PCL HUB PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: January 25, 2026

1. Introduction

The PCL Hub ("Platform"), operated for the Philippine Councilors League ("PCL," "we," "us," or "our"), is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our private, members-only platform accessible to verified incumbent and former councilors.

By creating an account and accessing the PCL Hub, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. This policy is an integral part of our Terms of Use.

2. Scope and Application

This Privacy Policy applies solely to information processed through the PCL Hub platform. It does not apply to information collected offline or through other channels maintained by the PCL.

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Information You Provide Directly:

• Account Information: Upon verification by the PCL National Secretariat, we collect and display your professional details, which may include: Full Name, Official Government Email Address, Contact Number, Official Portrait/Photo, Current/Past Elective Position, Local Government Unit (LGU), Legislative District, Regional and Provincial Chapter Affiliation, Committee Assignments, and User Type (Incumbent Councilor or Former Councilor/Alumni).

• Profile Information: Information you choose to add to your professional profile, such as educational background, areas of legislative expertise, and biography.

• User Content: All materials you post, upload, or share on the Platform, including forum posts, documents (ordinances, resolutions), comments, messages, and event registrations.

• Communications: Records of your communications with the PCL Secretariat, Platform administrators, and other members via the Platform's internal systems.

3.2 Information Collected Automatically:

• Usage Data: We collect log data related to your access and use of the Platform, including IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, features used, and timestamps. This is used for security, troubleshooting, and understanding platform engagement.

• Cookies and Similar Technologies: The Platform uses essential, session-based cookies strictly for core functionality, such as maintaining your login session, remembering your preferences (like language), and ensuring platform security. We do not use cookies for third-party advertising or behavioral tracking.

4. How We Use Your Information

Your information is used solely for the professional and administrative purposes of the Philippine Councilors League, including:

• To create, maintain, and secure your verified account.

• To facilitate networking and collaboration among members, including through the member directory and messaging systems.

• To administer the Platform's features, such as committees, forums, and document repositories.

• To send official PCL communications, announcements, and event information relevant to your membership.

• To verify your identity and user type to enforce appropriate access controls (e.g., differentiating between Incumbent and Former Councilor access).

• To maintain the security and integrity of the Platform, prevent fraud, and investigate any potential violations of our Terms of Use.

• To analyze aggregated, anonymized usage data to improve the Platform's performance, features, and user experience.

5. How We Share and Disclose Information

• With Other Verified Members: Your professional profile information (name, LGU, position, committees) is visible to other verified PCL Hub members to enable networking and collaboration, as intended by the Platform.

• User Content: Content you post in public forums or share within specific groups is visible to the members authorized to access those spaces.

• With Service Providers (Data Processors): We engage trusted third-party providers, such as GlobalTek Holdings Inc. (our technology partner) and our hosting infrastructure provider (DigitalOcean), to operate and maintain the Platform. These providers are bound by strict contractual obligations to handle your data securely and only as instructed by the PCL.

• For Legal and Safety Reasons: We may disclose information if required by Philippine law, a valid legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of the PCL, its members, or the public.

• We do not sell, rent, or lease your personal data to any third parties for commercial purposes. There are no third-party advertisers on the PCL Hub.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active and you remain a verified member or alumnus of the PCL, or as needed to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. You may request account deletion. We may retain certain information as required or permitted by Philippine law, for legitimate League administrative purposes, or to resolve disputes.

7. Your Rights Under the Philippine Data Privacy Act (RA 10173)

As a data subject, you have the following rights concerning your personal data:

• Right to Access: You may request details of the personal data we hold about you.

• Right to Correction: You may request correction of any inaccurate or incomplete data.

• Right to Erasure/Blocking: You may request the deletion or blocking of your personal data under certain conditions prescribed by law.

• Right to Data Portability: You may request a copy of your data in a structured, commonly used format.

• Right to Object: You may object to the processing of your personal data, including processing for direct marketing or legitimate interests.

• Right to Lodge a Complaint: You have the right to lodge a complaint with the National Privacy Commission (NPC).

To exercise any of these rights, please contact our designated Data Protection Officer (DPO) using the details in Section 10.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical, physical, and organizational security measures designed to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. These include encryption, secure server infrastructure, access controls, and regular security assessments. However, no electronic transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.

9. Children's Privacy

The PCL Hub is a professional platform strictly for verified adult members of the Philippine Councilors League. We do not knowingly collect or solicit information from anyone under the age of 18. If we learn we have collected personal information from a minor, we will delete that information promptly.

10. Contact Information

For any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact:

The PCL Data Protection Officer (DPO)
c/o PCL National Secretariat
3rd Floor Dilg Building, Edsa, corner Mapagmahal Street, Diliman, Quezon City, 1100 Metro Manila
Email: pcl_dpo@gmail.com
Phone: +63.908.284.1646

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on the Platform and/or through official PCL communications. Your continued use of the Platform after such notification constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.