Beyond Power Outages: The Cybersecurity Threat to the Electric Cooperatives in the Philippines and the Need for Data Privacy Awareness

Jaime Leonardo Robledo Bayobo; Richard Naje Monreal; Maksuda Sultana; Jenny Lyn Abamo

Jaime Leonardo Robledo Bayobo SGS, AMA University, Philippines
Richard Naje Monreal SGS, AMA University, Philippines
Maksuda Sultana SGS, AMA University, Philippines
Jenny Lyn Abamo SGS, AMA University, Philippines

Abstract

Purpose – The study explores the challenges faced by the 121 Electric Cooperatives in the Philippines in ensuring data privacy under Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Issues such as power outages and limited awareness of the DPA hinder the effective personal data protection for Member-Consumer-Owners (MCOs) and employees, despite the presence of Data Protection Officers (DPOs), which raises concerns about compliance with the law.

Method – Document analysis is used to examine data privacy challenges among the 121 Electric Cooperatives in the Philippines, drawing data from the National Privacy Commission (NPC), National Electrification Administration (NEA), and cooperative websites.

Results – A 2017 NEA memorandum urged electric cooperatives to comply with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA) and its regulations. While BENECO has implemented some measures, it lacks a designated DPO, a key requirement. In contrast, BATELEC II shows no clear evidence of DPA compliance on its website.

Conclusion – The study highlights the challenges Electric Cooperatives face in complying with the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Despite NEA’s directives, disparities exist, with some cooperatives like BENECO showing documented efforts while BATELEC II lacks transparency in its compliance.

Recommendations – The NPC should implement stricter enforcement mechanisms to ensure data privacy compliance by electric cooperatives. The NEA and NPC should collaborate on capacity-building programs to educate electric cooperatives on data privacy best practices and compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA).

Research Implications – Non-compliance with data privacy standards among electric cooperatives risks the personal information exposure of MCOs and employees. Addressing disparities through stronger enforcement and education is essential to data breach protection and prevention.

Author Biographies

Jaime Leonardo Robledo Bayobo, SGS, AMA University, Philippines

Jaime Leonardo Bayobo is a Database Administrator at Batangas II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BATELEC II). His expertise spans database management, software programming, debugging, and resolving program-related issues. He has successfully presented and implemented innovations that improved the overall operational processes of BATELEC II. Currently, he is leading the development of an integrated CRM, Billing, and Collection System for the cooperative. He is dedicated to leveraging technology to enhance organizational efficiency.

Richard Naje Monreal, SGS, AMA University, Philippines

Richard Naje Monreal is a Computer Engineering Professor at the Technological Institute of the Philippines, specializing in Information Technology. He has contributed to research in sentiment analysis, particularly focusing on educational pathways for senior high school students. His work includes developing frameworks for cyber threat intelligence sharing among colleges in Camarines Norte. Monreal's research interests encompass data analytics and decision support systems, aiming to enhance educational and technological infrastructures. He is dedicated to advancing the field of Information Technology through both teaching and research.

Maksuda Sultana, SGS, AMA University, Philippines

Dr. Maksuda Sultana is an Assistant Professor in the Computer Science Department at AMA University and Computer Colleges. She holds a Master of Science in Computer Science and a Doctorate in Information Technology. Her research interests include artificial intelligence and augmented reality. Dr. Sultana has contributed to the field through publications such as "A Deep Learning Algorithm for Mental Health Support using Artificial Intelligence," where she served as a research adviser. She is also recognized for her role in empowering the next generation of AI experts. Additionally, Dr. Sultana is among the 31 AMAES teachers who earned the CompTIA CySA+ Certification, demonstrating her commitment to advancing cybersecurity education.

Jenny Lyn Abamo, SGS, AMA University, Philippines

Dr. Jenny Lyn V. Abamo is a respected academic affiliated with the AMA Education System in the Philippines, holding a Doctorate in Information Technology (DIT). She is recognized for her expertise in intelligent systems, data mining, and the development of cloud-based quality assurance models for higher education institutions. Among her notable works are predictive models for faculty selection using machine learning and innovative approaches to institutional quality assurance. In addition to her research, Dr. Abamo actively mentors graduate students and contributes to advancing IT education through her role at AMA University. Her dedication to academic excellence and innovation reflects her commitment to enhancing the educational landscape in the Philippines.