AFTER 18-YEAR WAIT, NATIONAL ID SYSTEM GAINS HOUSE’S APPROVAL
Sen. Lacson says initial budget of P25B will be set to fund the ID system’s implementation this year
Initial funding of P25 billion will be needed to implement this year the National Identification System, Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Wednesday. He said that the “landmark legislation” had been stuck in both houses of Congress for about 18 years. The system will allow Government to collect pictures, fingerprints, iris scans, and other significant details about each citizen who signs up for the ID. But Lacson, a former Philippine National Police chief, said he didn’t think the national ID system would violate individual privacy.
The bicameral conference committee has approved the proposed National Identification (ID) system, Senator Panfilo Lacson said Wednesday, May 23.
Lacson said there will be an initial fund of P25 billion for its implementation this year.
“This is a landmark legislation. It’s been languishing in both houses for 18 years. All 109 million Filipinos should register and acquire our IDs,” Lacson said during an interview.
Lacson, who sponsored the measure and led the Senate panel in the bicameral committee, said the national ID system will help deter criminal and terrorist activities.
The measure authorizes the government to collate pictures, fingerprints, iris scan, family background and other significant details of each citizen.
It seeks to integrate and interconnect the various government issued IDs.
There were at least 33 different functional IDs issued by various government agencies. The National ID system will simplify everthing, Lacson said.
Lacson, a former Philippine National Police chief, maintained that the national ID system will not violate the privacy of an individual.
He said personal details will only be released upon the consent of the concerned individual.
This is a landmark legislation. It’s been languishing in both houses for 18 years. All 109 million Filipinos should register and acquire our IDs. SEN. PANFILO LACSON