De Lima calls for probe into “passport data breach” at DFA

(Eagle News)—-Senator Leila de Lima has called for a probe into the “passport data breach” at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“The right to privacy is a fundamental human right and is central to the protection of human dignity. Privacy and protection of personal data must be safeguarded and guaranteed by no less than the state itself,” she said in filing Senate Resolution No. 988.

According to De Lima,  the DFA “failed to immediately implement appropriate measures to protect data of Filipinos against possible data breach even after it was informed that in 2017, the United Graphic Expression Corporation – which continues the illegal production of the E-passports – has not complied with the terms of the awarded contract of the Philippine Passport Printing.”

She said the government officials and contractors behind the “data breach must be held accountable and liable,” and there was a need to “determine the extent of government accountability leading to this malfeasance” in order to prevent the same from happening again.

She said  there was also the “importance of establishing legislative safeguards to ensure that private contractors will not have control and storage of the data and information of persons doing business with the government.”

“There is also (a) need to examine the current laws regulating the agreements with contractors that involve the handling of personal information,” she added.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said a former DFA contractor, Oberthur Technologies, made away with data of passport applicants after its contract was terminated.

He later clarified the data was only “made inaccessible.”

The National Privacy Commission has already launched a probe into the incident.