The National Privacy Commission (NPC) is reminding political parties, candidates, and party-list groups to follow data privacy rules when collecting personal information for their election campaigns.
All activities related to gathering personal data must comply with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, its implementing rules, and other relevant guidelines. Political groups must be transparent about why they are collecting information and should only ask for what is necessary.
According to the NPC advisory, data collection for election campaigns must follow three key principles: transparency, legitimate purpose, and proportionality. This means individuals must be informed clearly of the reason behind the data collection, and the data gathered should be limited to what is needed. The collection should also be based on lawful grounds, such as valid and freely given consent.
Political groups and candidates are also responsible for putting in place proper security measures — organizational, physical, and technical — to protect the data they collect. They are expected to handle personal data fairly and lawfully.
Protecting your data and personal information
The NPC also advised the public to be careful when sharing personal information. People are encouraged to ask why their data is being collected, how it will be used, and who will access it.
“If something feels unclear or questionable, you have the right to object,” the NPC said. “Protect your privacy and do not share your personal data if you feel pressured, misled, or unsure.
Anyone who believes their personal data has been misused or collected without proper consent can file a complaint through the NPC’s website at http://www.privacy.gov.ph or send an email to complaints@privacy.gov.ph.