Ordinance operationalizing RA 10173 up for discussion

The City Council committee on public order and safety chaired by Councilor Romeo V. Calizo is set to meet today to discuss the DILG Memorandum dated January 27, 2023 for the enactment of an ordinance operationalizing Republic Act. No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act (DPA) of 2012 in Local Government Units.

In her letter to the City Council, DILG City Director Jane J. Docallos said all LGUs are enjoined to pass a local ordinance operationalizing the said law. The DPA of 2012 was enacted to safeguard the fundamental rights to privacy of data subjects, specifically to secure and protect their personal data in various information and communication maintained by the government or the private sector, while ensuring free flow of information for innovation, growth and national development.

The DILG cited that Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as “The Local Government Code of 1991”, provides that LGUs have the implied power to do all things necessary, appropriate or incidental to govern efficiently and effectively, promote general welfare, promote health and safety, maintain peace and order and preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants.

Furthermore, Section 458 of the same law provides that local legislative council shall enact ordinances to ensure safety and protection of all government property, public documents and records of public interest. Invited to the meeting are representatives from DILG-10, City Administrator’s Office, City Legal Office, and the City Management Information System and Innovation Department (CMISID).