CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno said that Kagay-anons and non-residents of Cagayan de Oro need not worry about their bank accounts being hacked through the Higala App, as the application is in compliance with the Data Privacy Act or the Republic Act 10173.
Moreno clarified that the Higala App is to be used as a tool for contact tracing and vaccination program.
"I was just disappointed. Naay akong nadunggan nga radyo dinhi nga FM. Popular radio station. Dunay announcer nag-ingon nga nganong mag rehistro man mo sa Higala App nga ang inyong mga bank accounts mahilabtan," Moreno said.
"Kabugok ba gyud kaayo ana nga statement. Ang bank secrecy dili na mahilabtan. Dili sila magkapa-kapa og hatag ana nga statement nga kanang Higala App mahilabtan na dayon ang imong mga bank accounts," he added.
Moreno said he could not help react on the radio announcer's statement as it is false.
He also advised the other radio announcers and media reporters to make sure that their commentaries and reports are based on the truth.
"Please, pagtarong mo sa inyong komentaryo kay kini ato tinarong kining atong pag serbisyo," Moreno said.
The mayor said he is okay with the media criticizing him, adding that he will accept all criticisms lodged against him.
"Against sa ako, walay problema. I will let it pass. Pero against the work of the City Government, mo-react gud ko diha," Moreno said.
"Ayaw pagbuhat og istorya nga dili sakto," he added.
The Higala App, which is currently in its dry-run phase, is an app that collects personal information of clients and visitors to monitor foot traffic entering a certain service entity such as establishments and offices, among others.
The collected data will be used for emergency purposes, particularly for contact tracing and vaccination rollout, following the implementing rules and regulations of Data Privacy Act Rule V, Section 21 d.