THE PHILIPPINES and Singapore have agreed to share best practices in data protection and to combine efforts in data protection and cross-border data flow.
In a statement yesterday, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) said the privacy agencies of the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) Monday.
“With the signing of the (MoU), the Philippines and Singapore envision exchanges of information and best practices to foster innovation,” Privacy Commissioner Raymund E. Liboro said in the statement.
“We will also work on mutual assistance in data privacy enforcement. This is a reaffirmation of both the Philippines’ and Singapore’s recognition of the importance of data governance and cross-border data flows to global trade in a digital economy,” he added.
The signing of the MoU took place during the state visit of Singapore President Halimah Yacob during her call at Malacañang Palace.
The NPC noted the MoU is the first between two ASEAN member states involving data protection.
“Singapore is pleased to continue fostering closer collaboration with partners such as the Philippines to drive a robust data protection regime…,” Commissioner Tan Kiat How of Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Commission was quoted in the statement as saying.
He noted ensuring data protection is crucial in facilitating a digital economy as it will ensure data protection in cross-border transactions.
“Our work will include developing mechanisms to facilitate cross-border data flow, such as the APEC Cross-Border Privacy Rules and ASEAN Cross-Border Data Flows Mechanism, and best practices to enable data innovation, through the use of data sharing sandboxes,” Mr. Tan added. — Denise A. Valdez
