Voters raise privacy concerns over display of personal information in polling precincts

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Voters in Iloilo raised privacy concerns as personal information is displayed outside polling precincts, prompting an investigation by the National Privacy Commission

ILOILO, Philippines — Some voters were concerned when their personal information — including full names, home addresses, and photos — were posted outside polling precincts, opening the possibility that these would also be published on social media.

On election day on May 12, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) was assailed of what these voters said was a possible violation of Republic Act No. 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012, the law which safeguards individual privacy rights by regulating the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information.

Section 3(g) of RA 10173 states that personal information refers to “any information, whether recorded in a material form or not, from which the identity of an individual is apparent or can be reasonably and directly ascertained by the entity holding the information, or when put together with other information would directly and certainly identify an individual.” 

This includes data such as a person’s full name, home address, email, and telephone number—details that, while not classified as sensitive personal information, still require proper handling and, in many cases, consent from the individual.

In Miagao, Iloilo, several voters felt uncomfortable seeing their personal details posted in public view at polling precincts.

“Even [though it was] done for voter verification, having my personal details openly displayed feels invasive on my privacy,” said Michelle, a dorm staff member and also a registered voter from the said municipality. She asked Rappler not to disclose her identity. “Strangers might misuse the info for scams, harassment, or identity theft or post [it on] social media and make fun of (anyone’s) pictures.” 

Jam, another university student who voted on election day and also requested anonymity, said the Comelec should have provided alternatives like letting solely the poll watchers handle security access.

“I feel that if the Comelec truly deems it necessary to include photos and addresses, access should be limited to election officers, as the information should only be used to verify a voter’s identity,” Jam said.

Meanwhile, the National Privacy Commission (NPC), the agency which oversees the implementation of the data privacy law, said it was investigating this issue. A report by ABS-CBN on Monday, May 19, quoted (NPC) Deputy Commissioner Jose S. Belarmino II confirming that the agency has started an investigation.

Belarmino also urged the public not to take or share photos of voters’ lists as it could lead to unauthorized data processing.

Meanwhile, lawyer Kchyrziahshayne Dyñelle Dinopol, a professor at the University of San Agustin College of Law in Iloilo, said that while the Data Privacy Act of 2012 aims to protect the fundamental right to privacy, it also recognizes specific exceptions.

She said that the publication of the list of voters is a requirement under the law, particularly, Section 23 of RA 3588, as amended. This specific part of the section reads as follows:

“Sec. 23. Publication of the Precinct List of Voters. — For the purpose of public information and reference only, thirty days before the day of a regular election and ten days before the day of special election, the election registration board shall furnish the candidates heads of the national political parties in the city, municipality or municipal district, the Provincial Central file and the Commission on Elections a copy of the certified list of the names and addresses of all the voters in each precinct of the city, municipality or municipal district.

The election registration board shall also furnish two certified copies of said precinct list to the poll clerk for posting in the polling place and for the use of the board of inspectors on election day.” 

This means, Dinopol said, that “the publication of voter’s personal information in the polling precinct is not a violation of RA 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012. While others may feel uncomfortable about seeing their photos, names, and other personal information outside the polling precinct, publication of this information is an essential part of the electoral proces.” Dinopol explained. 

Despite this, citizens still believed that these exceptions must still be guided by the principle of proportionality and the minimum necessary disclosure, ensuring that personal data is handled with care even within the context of legal obligations. — Rappler.com

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Jasmine Kris Caleza is a campus journalist from iWrite taking up BA Communication and Media Studies at the University of the Philippines Visayas. She is an Aries Rufo Fellowship candidate from April-May 2025.