Group wants LTO probed over data privacy, national security risks
Group wants LTO probed over data privacy, national security risks
Publish Date: 2026-05-25 12:07:00
Source Domain: www.manilatimes.net
A CIVIC organization advocating for Philippine data sovereignty has asked the National Privacy Commission (NPC) to investigate the Land Transportation Office (LTO) over alleged security and data privacy concerns involving the agency’s driver’s license system.
In a letter to NPC Commissioner and Chairman Johann Carlos Barcena, a copy of which was obtained by The Manila Times, the Flag Maharlika, alleged that Dermalog, a foreign technology provider LTO previously contracted, has gained access to and control of the agency’s driver’s license inventory and printing application modules.
The group said the LTO’s own Management Information Division reportedly concluded in a 2020 report that Dermalog had “access and control” over the modules.
The same report allegedly warned that the situation posed a potential national security threat because driver’s license cards could be printed beyond the direct control of the Philippine government, it said.
Flag Maharlika also cited concerns that certain system functions allegedly required assistance from personnel based outside the Philippines, raising questions regarding cross-border access to sensitive personal information of Filipino motorists.
Get the latest news
delivered to your inbox
Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters
By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Salvador Piamonte, head of the group’s Community Affairs, said the issue goes beyond administrative concerns, stressing that millions of Filipinos may potentially be affected if personal data security safeguards are found inadequate.
Piamonte noted that the LTO database contains highly sensitive information, including names, addresses, photographs, biometric identifiers, signatures,…
