The National Privacy Commission (NPC) of the Philippines and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data of Hong Kong (PCPD) have joined forces through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will strengthen privacy rights and digital security among data subjects.

The agreement was officially signed today, May 22, 2023, by Atty. John Henry D. Naga of the NPC and Ada Chung Lai-ling of the PCPD at the PCPD Headquarters in Hong Kong, China.

The MOU underscores the commitment to strengthening their cooperative efforts in personal data protection and addressing the digital landscape's challenges. It aims to ensure robust data governance, safeguard the privacy rights of data subjects, and stimulate social and economic progression through digital transformation.

In his address, Privacy Commissioner Naga highlighted the importance of the MOU and the optimism he held for this collaborative journey. "This Memorandum of Understanding reaffirms both jurisdictions' firm belief that robust data governance is essential to protect data subjects' privacy rights, ensure trust in digital services, and harness the transformative potential of data for social and economic progress," he said.

Naga added that the MOU aimed to enhance data privacy and protection measures through mutual support, knowledge sharing, and joint initiatives. He stressed that the NPC was ensuring that through its cooperation with other jurisdictions, it could leverage its mandate and construct a sustainable and responsible digital future for Filipinos.

Echoing these sentiments, Hong Kong's Privacy Commissioner, Ms. Ada Chung Lai-ling, emphasized the significance of executing the MOU. She asserted that the MOU signified the two authorities' joint commitment to safeguarding citizens' personal data privacy in both jurisdictions.
She further posited that the bolstered collaborative efforts between the two authorities could facilitate the growth and development of digital economies, all while ensuring personal data privacy. "Going forward, I am confident that the two authorities can share their expertise and experience in areas of mutual interests amidst rapid technological developments in both jurisdictions," Ms. Chung said.

The scope of the MOU encompasses various aspects of personal data protection, focusing on mutual cooperation while complying with each jurisdiction's domestic laws and regulations. It signifies that the NPC and PCPD will work together to promote personal data protection in their regions and beyond.

In addition, the MOU provides mutual assistance to facilitate investigations in their respective jurisdictions regarding potential breaches of both countries' privacy and data protection laws. Both organizations will also coordinate and provide mutual support in joint investigations into cross-border personal data incidents or breaches, subject to the foreign relations laws of both countries.

The agreement extends to active engagement in knowledge sharing, training, and education on current and emerging privacy and data protection issues and trends. It highlights that both organizations will explore or identify suitable entities from both jurisdictions to participate in a cross-jurisdictional sandbox to test-bed innovative data-sharing cases. This collaborative move marks a significant milestone in pursuing personal data privacy and security in an increasingly digital world.