The data subject has given his or her consent;

(b) The processing of personal information is necessarv and is related to the

fulfillment of a contract with the data subject or in order to take steps at the
request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract;

(c) The processing is necessaryfor compliance with a legal obligation to which

the personal information controller is subject;

(d) The processing is necessary to protect vitally important interests of the data
subject, including life and health;

(e) The processing is necessary in order to respond to national emergency, to

comply r*'ith the requirements of public order and safety, or to fulfiIIfunctions of
public authority which necessarily includes the processing of personal data for
the fulfillment of its mandate; or

11
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(0 Th" processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests

pursued by the personal information controller or by a third party or parties to
whom the data is disclosed, except where such interests are overridden by
ftrndamental rights and freedoms of the data subject which require protection
under the Philippine Constitution.

SEC. 13. Sensitiae Personal Infsrmatiott and Priztileged Information. - The processing
of sensitive personal information and privileged information shall be prohibited,
exccpt in the following cascs:

(a) The data subject has given his or her consent, specific to the PurPose prior to
the processinp or in the case of privileged information, all parties to the
exchange have given their consent prior to processing;

(b) The processing of the same is provided for by existing laws and
regulations Prouided, That such regulatory enactments guarantee the protection
of the sensitive personal information and the privileged information: Pro'oided,
by law or regulation
further, That the consent of the data subjects are not required
permitting the processing of the sensitive personal inforn'ration or the privileged
information;

(c) The processing is necessary to protect thelife and health of the data subject or
another person, and the data subiect is not legally or physically able to express
his or her consent prior to the processing;

(d) The processing is necessary to achieve the lawful and noncommercial

objectives of public organizations and their associations: Prooided, That such
processing is only confined and related to the bona fde members of these
organizations or their association s: Prouided, furtltet, That the sensitive personal
information are not transferred to third parties: Prozided, fnally,That consent of
the data subject was obtained prior to processing

(e) The processing is necessary for purposes of medical treatment, is carried out
by a medical practitioner or a medical treatment institution, and an adequate
level of protection of personal information is ensured; or

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(0 Th" processing concerns such personal information as is necessary for the

protection of lawful rights and interests of natural or legal persons in court
proceedings, or the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims, or when
pror,'ided to government or public authority.

SEC. 14. Subcontract of Personal Infonnation. - A personal information controller

may subcontract the processing of personal information: Prouided, That the
personal information controller shall be responsible for ensuring that proper
s#eguards are in place to ensure the confidentiality of the personal information
processed, prevent its use for unauthorized pu{poses, and generally, comply
with the requirements of this Act and other laws for processing of personal
information. The personal information processor shall comply with all the
requirements of this Act and other applicable laws.

SEC. 15. Extension of Priaileged Comtnunicatiort. - Personal information controllers

may invoke the principle of privileged communication over privileged
in{ormation that they lawfully control or process. Subject to existing laws and
regulations, any evidence gathered on privileged information is inadmissible.

CHAPTER IV
RIGFITS OF THE DATA SUBJECT

SEC. 15. Rrglrfs of the Data Subiect. - The data subject is entitled to:

(a) Be infonned wlrether personal infonnation pertaining to him or her shall be,
are being or have been processed;

(b) B" furnished the information indicated hereunder before the entry of his or
her personal information into the processing system of the personal information
controller, or at the next practical opportunity:

(1) Description of the personal information to be entered into the system;

(2) Purposes for which they are being or are to be processed;

(3) ftope and method of the personal information processing;

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( ) The recipients or classes of recipients to whom they are or may be disclosed;

(5) Methods utilized for automated access, if the same is allowed by the data
subjecf and the extent to which such access is authorized;

(6) The identity and contact details of the personal information controller or its
representative;

(7) The period for which the information will be stored; and

(8) The existence of their rights, i.e., to access, correction, as well as the right to
lodge a complaint before the Commission.

Any information supplied or declaration made to the data subject on these

matters shall not be amended without prior notification of data
subject: Prwiiled, That the noti-fication under subsection (b) shall not apply
should the personal information be needed pursuant to a subpoenn or when the
collection and processing are for obvious purPoses, including when it is
necessary for the performance of or in relation to a contract or service or when
necessary or desirable in the context of an employer-employee relationship,
between the collector and the data subject, or when the information is being
collected and processed as a result of legal obligation;

(c) Reasonable access to, upon demand, the following:

(1) Contents of his or her personal information that were processed;

(2) Sources from vvhich personal information were obtained;

(3) Names and addresses of recipients of the personal information;

(4) Manner by which such data were processed;

(5) Reasons for the disclosure of the personal information to recipients;

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(6) Information on automated processes where the data will or likely to be made
as the sole basis for any decision significantly affecting or will affect the data
subject;

(7) Date when his or her personal information concerning the data subject were
last accessed and modified; and

(8) The designation, or name or identity and address of the personal information
controller;

(d) Dispute the inaccuracy or error in the personal information and have the
personal information controller correct it immediately and acco:dingly, unless
the request is vexatious or otherwise unreasonable. If the personal information
hirve been corrected, the personal information controller shall ensure the
accessibility of both the new and the retracted information and the simultaneous
receipt of the new and the retracted information by recipients
thereof: Prooided, That the third parties who have previously received such
processed personal information shall he informed of its inaccuracy and its
rectification upon reasonable request of the data subjec!

(e) Suspend, withdraw or order the blocking, removal or destruction of lris or her
personal information from the personal information controller's filing system
upon discovery and substantial proof that the personal information are
incomplete, outdated, false, unlawfully obtained, used for unauthorized
pu{poses or are no longer necessary for the Purposes for which they were
collected. In this case, the personal information controller may notify third
parties who have previously received such processed personal information; and

(0 B. in,lemnified for any damages sustained due to such inaccurate, incomplete,

outdated., false, unlawfully obtained or unauthonzed use of personal
information.

SEC. 17. Transmissibility of Rights of tlu Data Subiecf. - The lavt'fulheirs and
assigns of the data subject may invoke the rights of the data subject for, which he
or she is an heir or assignee at any time after the death of the data subiect or

15
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when the data subject is incapacitated or incapable of exercising the rights as

enurnerated in the immediately preceding section.

SEC. 18. Right to Datn Portability. - The data subject shall have the right, where
personal information is processed by electronic means and in a structured and
commonly used format, to obtain from the personal informafion controller a
copy of data undergoing processing in an electronic or structured format, which
is commonly used and allows for further use by the data subiect. The
Commission may specify the electronic format re{erred to above, as well as the
technical standards, modalities and procedures for their transfer.

SEC. 19. Nut-Applicability. - The immediately preceding sections are not

applicable if the processed personal information are used only for the needs of
scientific and statistical research and, on the basis of such, no activities are
carried out and no decisions are taken regarding the data subject Prouiiled, That
the personal information shall be held under strict confidentiality and shall be
used only for the declared pu{pose. Likewise, the immediately preceding
sections are not applicable to processing of personal information gathered for the
purpose of investigations in relation to any crirninal, administrative or tax
liabilities of a data subject.

CHAPTER V
SECURTTY OF PERSONAL INFORMATION

SEC. 20. Security of Personal lnformation information controller

- (o) The personal
must implement reasonable and appropriate organizational, physical and
technical measures intended for the protection of personal information against
any accidental or unlawful destruction, alteration and disclosure, as well as
against any other unlawful processing.

(b) The personal information controller shall implement reasonable and

appropriate measures to protect personal information against natural dangers
such as accidental loss or destmction, and human dangers such as urrlawful
access, fraudulent misuse, unlawful destruction, alteration and contarrrination.

t6
(c) The determination of the appropriate level of security under this section must
take into account the nature of the personal information to be protected, the risks
represented by the processing, the size of the organization and complexity of its
operations, current data privary best practices and the cost of security
implementation. Subject to guidelines as the Commission may issue from time to
time, the measures implemented must include:

(1) Safeguards to protect its computer network against accidental,unlawfuI or

unauthorized usage or interference with or hindering of their functioning or
availability;

(2) A security policy with respect to the processing of personal information;

(3) A process for identifying and accessing reasonably foreseeable vulnerabilities

in its computer networks, and for taking preventive, corrective and mitigating
action against security incidents that can lead to a security breach; and

(4) Regular monitoring for security breaches and a process for taking preventive,
corrective and rnitigating action against security incidents that can lead to a
se.,curity breach.

(d) The personal information controller must further ensure that third parties
processing personal information on its behalf shall implement the security
measures required by this provision.

(e) The employees, agents or representatives of a personal information controller

who are involved in the processing of personal information shall operate and
hold personal information under strict confidentiality if the personal information
are not intended for public disclosure. This obligation shall continue even after
leaving the public service, transfer to another position or upon termination of
employment or contracfual relations.

(0 Th" personal information controller shall promptly notif the Commission

and affected data suq*ects when sensitive personal information or other
information that may, under the circumstances, be used to enable identity fraud
are reasorurbly believed to have been acquired by an unauthorized persory and

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the personal information controller or the Commission beheves (bat such

unauthorized acquisition is likely to give rise to a real risk of serious harm to any
affected data subject. The notification shall at least describe the nature of the
breach, the sensitive personal information possibly involved, and the measures
taken by the entity to address the breach. Notification may be delayed only to the
extent necessary to determine tlre scope of the breactr, to prevent further
disclosures, or to restore reasonable integrity to the information and
communications system.

(1) In evaluatingif notification is unwarranted, the Commission may take into

account compliance by the personal information controller with this section and
existence of good faith in the acquisition of personal information.

(2) The Commission may exempt a personal information controller from

notification where, in its reasonable judgment, such notification would not be in
the public interest or in the interests of the affected data subjects.

(3) The Commission may authorize postponement of notification where it may

hinder the progress of a criminal investigation related to a serious breach.

CHAPTER VI
ACCOUNTABILITY FOR TRANSFER OF PERSONAL INFORMATION

SEC. 21- Principle of Accountability. - Each personal information controller is

responsible for personal information under its control or custody, including
information that have been transferred to a third party for processing whether
domestically or internationally, subject to cross-border arrangement and
cooperation.

(a) The personal information controller is accountable for complyingwith the

requirements of this Act and shall use contractual or other reasonable means to
provide a comparable level of protection while the information are being
processed by a third party.

individual or
(b) Th* personal information controller shall designate an
individuals who are accountable for the organization's compliance with this Act.

18
The identity of the individual(s) so designated shall be made known to any data
subject upon request.

CFIAPTER VII
SECURITY OF SENSITIVE PERSONAL
INFORMATION IN GOVERNMENT

SEC 22. Responsibility of Heads af Agencies. - All sensitive personal information

maintained by the govemment, its agencies and instrumentalities shall be
seculed, as far as practicable, with the use of the most appropriate standard
recognized by the information and communications technology industr,v, and as
reconunended by the Commission. The head of each government agency or
instrumentality shall be responsible for complying with the security
requirements mentioned herein while the Commission shall monitor the
compliance and may recouunend the necessary action in order to satisfy the
minimum standards.

SEC. 23. Requirements Relating to Accessby Agency Personnel to Sensitiue Psrsonal

Information - (a) On-site and Online Access - Except as may be allowed through
guidelines to be issued by the Commission, no employee of the govemment shall
have access to sensitive personal information on goverrunent property or
through online facilities unless the employee has received a security clearance
from the head of the source agency.

(b) Off-site Access - Unless otherwise provided in guidelines to be issued by the

Commission, sensitive personal information maintained by an agenc.v may not
be transported or accessed frorn a location off government property unless a
request for such transportation or access is submitted and approved by the head
of the agency in accordance with the following guidelines:

(1) Deadline for Approval or Disapproval - In the case of any request subrnitted
to the head of an agency, such head of the agency shall approve or disapprove
the request within two (2) business days after the date of submission of the
request. In case there is no action by the head of the agenry, then such request is
considered disapproved;

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(2)Limitation to One thousand (L,0ff)) Records - If a request is approved, the

head of the agenry shall limit the access to not more than one thousand (1,000)
records at a time; and

(3) Encryption - Any technology used to store, transport or access sensitive

personal information for purposes of off-site access approved under this
subsection shall be secured by the use of the most secure encryption standard
recognized by the Commission-

The requirements of this subsection shall be implemented not later than six (6)
months after the date of the enactment of this Act-

SEC. 24. Applicahility to Ga;oern:ment Cnntractors. - hr entering into any contract

that may involve accessing or requiring sensitive personal inJormation from one
thousand (1,000) or more individuals, an agency shall require a contractor and its
employees to register their personal information processing system with the
Commission in accordance with this Act and to comply with the other provisions
of this Act including the immediately preceding section, in the same manner as
agencies and govemment employees comply with such requirements.

CHAPTER VIII
PENALTIES

5Et. 23.llnauthorized Processing of Personal lnformatian and Sensitiae Personal

Information - (a) The unauthorized processing of personal information shall be
penalized by imprisonment rangrng from one (1) year to three (3) years and a
fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00) but not more
than Two million pesos (Php2,000,000.00) shall be imposed on persons who
process personal information without the consent of the data subject, or without
being authorized under this Act or any existing law.

(b) Th" unauthorized processing of personal sensitive information shall be

penalized by imprisonment ranging from three (3) years to six (6) years and a
fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php50Q000.00) but not more
than Four million pesos 8hp4,0ffi,000.00) shall be imposed on persons who

20
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process personal information without the consent of the data subject, or without
being authorized under this Act or any existing law.

SEC. 26- Accessing Personal Informntion and Sensitiae Personnl lnfonnationDue to

Negligence. - information due to negligence shall be
(a) Accessing personal
penalized by imprisonment ranging from one (1) year to three (3) years and a
fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00) but not more
than Two million pesos (Php2,000,000.00) shall be imposed on persons who, due
to negligence, provieled access to personal information without being authorized
under this Act or any existing law.

(b) Accessing sensitive Fersonal information due to negligence shall be penalized

by imprisonment ranging from three (3) years to six (6) years and a fine of not
less than Five hundred thousand pesos thp500,000.00) but not more than Four
million pesos (Php4,000,000.00) shall be imposed on persons who, due to
negligence, provided access to personal information without being authorized
under this Act or any existing law.

SEC.27. Improper Disposal of Personal Infortnation afld Sensitiae Personal Information.

- (a) The improper disposal of personal information shall be penalized by
imprisorunent ranging from six (6) rnonths to two (2) years and a fine of not less
than One hundred thousand pesos (Php100,000.00) but not more than Five
hundred thousand pesos thp500,000.00) shall be imposed on persons who
knowingly or negligently dispose, discard or abandon the personal information
of an individual in an area accessible to the public or has otherwise placed the
personal information of an individual in its container for trash collection.

1. b) The improper disposal of sensitive personal information shall be

penalized by imprisonment ranging frorn one (1) year to three (3) years
and a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (Php100,000.00)
but not more than One million pesos (Php1,000,000.00) shall be imposed
on persons who lmowingly or negligently dispose, discard or abandon the
personal information of an individual in an area accessible to the public or
has otherwise placed the personal information of an individual in its
container for trash collection.

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SEC. 28. Processing of Perconal Infurmation and Sensitiae Persutal Infonnation

for
Unauthorized Purposes. - The processing of personal information for unauthorized
purposes shall be penalized by imprisonment ranging from one (1) year and six
(5) months to five (5) years and a fine of not less than Five hundred thousand
pesos thp500000.00) but not more than one millionpesos (Php1,00e000.00)
shall be imposed on persons processing personal information for purposes not
authorized by the data subjec! or otherwise authorized under this Act or under
existing laws.

The processing of sensitive personal information for unauthorized purposes shall

be penalized by imprisonment ranging from two (2) years to seven (Z) years and
a fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,0ffi.00) but not more
than Two million pesos (Php2,000,000.00) shall be imposed on persorui
processing sensitive personal information for purposes nnt authorized by the
data subject, or otherwise authorized under this Act or under existing laws.

SEC. 29. Unautlnrized Access or Intentitmal Breach. - The penalty of imprisonment

ranging from one (1) year to three (3) years and a fine of not less than Five
hundred thousand pesos [Phps00,000.00) but not more than Two million pesos
(Php2,00Q000.00) shall be imposed on persons who knowirgly and unlawfully,
or violating data confidentiality and security data systems, breaks in any way
into any system where personal and sensitive personal information is stored.

SEC. 30. Concealment of Secuity Breaches Inoolaing Sensitiae Personal lnformation.

-
The penalty of imprisonment of one (1) year and six (6) months to five (5) years
and a fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00) but not
more than one million pesos (Php1,000,000.00) shall be imposed on persons who,
after having knowledge of a security breach and of the obligation to noti4z the
Comrnission pursuant to Sectinn 20($, intentionally or by omission conceals the
fact of such security breach.

SEC. 31. Malicious Disclosure.- Any personal information controller or personal

information processor or any of its officials, employees or agents, who, with
malice or in bad faith, disdoses unwaranted or false information relative to any
personal information or Personal sensitive information obtained by him or her,

22
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shall be subject to imprisonment ranging from one (1) year and six (6) months to
five (5) years and a fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos
(Php500,000.00) but not more than one million pesos (php1,00e000.00).

SEC. 32. Unauthoized Disclosure. - (a) Any personal information controller or

personal in{ormation processor or any of its officials, employees or agents, who
discloses to a third party personal information not covered by the immediately
preceding section without the consent of the data subject, shall he subiect to
imprisonment ranging from one (1) year to three (3) years and a fine of not less
than Five hundred thousand pesos (php50e000.00) but not more than one
million pesos (Php1,000,000.00).

(b) Any personal in{ormation controller or personal information processor or any

of its officials, employees or agents. who discloses to a third parry sensitive
personal information not covered by the immediately preceding section without
the consent of the data subjecL shall be subject to imprisonment ranging from
three (3) years to five (5) years and a fine of not less than Five hundred thousand
pesos {Php500,000.00) but not more than Two million pesos (php2,000,000.00).

SEC. 33. Combination ar Series of Acts.- A.y combination or series of acts as

defined in Sections 25 to32shall make the person subject to irnprisonment
ranging from three (3) years to six (6) years and a fine of not less than one
million pesos (Php1,0t[,000.00) but not more than Five million pesos
fPhp5,000,000.00).

SEC. 34. Extent of Liability.- If the offender is a corporation, partnership or any

juridical person, the penalty shall be imposed upon the responsible officers,
as
the case rnay be, who participated in, or by their gross negligence, allowerJ the
commission of the crime. If the offender is a juridical person, the court may
suspend or revoke any of its rights under this Act. If the offender is an alier-r, he
or she shall, in addition to the penalties herein prescribed, be deported without
further proceedings after serving the penalties prescribed. If the offender is a
public official or employee and lie or she is found guilty of acts penalized under
sections 27 and 28 of this Act, he or she shall, in addition to the penalties

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prescrihd lrerein, suffer perpetual or temporary absolute disqualification from

office, as the case may be.

SEC.35. Large-Scale. - The maximurn penalty in the scale of penalties respectively

provided for the preceding offenses shall be imposed when the personal
information of at least one hundred (100) persons is harmed, affected or involved
as the result of the above mentioned actions.

SEC. 35. Offinse Conmitted by Public Officu. - When the offender or the person
responsible for the offense is a public officer as defined in the Administrative
Code of the Philippines in the exercise of his or her duties, :rn accessory penalty
consisting in the disqualification to occupy public office for a term double the
term of criminal penalty imposed shall he applied.

SEC. 37. Restitutiott- Restitution for any aggrieved party shall be govemed by
the provisions of the New Civil Code.

CFIAPTER IX
MISCELLAN EOUS PROVISIONS

SEC. 38. Interpretation. - Any doubt in the interpretation of any provision of this
Act shall be liberally interpreted in a manner mindful of the rights and interests
of the individual about whom personal information is processed.

SEC. 39. hnplemmtingRules rndRegulations (IRR). - Within ninety (90) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the Commission shall promulgate the rules and
regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC.40. Reports andlnformation. - The Commission shall annually report to the

President and Congress on its activities in carrying out the provisions of this Act.
The Commission shall undertake whatever efforts it may determine to be
necessary or appropriate to inform and educate the public of data privacy, data
protection and fair information rights and responsibilities.

SEC.41. Appropriatiotts Clause. - The Commission shall be provided with an

initial appropriation of Twenty million pesos (Php20,000,000.00) to be drawn
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from tlre national government. Appropriations for the succeeding years shall be
included in the General Appropriations Act. It shall likewise receive Ten million
pesos (Php10,000,000.00) per year for five (5) years upon implementation of this
Act drarvn from the national government.

SEC.42. Transitory Proaision- - Existing industries, businesses and offices affected

by the implementation of this Act shall be given one (1) year transitory period
from the effectivity of the IRR or such other period as may be determined by the
Commissiory to comply with the requirements of this Act.

In case that the DICT has not yet been created by the time the law takes full force
and effect, the National Privacy Commission shall be attached to the Office of the
President.

SEC. 43. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or
unconstitutional. the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

SEC.44. Repealing Clause. - The provision of Section 7 of Republic Act No. 9372,
otherwise known as the "Human security Act of 2a07", is hereby amended.
Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, all other laws, decrees,
executive orders, proclamations and administrative regulations or parts thereof
inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 45. Effectioity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen
(15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,

(Sgd.) FEIICIANo BELMONTE JR. (Sgd.) IUAN PoNcE ENRILE

Speaker of the House President of the Ssnate
of Represmtntiues

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This Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No- 2965 and House Bill No. 4115
was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on June 6,
2012.

(SSd.) MARILYN B. BARUA-YAP (SSd) EMMA LIRIO-REYES

Secretary General Secretary of the Sanate
House of Representatiaes

Approved: AUG 15 2(}12

(Sgd.) BENIGNO s. AQUINO III

President of the Philippines

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