Section 23Sec./Art. 23

Systems Interconnectivity between Government Agencies. - Notwithstanding the provisions of Republic Act No. 10173, otherwise known as the "Data Privacy Act of 2012", the GPPB is hereby authorized to promulgate rules to ensure the interconnectivity of the following government databases:

(a) PhilGEPS in relation to the Government of the Philippine Official Merchants Registry (GOP-OMR);

(b) DTI on its database relating to business registration, list of all ongoing projects in public and private sector, and record of priority domestic goods and services;

(c) Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) on the CPES and the Philippine Contractors' Assessment Board (PCAB) on the licensing of contractors;

(d) All LGUs on their issuance of permits and licenses;

(e) Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on tax returns and clearance;

(f) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) on mandatory submissions of all registered enterprises and beneficial ownership information;

(g) Insurance Commission (IC) on the list of identified surety companies providing callable-on-demand surety contracts;

(h) Procuring Entities with established electronic procurement systems and websites on the status of projects, contracts, and performance of its respective winning bidders; and

(i) Other relevant government agencies, as may be determined by the GPPB;

Provided, That the GPPB shall coordinate with the DICT, PS-DBM, DTI, CLIAP, LGUs, BIR, SEC, CDA, IC, and other relevant government agencies to ensure the implementation of this Section: Provided, further, That at all times, the sharing of information between and among government agencies and instrumentalities shall protect trade secrets and promote competition.