Data protection and right to privacy may sometimes come into conflict, but the degree to which these clash depends on the provisions of the laws governing them. This presentation provides actual examples of the conflict arising from different perceptions of what constitutes disclosing personal information and gives specific conditions under which this exemption is granted. It strikes a balance between an individual’s right to privacy and an organization’s obligation to disclose information.

The law on the right to information (RTI) recognizes people’s right to access information held by government bodies. We also have laws on the right to privacy, which acknowledges people’s right to control the collection, access, and use of personal information held by government and private entities. Balancing these two may be challenging for many, but they do complement each other and help keep government accountable and transparent.

Data Protection Act (DPA) in the Philippines traces its history back to electronic Commerce and Cybercrime Acts. This presentation provides a brief history of the Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation in the Philippines. It also outlines recommendations from the Right to Know Right Now! Coalition that could help have a better understanding of both DPA and FOI.