Gov’t sets aside P1.2B for cybersecurity under proposed 2021 budget

The Duterte administration has proposed a P1.2-billion budget for 2021 to support programs on cybersecurity amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of this amount, P1 billion will go to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to sustain its cybersecurity efforts and ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information of government, businesses, and individuals.

The government has also set aside P215 million for the National Privacy Commission to secure the personal data and information of citizens while supporting government response and innovations on fighting COVID-19.

Lastly, P23 million will be given to the Department of Justice for the Anti-Cybercrime Enforcement Program.

“My administration is committed to protect the people’s digital privacy and take action against criminal minds exploiting the Internet and the pandemic for personal gain by means of online fraud, phishing, and other forms of cybercrime,” President Rodrigo Duterte said in his message to Congress on the proposed P4.506-trillion national budget for 2021.

“We will also strive to safeguard sensitive personal information of suspected, probable, and confirmed COVID-19 patients to protect them from threats and unlawful discrimination.” —AOL, GMA News