Data Privacy and Competition Law

At the onset of the Data Privacy Act and through the subsequent passage of its Implementing Rules and Regulations, our Firm was at the forefront, actively coordinating with the National Privacy Commission to address client concerns across various industries during the law's formative years of enforcement. Today, our Firm continues to guide clients through the evolving data privacy landscape, keeping them abreast of the latest developments and ensuring continued compliance.

We assist clients in developing company policies and internal rules that strengthen data privacy and protection processes, and establish mechanisms for effective and timely breach reporting if necessary. We review and draft agreements between data controllers and data processors to promote compliance and safeguard the rights of data subjects and the security of their personal information. We also conduct audits of existing systems and practices, providing guidance on strengthening data privacy and protection measures. Our Firm likewise conducts training programs and seminars for clients' data protection officers, managers, and employees, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to understand and fulfill their responsibilities under applicable data privacy laws and regulations.

Competition law is a core expertise within our corporate and transactional practice, where our lawyers regularly advise on competition and antitrust considerations arising from mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and other business transactions. We assess competition law risks early in the deal process, advise on compulsory notification requirements and applicable exemptions under the Philippine Competition Act and its implementing rules and regulations, and review commercial agreements and business practices for potential competition law exposure. We also represent clients before the Philippine Competition Commission in regulatory inquiries.

Together, our data privacy and competition law practice allow us to provide practical, business-oriented advice that helps clients manage regulatory risk while pursuing their commercial objectives in an increasingly complex and highly regulated business environment.

Our Data Privacy and Competition practice is headed by Grace P. Quevedo-Panagsagan and Maria Karrissa A. Tanhueco.