Philippines joins APEC data privacy system

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has formally joined the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) system, which will allow the country to expand trade opportunities through removal of data flow barriers with other economies in the region.

In a statement, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) said the Philippines joins Australia, Chinese Taipei, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Singapore and the US in adopting common standards on data privacy as the ninth member of the APEC CBPR.

In the Philippines’ letter of intent to join system, NPC commissioner Raymund Liboro said the country intends to use at least one APEC-recognized accountability agent to certify local companies as CBPR-compliant.

“When businesses become CBPR-certified, they may then transfer personal data in a safe and seamless manner across other certified companies operating in the APEC region, which accounts for about half of global trade. For Philippine companies, this means gaining entry to a much larger market at reduced compliance costs with respect to cross-border data transfers,” he said.

APEC Electronic Commerce Steering Group chairperson Shannon Coe said the Philippines’ addition to the CBPR strengthens the country’s trade relations with the US.

“The Philippines – as the US’ 31st largest trading partner – would be a key addition to the CBPR system for US businesses. The US and the Philippines have a historic trading relationship and many US companies rely on the favorable market and skilled workforce in the Philippines to process data throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The Philippines’ participation in the CBPR system would strengthen the business case for US companies looking to invest in the Philippines, through our bilateral commercial relationship,” Coe said.

“Many US companies value the opportunity to partner with or invest in businesses abroad with a strong commitment to privacy.  As protecting privacy becomes a bigger part of all corporate operations, MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) and SMEs that take steps to strengthen their privacy practices – including by joining the CBPR System – are only becoming more competitive and attractive to consumers and businesses they partner with,” Coe added.

Singapore’s Personal Data commissioner Tan Kiat How said he looks forward to working with the Philippines in promoting the benefits to businesses of becoming CBPR certified.

“Singapore welcomes more economies on board the APEC CBPR systems. With the growing digital economy and the need for the movement of data across