Meeting Reports

One of the main issues discussed what the data-leak at Comelec (Comeleak) and the repercussions. The group felt that Data Security and Cybercrime Prevention have to be seen as a major task to be undertaken by both government and the private sector. We received information from the Office for Cybercrime and the DOST/ICTO. As the implementation of Cybersecurity is under the Dept. of Justice, it was agreed to have an urgent meeting with DOJ Sec. Caparas.

Dondi Mapa updated us on the progress of the National (Data) Privacy Commission:

1. The new National Privacy Commissioner is the former Assistant Secretary of Science and Technology Information Institute of DOST, Comm. Raymond "Mon" Liboro. The two deputy commissioners are Mr. Dondi Mapa of Microsoft and Ms. Ivy Patdu. 
2. The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) are being prepared, taking position papers provided by various private sector organizations into consideration.

He also focused on the ’Digital Adoption Index’ of the World Bank and highlighted areas that need to be addressed by the Philippines. He proposed that the working group look at the business and government indicators and focused on the sub-indicator of each. In the business indicator; secure servers and business websites. As for the government indicator: digital identification.

Alberto Salvador of the ICTO delivered the accomplishment report of the ICTO. He discussed the following:

1. e-Government Master Plan
2. National Connectivity Program
3. E-Filipino & Rural Capacity Building Programs
4. Digital Economy
5. Moving Forward.

Given the security issues mentioned above, the group highlighted the need for the establishment of a Dept. of ICT (DICT) and reviewed the status of the bill which has meanwhile been signed by Senate President Drilon and House Speaker Belmonte and will be submitted to Malacanang at the ’right’ time.