The use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) is generally legal in the Philippines. There are no specific laws that ban the possession or use of VPN technology for legitimate purposes. The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10175) outlines various cyber offenses, such as illegal access and data interference, but does not criminalize the use of VPNs themselves (1). Citizens and businesses freely use these tools to secure their internet connections and protect sensitive data without fear of prosecution.
Government agencies actively encourage the adoption of security measures that include encryption. The National Privacy Commission (NPC) provides guidelines for protecting personal data, especially in remote work scenarios. They highlight the importance of securing networks to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. In their bulletins, they recommend using a VPN when accessing the internet through public or unsecured connections to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of information (2).
"This setup, however, is not risk-free. Unauthorized access to and improper disposal of documents containing personal data due to unprotected home devices and physical files are just some of the potential dangers that come with it."
While VPNs are legal, using them to commit crimes remains illegal under Philippine law. The freedom to use encryption does not grant immunity for illicit activities like cyberstalking or fraud. Freedom House reports that while the internet is "Partly Free" and some websites are blocked, the government does not restrict the use of encryption tools (1). Thus, users can legally employ VPNs for privacy as long as they abide by the country’s cybercrime regulations.
Source:
https://freedomhouse.org/country/philippines/freedom-net/2024
https://privacy.gov.ph/npc-phe-bulletin-no-12-protecting-personal-data-in-a-work-from-home-arrangement/
Last updated: 14-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
