Thursday, May 24, 2018
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Lacson: National ID system in place by June
By HANNAH TORREGOZA
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson yesterday confirmed that the bicameral conference committee has approved the proposed law establishing a Philippine Identification System.
Lacson, chair of the Senate committee on public order and author and sponsor of the bill, said the House of Representatives agreed to adopt the Senate version “with minor amendments.”
The bicam approved the final version of the measure on Tuesday night.
“The House contingent just wanted to remove the word ‘foundational’ and ‘functional’. It has been removed. But the content, the substance, foundational pa rin,” Lacson told reporters in an interview.
“Remember that during our floor deliberations, there are only two important questions that need to be answered: Who are you? And are you who you claim to be?”
“So the other additional requirements are no longer important because after all, we have these functional IDs that can be used to back up your national ID,” he said.
The national ID will serve as legal proof of identity for multiple purposes and will be a non-transferable card containing the very basic demographic and biometric data of every Filipino citizen and resident alien.
Holders of a PhilID can present these in their transactions whether in government agencies and or private institutions.
“For example, when you go to a bank, or Pag-IBIG, or LTO (Land Transportation Office), all you have to do is show your ID and or your number. They can easily check either online or offline if you really are the one in the ID. So the transactions would be faster, whether it’s with government, public or private,” he added.
Once the enrolled bill has been ratified by both houses of Congress, the measure will immediately be transmitted to Malacañang for President Duterte’s approval.
“It must be signed within 30 days. If he does not sign it in 30 days, it will lapse into law. So, give or take by June end or before end of June, this is already a law,” he said.
Lacson said he hopes that President Duterte will report on the national ID law in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) set in the last Monday of July.
“I hope so. This is a landmark legislation. It’s been languishing in both Houses for 18 years. This was controversial during the time of then President Fidel V. Ramos because it was struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional simply because it needs to be legislated and an executive order is insufficient,” the senator pointed out.
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson yesterday confirmed that the bicameral conference committee has approved the proposed law establishing a Philippine Identification System.
Lacson, chair of the Senate committee on public order and author and sponsor of the bill, said the House of Representatives agreed to adopt the Senate version “with minor amendments.”
The bicam approved the final version of the measure on Tuesday night.
“The House contingent just wanted to remove the word ‘foundational’ and ‘functional’. It has been removed. But the content, the substance, foundational pa rin,” Lacson told reporters in an interview.
“Remember that during our floor deliberations, there are only two important questions that need to be answered: Who are you? And are you who you claim to be?”
“So the other additional requirements are no longer important because after all, we have these functional IDs that can be used to back up your national ID,” he said.
The national ID will serve as legal proof of identity for multiple purposes and will be a non-transferable card containing the very basic demographic and biometric data of every Filipino citizen and resident alien.
Holders of a PhilID can present these in their transactions whether in government agencies and or private institutions.
“For example, when you go to a bank, or Pag-IBIG, or LTO (Land Transportation Office), all you have to do is show your ID and or your number. They can easily check either online or offline if you really are the one in the ID. So the transactions would be faster, whether it’s with government, public or private,” he added.
Once the enrolled bill has been ratified by both houses of Congress, the measure will immediately be transmitted to Malacañang for President Duterte’s approval.
“It must be signed within 30 days. If he does not sign it in 30 days, it will lapse into law. So, give or take by June end or before end of June, this is already a law,” he said.
Lacson said he hopes that President Duterte will report on the national ID law in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) set in the last Monday of July.
“I hope so. This is a landmark legislation. It’s been languishing in both Houses for 18 years. This was controversial during the time of then President Fidel V. Ramos because it was struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional simply because it needs to be legislated and an executive order is insufficient,” the senator pointed out.
Bicam panel approves natl ID bill
The bicameral conference committee has approved the proposed Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) bill, which will allow the government to collect each individual’s demographic data and biometrics information, a lawmaker said on Thursday.
Rep. Alfredo Garbin of Ako Bicol party-list, a member of the bicameral panel that reconciled the House and Senate versions of the measure, noted that the bill is expected to be ratified this afternoon.
Under the bill, the government will be authorized to issue a card as well as collect and store demographic data of the public, including full name, sex, date of birth, blood type, address and status as to whether a person is a Filipino citizen or a resident alien.
The measure also authorizes the government to collect biometrics information, including individuals’ front facing photograph, full set of fingerprints, iris sen and other identifiable features as may be determined by the Implementing Rules and Regulations.
The collection of data on marital status, mobile number and email address, however, is optional.
“All the data that will be registered under the PhilSys will be absolutely confidential. Likewise, the issuance of any information without consent of the registered person has penal provisions,” Garbin pointed out.
In case of visual or physical impairment that renders the capturing of the biometrics information of the person impossible, biometrics exceptions will be allowed by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Rep. Karlo Nograles of Davao City, chairman of the House appropriations panel, welcomed the passage of the National ID System.
“This new ID is designed to replace all other government-issued identification cards so that we would only have to carry just one card for all our transactions. This will save the cardholder and the government itself time and money from having to deal with multiple ID cards,” Nograles, who is eyeing a P2-billion budget for the measure, said in a statement.
“It is comforting that the government is on its way to enforcing a law that will augment our existing security mechanisms,” he added.
But for Rep. Arlene Brosas of Gabriela party-list, the PhilSys is a systematic attack on people’s freedom and privacy.
“This is a devious tactic to spy on critics and keep tabs on citizens. Threats to life and basic freedoms are real under status quo, and these threats are elevated several notches higher with the national ID [system],” Brosas said in a statement.
“Putting all of people’s information in one database puts everyone at risk. It will be lotto’s grand prize for online criminals and identity theft,” she added.
On top of a possible breach, the proposed ID system will exclude and disenfranchise marginalized sectors, including indigenous communities, which could have no means to register themselves under the system.
“The presence of [such system] will not answer people’s lack of access to services simply because the government continues to fail in providing these services in the first place,” Brosas said.
Rep. Alfredo Garbin of Ako Bicol party-list, a member of the bicameral panel that reconciled the House and Senate versions of the measure, noted that the bill is expected to be ratified this afternoon.
Under the bill, the government will be authorized to issue a card as well as collect and store demographic data of the public, including full name, sex, date of birth, blood type, address and status as to whether a person is a Filipino citizen or a resident alien.
The measure also authorizes the government to collect biometrics information, including individuals’ front facing photograph, full set of fingerprints, iris sen and other identifiable features as may be determined by the Implementing Rules and Regulations.
The collection of data on marital status, mobile number and email address, however, is optional.
“All the data that will be registered under the PhilSys will be absolutely confidential. Likewise, the issuance of any information without consent of the registered person has penal provisions,” Garbin pointed out.
In case of visual or physical impairment that renders the capturing of the biometrics information of the person impossible, biometrics exceptions will be allowed by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Rep. Karlo Nograles of Davao City, chairman of the House appropriations panel, welcomed the passage of the National ID System.
“This new ID is designed to replace all other government-issued identification cards so that we would only have to carry just one card for all our transactions. This will save the cardholder and the government itself time and money from having to deal with multiple ID cards,” Nograles, who is eyeing a P2-billion budget for the measure, said in a statement.
“It is comforting that the government is on its way to enforcing a law that will augment our existing security mechanisms,” he added.
But for Rep. Arlene Brosas of Gabriela party-list, the PhilSys is a systematic attack on people’s freedom and privacy.
“This is a devious tactic to spy on critics and keep tabs on citizens. Threats to life and basic freedoms are real under status quo, and these threats are elevated several notches higher with the national ID [system],” Brosas said in a statement.
“Putting all of people’s information in one database puts everyone at risk. It will be lotto’s grand prize for online criminals and identity theft,” she added.
On top of a possible breach, the proposed ID system will exclude and disenfranchise marginalized sectors, including indigenous communities, which could have no means to register themselves under the system.
“The presence of [such system] will not answer people’s lack of access to services simply because the government continues to fail in providing these services in the first place,” Brosas said.
CCP celebrates 86th death anniversary of Huseng Batute
A special production by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) titled “Pagbabalik Tanaw Sa Unang Hari Ng Balagtasan” commemorates the 86th death anniversary of Jose Corazon de Jesus. It’s on May 26 at the Huseng Batute Theater, a black box intended for experimental performances, which was named after the Filipino poet’s pen name Huseng Batute. CCP Pres. Nick Lizaso, a relative of the famous poet, said the event is free and open to the public.
Batute, who was born on Nov. 22, 1894, wrote his “Buhay Maynila” column in verse for the Taliba newspaper for 10 years. His poems were published in six books: “Mga Dahong Ginto,” “Gloria,” “Mga Itinapon Ng Kapalaran,” “Sa Dakong Silangan,” “Ilaw Sa Kapitbahay” and “Maruming Basahan.” He also penned lyrics for songs, most of which were kundimans. He translated the song “Nuestra Patria” into “Bayan Ko,” considered the second (unofficial) national anthem of the country.
Batute also excelled in performing in the “balagtasan,” named after Francisco Balagtas who also wrote “Florante At Laura” and “Orosman At Zafira.” It is a Filipino literary form of debate where rhymed verses were created in spontaneity under topics ranging from politics to culture.
“Pagbabalik Tanaw Sa Unang Hari Ng Balagtasan” is in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Bulacan. It will be hosted by awarded writer and performing artist Vim Nadera and Louise O. Lopez.
• • •
Sexier than ever
Jennylyn Mercado’s sexiness is in full view on Instagram, where she posted this photo taken on Balesin Island. Why, even her colleagues Mikee Quintos, Nar Cabico and Yasmien Kurdi couldn’t help but express their admiration. As of this writing, the photo has racked up 200,000 likes.
Jennylyn is one of the lead stars of the Kapuso Primetime series “The Cure” co-starring Tom Rodriguez. The character she plays wants to find out how someone gets infected even if he isn’t bitten by a zombie with the Monkey Virus Disease.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 24, go to Darren Espanto, Michael de Mesa, Mila Baylon, Susan Alonte, Susan Laudico, Ma. Lourdes Blanco, Ma. Victoria Aurelio, Sharon Samarista, and Susan Enriquez of GMA Network’s “Unang Hirit”…May 25: Ms. Beth Day Romulo, Tacloban Mayor Cristina Gonzalez-Romualdez, Alma Moreno, George Sison, Bechay Nakpil, France Bonnin, Bobbit Avila, Anessa Fiona Caalim, Willy Baranda, Loida Navarro Bernardez, Anita Magsaysay, Rosette Siongco, and Gelli de Belen…
Batute, who was born on Nov. 22, 1894, wrote his “Buhay Maynila” column in verse for the Taliba newspaper for 10 years. His poems were published in six books: “Mga Dahong Ginto,” “Gloria,” “Mga Itinapon Ng Kapalaran,” “Sa Dakong Silangan,” “Ilaw Sa Kapitbahay” and “Maruming Basahan.” He also penned lyrics for songs, most of which were kundimans. He translated the song “Nuestra Patria” into “Bayan Ko,” considered the second (unofficial) national anthem of the country.
Batute also excelled in performing in the “balagtasan,” named after Francisco Balagtas who also wrote “Florante At Laura” and “Orosman At Zafira.” It is a Filipino literary form of debate where rhymed verses were created in spontaneity under topics ranging from politics to culture.
“Pagbabalik Tanaw Sa Unang Hari Ng Balagtasan” is in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Bulacan. It will be hosted by awarded writer and performing artist Vim Nadera and Louise O. Lopez.
• • •
Sexier than ever
Jennylyn Mercado’s sexiness is in full view on Instagram, where she posted this photo taken on Balesin Island. Why, even her colleagues Mikee Quintos, Nar Cabico and Yasmien Kurdi couldn’t help but express their admiration. As of this writing, the photo has racked up 200,000 likes.
Jennylyn is one of the lead stars of the Kapuso Primetime series “The Cure” co-starring Tom Rodriguez. The character she plays wants to find out how someone gets infected even if he isn’t bitten by a zombie with the Monkey Virus Disease.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 24, go to Darren Espanto, Michael de Mesa, Mila Baylon, Susan Alonte, Susan Laudico, Ma. Lourdes Blanco, Ma. Victoria Aurelio, Sharon Samarista, and Susan Enriquez of GMA Network’s “Unang Hirit”…May 25: Ms. Beth Day Romulo, Tacloban Mayor Cristina Gonzalez-Romualdez, Alma Moreno, George Sison, Bechay Nakpil, France Bonnin, Bobbit Avila, Anessa Fiona Caalim, Willy Baranda, Loida Navarro Bernardez, Anita Magsaysay, Rosette Siongco, and Gelli de Belen…
With Digong’s blessing ‘Bato’ will join politics
BUREAU of Corrections (BuCor) Director Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has admitted he is inclined to joining politics.
In a chance interview at the Senate, Dela Rosa said he is 50% convinced about running for a position next elections.
“Nakaka-engganyo rin eh, tao lang tayo, tao ka lang naman, that’s normal na human instinct na matutuwa ka na merong tao o grupo ng mga tao na gustong patakbuhin ka. So ibig sabihin meron ka pang pwedeng ma-contribute,” said Dela Rosa.
The former Philippine Natiinal Police (PNP) chief added that his interest in joining politics was somehow influenced by unknown supporters, particularly those who put up the huge tarpaulin on EDSA egging him to seek public office.
But Dela Rosa stressed that the biggest encouragement to finally join the race will come from President Rodrigo Duterte.
“I am open to everything. I am open, sabihin ni Presidente na wag ka sa Senate, dun ka sa Davao Sur na mag-governor so dun ako, sabihin niya na wag ka tumakbo sa pulitika magtrabaho ka muna sa BuCor then tuloy tuloy ako kahit sa’n,” he said.
In case he ends up in the Senate, Dela Rosa wants to pass laws involving safety and security, including the reimposition of death penalty for illegal drug offenders, national ID system as well as doing away with prepaid cellphone use.
“Isang taon nang tinatanong sa akin eh, dapat prepared ka nang sumagot baka naman sabihin nila (na)paka-bobo nitong, si Bato walang alam na gagawin sa Senado kung maging senador,” said Dela Rosa when asked why he already has plans if he becomes a lawmaker.
The government official further said that his family does not want him to join politics, but his final decision would still depend on the order of the President.
“Malaki utang na loob ko sa kanya (Pangulong Duterte), there’s no Bato without Digong,” he said.
In a chance interview at the Senate, Dela Rosa said he is 50% convinced about running for a position next elections.
“Nakaka-engganyo rin eh, tao lang tayo, tao ka lang naman, that’s normal na human instinct na matutuwa ka na merong tao o grupo ng mga tao na gustong patakbuhin ka. So ibig sabihin meron ka pang pwedeng ma-contribute,” said Dela Rosa.
The former Philippine Natiinal Police (PNP) chief added that his interest in joining politics was somehow influenced by unknown supporters, particularly those who put up the huge tarpaulin on EDSA egging him to seek public office.
But Dela Rosa stressed that the biggest encouragement to finally join the race will come from President Rodrigo Duterte.
“I am open to everything. I am open, sabihin ni Presidente na wag ka sa Senate, dun ka sa Davao Sur na mag-governor so dun ako, sabihin niya na wag ka tumakbo sa pulitika magtrabaho ka muna sa BuCor then tuloy tuloy ako kahit sa’n,” he said.
In case he ends up in the Senate, Dela Rosa wants to pass laws involving safety and security, including the reimposition of death penalty for illegal drug offenders, national ID system as well as doing away with prepaid cellphone use.
“Isang taon nang tinatanong sa akin eh, dapat prepared ka nang sumagot baka naman sabihin nila (na)paka-bobo nitong, si Bato walang alam na gagawin sa Senado kung maging senador,” said Dela Rosa when asked why he already has plans if he becomes a lawmaker.
The government official further said that his family does not want him to join politics, but his final decision would still depend on the order of the President.
“Malaki utang na loob ko sa kanya (Pangulong Duterte), there’s no Bato without Digong,” he said.
Bicam approves PHL ID system bill
The bicameral conference committee approved Tuesday night the bill seeking to establish the Philippine Identification System.
Senator Panfilo Lacson said the bicam-approved version of the bill does not differ much from the version approved by the Senate.
"Not much difference. In fact substantially, the HOR (House of Representatives) adopted the Senate version," Lacson said in a text message to GMA News Online Wednesday.
He expressed hope that the reconciled version will be ratified by both Senate and House before Monday so it can be signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Malacañang welcomed the development.
"That’s good news! It’s a priority administration bill," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a message to reporters.
Senate bill
The Senate-approved bill seeks to harmonize, integrate, and interconnect the countless and redundant government IDs, around 33, by establishing a single national identification system to be known as the Philippine Identification System or PhilSys.
Unlike policies in the past which were bereft of security measures, the proposed bill will plug the loopholes and provide better safeguards.
Under the bill, PhilSys will have three key components: the PhilSys Number or PSN, the PhilID, and the PhilSys Registry.
With a foundational ID, which shall serve as a legal proof of identity for multiple purposes, possibilities for more functions without the need for limitless data will be opened.
“The bill will allow every Filipino and resident alien of the country to be identified with the use of a PhilSys Number or PSN, a randomly generated, unique and permanent identification number which shall be the standard number assigned to each individual to be incorporated in all identification systems of government agencies,” Lacson earlier said.
The PhilID will be a non-transferable card containing on its face the PSN, full name, facial image, date of birth, address and fingerprints of the individual.
Under the proposed measure, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is mandated to act as the PhilSys Registry, a repository and custodian of all data including the PSN, registered records, and information of all persons registered in the PhilSys.
The bill also creates a PhilSys Policy and Coordination Council (PSPCC), with the mandate to formulate policies and guidelines to ensure effective coordination and implementation of the PhilSys.
Lacson said an important feature of this proposed legislation was the concept of authentication or the process of verifying, whether online or offline, the identity of an individual against the registry information in the PhilSys or PhilID. — with Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News
Senator Panfilo Lacson said the bicam-approved version of the bill does not differ much from the version approved by the Senate.
"Not much difference. In fact substantially, the HOR (House of Representatives) adopted the Senate version," Lacson said in a text message to GMA News Online Wednesday.
He expressed hope that the reconciled version will be ratified by both Senate and House before Monday so it can be signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Malacañang welcomed the development.
"That’s good news! It’s a priority administration bill," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a message to reporters.
Senate bill
The Senate-approved bill seeks to harmonize, integrate, and interconnect the countless and redundant government IDs, around 33, by establishing a single national identification system to be known as the Philippine Identification System or PhilSys.
Unlike policies in the past which were bereft of security measures, the proposed bill will plug the loopholes and provide better safeguards.
Under the bill, PhilSys will have three key components: the PhilSys Number or PSN, the PhilID, and the PhilSys Registry.
With a foundational ID, which shall serve as a legal proof of identity for multiple purposes, possibilities for more functions without the need for limitless data will be opened.
“The bill will allow every Filipino and resident alien of the country to be identified with the use of a PhilSys Number or PSN, a randomly generated, unique and permanent identification number which shall be the standard number assigned to each individual to be incorporated in all identification systems of government agencies,” Lacson earlier said.
The PhilID will be a non-transferable card containing on its face the PSN, full name, facial image, date of birth, address and fingerprints of the individual.
Under the proposed measure, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is mandated to act as the PhilSys Registry, a repository and custodian of all data including the PSN, registered records, and information of all persons registered in the PhilSys.
The bill also creates a PhilSys Policy and Coordination Council (PSPCC), with the mandate to formulate policies and guidelines to ensure effective coordination and implementation of the PhilSys.
Lacson said an important feature of this proposed legislation was the concept of authentication or the process of verifying, whether online or offline, the identity of an individual against the registry information in the PhilSys or PhilID. — with Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News
Proposed ID system free from constitutional issues
By Ben Rosario
The bicameral panel tasked to fine-tune the Senate and House of Representatives versions of the proposed Filipino Identification System has assured the constitutionality of the measure.
Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin, a member of the House contingent in the bicameral panel, said the consolidated version of the measure was approved Tuesday, with voting for ratification scheduled last night.
“We don’t see any problem with the constitutionality of the provisions in the bill,” Garbin said, saying that this the assurance of the panel.
He recalled that the national ID system that was implemented during the administration of former President Fidel V. Ramos was struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional for containing budgetary provisions that did not pass Congress.
The bicameral panel agreed to adopt mostly the provisions in the Senate version but the Lower House provided the list of personal information to be that will have to be given by the applicant.
Under the approved bill, the following information shall be provided by the holder of the identification card: full name; sex, date of birth, place of birth, blood type, address and biometric information that will include photograph and full set of fingerprints.
Marital status and mobile or other contact numbers are optional information.
Applicants will undergo an iris scan which can be a vital replacement in case the holder loses or fails to bring the ID to transact government business.
The House version consolidated 19 different bills , including those authored by Reps. Arnolfo Teves Jr. (PDP-Laban, Negros Oriental); Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
(PDP-Laban, Pampanga); Maximo Rodriguez (PDP-Lban, Cagayan de Oro City); Gary Alejano (Magdalo Partylist); Rozzano Rufino Biazon (PDP-Laban, Paranaque City); Sol Aragones (NPC,Laguna) and Garbin.
The Filipino Identification System mandates all Filipino citizens, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, to register personal data to be included in the National Identification Database System upon reaching 18 years old.
A national ID shall be issued the citizen and this will serve as the principal identification in dealing with government agencies.
The bill imposes stiff penalties of imprisonment and fine against persons found guilty of using false information or for procuring a card through fraud and utilizes it in legitimate transactions.
Garbin said the Philippine Statistics Administration will take the lead in promulgating the rules and regulations of the measure. It will coordinate with the National Privacy Commission, Department of Information and Communications Technology and other relevant government agencies.
Garbin said budget for the implementation of the national ID system may reach billions of pesos but will be proposed by the PSA.
The bicameral panel tasked to fine-tune the Senate and House of Representatives versions of the proposed Filipino Identification System has assured the constitutionality of the measure.
Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin, a member of the House contingent in the bicameral panel, said the consolidated version of the measure was approved Tuesday, with voting for ratification scheduled last night.
“We don’t see any problem with the constitutionality of the provisions in the bill,” Garbin said, saying that this the assurance of the panel.
He recalled that the national ID system that was implemented during the administration of former President Fidel V. Ramos was struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional for containing budgetary provisions that did not pass Congress.
The bicameral panel agreed to adopt mostly the provisions in the Senate version but the Lower House provided the list of personal information to be that will have to be given by the applicant.
Under the approved bill, the following information shall be provided by the holder of the identification card: full name; sex, date of birth, place of birth, blood type, address and biometric information that will include photograph and full set of fingerprints.
Marital status and mobile or other contact numbers are optional information.
Applicants will undergo an iris scan which can be a vital replacement in case the holder loses or fails to bring the ID to transact government business.
The House version consolidated 19 different bills , including those authored by Reps. Arnolfo Teves Jr. (PDP-Laban, Negros Oriental); Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
(PDP-Laban, Pampanga); Maximo Rodriguez (PDP-Lban, Cagayan de Oro City); Gary Alejano (Magdalo Partylist); Rozzano Rufino Biazon (PDP-Laban, Paranaque City); Sol Aragones (NPC,Laguna) and Garbin.
The Filipino Identification System mandates all Filipino citizens, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, to register personal data to be included in the National Identification Database System upon reaching 18 years old.
A national ID shall be issued the citizen and this will serve as the principal identification in dealing with government agencies.
The bill imposes stiff penalties of imprisonment and fine against persons found guilty of using false information or for procuring a card through fraud and utilizes it in legitimate transactions.
Garbin said the Philippine Statistics Administration will take the lead in promulgating the rules and regulations of the measure. It will coordinate with the National Privacy Commission, Department of Information and Communications Technology and other relevant government agencies.
Garbin said budget for the implementation of the national ID system may reach billions of pesos but will be proposed by the PSA.
Progressive solons slam bicam approval of national ID bill
Progressive lawmakers from the House of Representatives on Wednesday slammed the approval of the measure establishing an identification system that provides official national ID for all Filipinos on the bicameral level.
In a statement, ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio pointed out that the measure empowers the government to collect personal information of "exceptional scope and interest" from every Filipino.
"The information includes, not just the basic personal data, but also 'sensitive personal information,' including biometrics and other identifiable features of an individual that would be included later in the crafting of an implementing rules and regulations," he said.
Fellow ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro said the bill is a threat to the Filipinos' right to privacy and gives the government a powerful tool for surveillance, control and repression.
"With President Duterte's emerging dictatorial rule, the deteriorating human rights situation, the increasing number of extrajudicial killings, martial law in Mindanao, a total war in the countryside, and the Duterte regime's tyrannical rule, the bill may be used against those who criticize and oppose his policies," she said.
Tinio added that the measure will become a tool to deprive others who do not have it of basic social services, and discriminate against them.
"The bill will subject those who do not have an ID to a rigid identification and verification procedure that may hinder the person from getting the social services provided by the government," he said.
"With the tedious process and requirements needed to avail of this ID, there would be people who would not be able to process and afford the Philippine ID like the indigenous people and those in far flung areas," he added.
"We strongly oppose the passage of this legislative measure into law and we urge the public to do the same," Tinio said.
For her part, Kabataan party-list Representative Sarah Elago said the government should instead provide more funds for quality social services than for a national ID.
"The people's demand is better access to quality social services. What good is an ID, if there are not enough public hospitals, schools and facilities to cater our people who need these services the most," she said.
"Our public services have been deliberately made dysfunctional to justify privatization which makes these inaccessible and unaffordable to many poor and struggling middle class families," she added.
Following the approval on the bicameral level, the bill is now set to be signed by Duterte into law. —KBK, GMA News
In a statement, ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio pointed out that the measure empowers the government to collect personal information of "exceptional scope and interest" from every Filipino.
"The information includes, not just the basic personal data, but also 'sensitive personal information,' including biometrics and other identifiable features of an individual that would be included later in the crafting of an implementing rules and regulations," he said.
Fellow ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro said the bill is a threat to the Filipinos' right to privacy and gives the government a powerful tool for surveillance, control and repression.
"With President Duterte's emerging dictatorial rule, the deteriorating human rights situation, the increasing number of extrajudicial killings, martial law in Mindanao, a total war in the countryside, and the Duterte regime's tyrannical rule, the bill may be used against those who criticize and oppose his policies," she said.
Tinio added that the measure will become a tool to deprive others who do not have it of basic social services, and discriminate against them.
"The bill will subject those who do not have an ID to a rigid identification and verification procedure that may hinder the person from getting the social services provided by the government," he said.
"With the tedious process and requirements needed to avail of this ID, there would be people who would not be able to process and afford the Philippine ID like the indigenous people and those in far flung areas," he added.
"We strongly oppose the passage of this legislative measure into law and we urge the public to do the same," Tinio said.
For her part, Kabataan party-list Representative Sarah Elago said the government should instead provide more funds for quality social services than for a national ID.
"The people's demand is better access to quality social services. What good is an ID, if there are not enough public hospitals, schools and facilities to cater our people who need these services the most," she said.
"Our public services have been deliberately made dysfunctional to justify privatization which makes these inaccessible and unaffordable to many poor and struggling middle class families," she added.
Following the approval on the bicameral level, the bill is now set to be signed by Duterte into law. —KBK, GMA News
National ID system approved in Bicam
THE bicameral conference committee has approved the proposed Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), which would allow the government to collect each individual’s demographic data and information via biometrics, a lawmaker said on Wednesday.
Rep. Alfredo Garbin of Ako Bicol party-list, a member of the bicameral panel, which reconciled the versions of the Senate and House of Representatives said the bill was expected to be ratified by Congress later in the day.
Under the measure, the government is mandated to collect and store demographic data of citizens like: full name, sex, date of birth, blood type, address and status as to whether a person is a Filipino citizen or a resident alien.
As for biometrics, a technological and scientific method of authenticating identities, the bill authorizes the government to collect photographs taken from the front, full set of fingerprints, iris scans, among others, as may be determined by the Implementing Rules and Regulations.
The collection of data on marital status, mobile number and email address, however, is optional.
“All the data that will be registered under the PhilSys will be absolutely confidential. Likewise, the issuance of any information without consent of the registered person has penal provisions,” Garbin said.
In case of visual or physical impairment that makes it impossible to capture information on biometrics, the Philippine Statistics Authority will allow exceptions.
Rep. Alfredo Garbin of Ako Bicol party-list, a member of the bicameral panel, which reconciled the versions of the Senate and House of Representatives said the bill was expected to be ratified by Congress later in the day.
Under the measure, the government is mandated to collect and store demographic data of citizens like: full name, sex, date of birth, blood type, address and status as to whether a person is a Filipino citizen or a resident alien.
As for biometrics, a technological and scientific method of authenticating identities, the bill authorizes the government to collect photographs taken from the front, full set of fingerprints, iris scans, among others, as may be determined by the Implementing Rules and Regulations.
The collection of data on marital status, mobile number and email address, however, is optional.
“All the data that will be registered under the PhilSys will be absolutely confidential. Likewise, the issuance of any information without consent of the registered person has penal provisions,” Garbin said.
In case of visual or physical impairment that makes it impossible to capture information on biometrics, the Philippine Statistics Authority will allow exceptions.