Philippines: Adopted NPC Advisory Opinion on Personal Data Processing under Section 13 (f) of the Data Privacy Act of 2012

On 12 August 2024, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) of the Philippines adopted an advisory opinion on personal data processing based on Section 13 (f) of the Data Privacy Act of 2012. The advisory aims to clarify the lawful basis for processing personal data by personal information controllers (PICs), particularly in relation to the functions of public authorities. It establishes the conditions under which personal data processing is considered necessary, including for the protection of lawful rights and interests in court proceedings or the establishment, exercise, or defence of legal claims. The guidelines also detail the application of processing personal data as a legitimate interest under Section 12 (f) of the Data Privacy Act, setting out the requirements PICs must fulfil to process data.