Fears allayed as PRRD signs National ID System

Malacañang assures the public has nothing to worry about when their personal informations consolidated in one database because there are laws that would protect their data.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the assurance as President Duterte signed the muchanticipated Philippine ID Sys-

tem (PhilSys) in Malacañang Monday afternoon.

Roque, in his Monday press briefing, expressed confidence that the PhilSys would pass the test of constitutionality.

"I would like to assure the people that unlike the national ID bill which was earlier declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court because in Ople v Executive Secretary, there were no safeguards to protect the database, this time around, there is a privacy law and in the law itself, it specified that the government has the obligation to promote the data gathered because of the national ID system," Roque explained.

"That's why we are confident that this time around it will pass the test of constitutionality," he added.

"As we all know, the President is averse to bureaucratic red tape. Through PhilSys, we hope to improve efficiency and transparency of public services and promote ease of doing business," he noted.

"The Palace is pleased that millions of Filipinos will soon enjoy the benefits of the Philippine Identification System Act," Roque said. Under the PhilSys, Filipinos would no longer have to present or carry multiple IDs to prove his identity.

"For the ordinary Juan de la Cruz, the signing of this Act means that he will no longer have to present multiple identification cards simply to prove his identity," he said.

Aside from this, having a national ID system would help strengthen the national security and prevent a person's identity from being stolen.

"This will, number one, promote national security po because we will have a database of all Filipinos," Roque said.

"Number 2, this will prevent identity theft. Alam niyo naman po ngayon isa sa pinakamalaking problema natin 'yung identity theft nanangyayari lalong-lalo na sa Internet (Identity theft is one of our biggest problems, especially over the Internet)," he added.

Right to privacy protected Senate minority leader Franklin Drilon, the principal author of the PhilSys Act said, “This landmark legislation is meant to ensure efficient delivery of service and ease transactions with government agencies. I wish to thank the President for signing it into law.”

Drilon reiterated the new law would not affect data privacy as the pertinent provisions of the Data Privacy Act would still apply.

“We have provided enough safeguards to protect the individual’s right to privacy and to prevent unscrupulous persons from accessing confidential information,” Drilon stressed.

Under the Philsys, a Common Reference Number (CRN) will be given to all Filipinos containing essential information such as full name, address, date and place of birth, sex, civil status, signature, CRN and date of card issuance, along with a recent photo.

The CRN/ID can be used by a citizen in its transactions with all branches of the government, thereby making it more convenient for Filipinos to avail of government services.

The ID will also be honored when transacting with private institutions, like banks.

Filipinos living and working overseas abroad can register at the embassy or consular offices in their countries of location to get their assigned CRN.

The application for the ID system is free, Drilon said “as part of the government’s social responsibility.”

Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito said he is confident the law will boost the country’s efforts to deter criminality and terrorism.

Sen. Francis Escudero also commended the President for finally signing the measure into law.

“I support this law and commend the President for finally seeing it through after two administrations failed to do so,” Escudero said.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, for his part, said he will push for a bigger budget for the implementation of the national ID system when the Senate starts deliberation on the proposed 2019 national budget.

Lacson said there is a budget allocated for the law but the Department of Budget and Management only proposed a mere 12 billion for the national ID law under the 2019 budget.

PhilSys Council The proposed Filipino Identification System will consolidate all governmentissued ID systems into one to improve government services and limit red tape in government transactions. It is also seen to lower costs, streamline transactions, and provide ease and convenience.

The idea of having a national ID system was first proposed during the time of former President Fidel Ramos in 1996 through Administrative Order 308 but was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court (SC).

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will spearhead the PhilSys Policy and Coordination Council (PSPCC) which will oversee the implementation of the PhilSys. (With a report from Hannah L. Torregoza)