Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

094

6
House Bill No.

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to regulate the development, sale and distribution of Facial recognition
technology or PRT. The protection of the right to privacy of our citizens is the primordial
concem of this proposed measure. ‘

Facial recognition technology has become increasingly widespread in the past several
years. It is used everywhere from airports, banks, event venues, shopping centers and even by
Some law enforcement agencies in other countries. While there are a few potential benefits to

ing the technology to prevent and solve crimes, there are many concerns about the privacy,
safety and regulation regarding the use of this technology.

Like any other problem with regard to new technology, the software is far from being
perfect. The use of this technology causes concerns about how much people are being watched
and if hackers or those with criminal intent can access the data produced by FRT, causing more
harm than good. An activist group based in the United States called Fight for the Future claims:
“It’s deeply invasive, and from our perspective, the potential harm to society and human
liberties far outweigh the potential benefits.”

Facial recognition technology is only growing and it can be powerful and helpful tool
when used correctly, but can also cause harm with privacy and security issues. Policy makers
will have to balance this and determine when and how facial technology will be utilized and
monitor the use, or in some cases abuse, of the technology.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly requested.

‘Representative
Lone District, Muntinlupa City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

6094
House Bill No.

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

AN ACT
REGULATING THE USE OF FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippine in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Facial Recognition Technology
Regulation Act”.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ It is the policy of the State to protect its citizens from
present or future technology that may pose a risk to their right to privacy and may be
detrimental to their well-being. To this end, measures should be taken to ensure that innovative
technology such as, but not limited to facial recognition, shall be regulated and be used only
for the safety and security of all citizens.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:

a. Biometrics — is a technological and scientific authentication method based on biology
and used in information assurance (1A);

b. Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) — any software or system typically used to
identify or verify the identity of a person from a digital image or a set of facial features
stored in a database.

Sec. 4. Limitation on the Development, Sale, and Distribution of Facial Recognition
Technology. — No company or entity shall develop, sell, or otherwise distribute any facial
recognition (FRT) software in the Philippines without authorization and accreditation from the
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Sec. 5. Limitation on the Use of FRT. — Law enforcement agencies and duly authorized
safety and security firms shall utilize FRT solely for profiling, identifying and locating law
offenders and fugitives. In any case, the subject shall always be informed that his or her
biometrics are being taken.


Sec. 6. Use of FRT By Private Companies. ~ Private companies such as, but not limited
to banks, pawnshops and other financial institutions or such other similar businesses may
utilize FRT to secure and help facilitate its business transactions with clients: Provided, That
said private companies register the FRT hardware and software with the DICT: Provided
‘further, That private companies utilizing FRT to facilitate business transactions with clients
shall offer other options that said clients may utilize other than FRT to facilitate transacting
business with them.

Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ The Department of Information and
Communication Technology (DICT) in coordination with the National Privacy Commission
shall come up with the implementing rules and regulations for the proper implementation of
this Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision or part hereof, is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain
valid and subsisting.

Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. ~ Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order,
letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or is inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

Sec. 10. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,