Rama authorized to enter MOA with CICC

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Council has authorized Mayor Michael Rama to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) for cooperation and collaboration to formalize the conduct of Cyber Patrol Awareness Campaign.

The resolution sponsored by Councilor Phillip Zafra was recently approved by the council.

Zafra said the CICC, an inter-agency body duly created by virtue of R.A. No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, intends to collaborate and cooperate with the city government.

It is mandated to coordinate the efforts of local government units and the business sector, including social media platforms, in cybercrime prevention programs, and other related purposes.

“Numerous false and misleading posts and content which cause violations of health and safety protocols, and community quarantine guidelines have been proliferating through various social media platforms,” said Zafra.

“The parties recognizes that there is a need to adapt an appropriate digital governance and adherence to proper cyber risk management to ensure the proper implementation of the country's efforts in implementing vital services combatting the COVID-19 Pandemic, as well as, to address the growing concerns against all forms of cybercrime incidents,” he said.

There is a draft agreement to formalize the understanding between the city government and the CICC for their coordination and cooperation in the conduct of CICC Cyber Patrol Awareness Campaign.

A draft MOA for this purpose was referred to the City Legal Office (CLO) for review and recommendation.

“After a careful study and evaluation of the same draft agreement, it was observed by this Office that the provisions of the agreement

are in order and complies with basic legal requirements of a written agreement,” read Contract Review No. 2022-051.

 “Likewise, the contents thereof are in accordance with law, and not contrary to morals, good customs, public order or public policy,” it added.

Article I of the MOA states that both the city government and CICC agree to share and exchange information relating to cybercrime, and other criminal acts which may arise from false and/or misleading information or content published and/or online or through other virtual or digital means.

They also agree to assist each other in the prevention, suppression, and prosecution of the activities mentioned in the preceding provision, and to assist each other in coordinating with the necessary entities for the removal of the aforementioned false and/or misleading information or content. — FPL (FREEMAN)