BACOLOD City – City Election Officer Mavil Sia said she won’t give copies of certificates of candidacy (COCs) to anyone unless they are authorized.
Sia stressed that the COCs are “confidential,” citing Republic Act 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
The local election officer disclosed that Edgar Cadagat – a media personality – has asked from her copies of COCs filed by members of Grupo Progreso, a local political group in Bacolod.
Cadagat, however, failed to indicate in his letter why he was asking for COC copies.
“We can only give the names. We are posting them,” Sia said.
She added that she will forward Cadagat’s letter to the Commission on Elections Region 6.
The regional office will decide what action will be taken, Sia said.
As of Monday, 18 individuals have filed their COCs in Bacolod – one for mayor, one for vice mayor, two for congressman, and 14 for councilor.
The last day of the filing period is tomorrow./PN
