Business tycoon bats for national ID system
In the last few months, we have seen how technology has facilitated rapid growth of digital finance, telemedicine, e-commerce and even education and employee training
Ayala Corporation chief executive officer Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala has called on Congress to legislate a national ID system, saying this is key component in enabling digital engagement and would help the economy recover from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.
Ayala made this remark during a forum entitled “Build Back Better: Economic Resilience After COVID-19” before the House Committee on Economic Affairs on Thursday.
“In the last few months, we have seen how technology has facilitated rapid growth of digital finance, telemedicine, e-commerce and even education and employee training,” he said.
“We support (National Economic and Development and Development Authority) Secretary Karl Chua’s belief that the planned national ID can transform how public and private sector services can be accessed and delivered,” he added.
He said banking transactions and other contactless payments would be easier if an ID system is in place.
Ayala also cited the need to expand internet services and stressed the need for development of digital infrastructures.
NEDA Secretary Chua earlier said the acceleration of Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) would unlock the country’s digital economy’s potential and in the country’s transition to the new normal.
Chua also said digital identity is the fabric of the digital economy that is why it is imperative to provide a trusted digital identity platform on which the rest of the other digital systems under the new normal would be anchored.
“The vast majority of our country is still unbanked. I think the national ID is a key component to allow banking to take place at a lower economic levels in our society. If we can get that goal, if Congress can be helpful… If we can make that happen it would go such a long way in creating the digital infrastructures that we need,” Ayala said.
“Anything all of you can do in Congress to facilitate this, to make this happen, I would strongly support,” he added.
Slowly recovering
During the forum, Ayala has told the committee that foot traffic in malls are slowly recovering.
“Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen foot traffic slowly recovering and we’ve been learning quickly about the changing preferences of Filipino shoppers during difficult time.”
He said major mall operators have heightened health and security measures, while innovating on ways to address customers’ needs the safest and most efficient ways possible.
But despite all efforts he said there is still need to rebuild consumer confidence as he said many still fear going to the malls. He said renewed consumer confidence will help encourage increased economic activities.
Support
He said the private sector is one with the government in mitigating the impact of COVID-19.
According to him, the private sector has assisted over 14 million individuals suffering due to COVID-19.
He added COVID-19 testing capacity for COVID-19 has increased 17 times from March 2020 to July 2020 due to the partnership between government and private sector.
Ayala said he supports President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to appoint czars for isolation, contact tracing and treatment. The newly appointed czars are Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega, respectively.