Candidates vying for public office should be transparent about their mental health but their right to privacy should also be protected and upheld, a Palace official said Sunday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Gary Olivar gave a lukewarm response to calls by some groups for candidates to ascertain their sanity to occupy government posts, citing concerns such information might be exploited for political attacks.

“I acknowledge the existence and legitimacy of any concerns about the mental health of candidates, in general, not just this particular candidate.

But having said that, I would like to remind the people that there are also privacy rights,” Olivar said over government radio.

“I have reservations about breaking a person’s privacy right especially medical records. That’s private,” he added.

Olivar made the remarks after the release of an alleged psychiatric test on Liberal Party standard bearer Sen. Benigno Aquino III last week that triggered speculations he was unfit to occupy the presidency if he wins. (Genalyn Kabiling)