MANILA — The Department of Health on Thursday defended the use of coronavirus contact tracing app StaySafe, saying it is only an aid to on-ground tracking of persons exposed to confirmed COVID-19 cases.

This after former Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) undersecretary Eliseo Rio Jr. raised concerns over the use of StaySafe, saying there was no technical vetting done on the technology.

• READ: Gov't tightens leash on PH contact tracing app after ex-DICT official sounds alarm

During a televised briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire pointed out that the app, developed and powered by Multisys Technology Corporation, is one of the applications approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force and the National Task Force for the country’s COVID-19 Response.

“It provides health tips, including reminders on social distancing and what to do in case you have symptoms. And it also aids in contact tracing through the information it collects regarding the location of its users,” she said.

“However, as an exposure notification application, it is only an aid to contact tracing. And it is not meant to replace it completely as contact tracing relies on active case finding on the ground in close collaboration with our local government units,” Vergeire added.

Contact tracing refers to the process of tracking all the direct contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases to ensure that they are not carriers of the virus.

Vergeire did not discuss other concerns Rio aired. He had said he was forced to resign because he questioned the app.

• READ: Rio says he was eased out of DICT after questioning contact-tracing app deal

Following Rio's revelations on social media, Malacañang assured the public that tighter security measures would be implemented on the app.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that the data it will collect will be stored in the government’s suveillance and contact tracing system COVID KAYA.

The IATF also ordered Multisys to enter into an agreement with the DOH and if it fails to meet the government’s demands, its data will be transferred to the DICT.