There are enough safeguards in the law to protect the privacy of the Filipinos, underscoring that the law’s main objective is to enhance the delivery of the basic services.
This was the reassurance that Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon gave the Filipinos. He is the principal author of the Philippines Identification System Act.
According to a recent press release, the statement sought to allay public’s fears as the Malacanang, the Philippines’ seat of government, announced that the pilot testing of the national ID system will begin in September.
What is the Law about?
The law would guarantee the efficient delivery of service and ease the transactions being conducted with government agencies.
The Senator furthered that the law has enough safeguards to protect the sanctity of the individual’s information and protect their right to privacy.
It protects against unlawful disclosure of information and punishes those who will subvert the system for unlawful ends.
Several benefits can be gained from having a national ID system in place. Individuals, who are seeking basic services from the government, will be able to identify themselves easier.
Both public and private agencies, on their end, will have an easier time verifying the information presented to them.
The Government has provided a balance between enhancing the system of legal aid identification for better service delivery and protecting the right to privacy.
What kind of information will be used?
The type of information collected and the purposes for which they may be used is limited.
The data that will be included in the national ID system would not be different from the information that is currently present in all government-issued IDs.
Moreover, the Senator highlighted that this law would not in any way affect data privacy as the pertinent provision of the Data Privacy Act will still apply.
He also clarified that the law had nothing to do with the non-passage by the 17thCongress of the proposed amendments to the human security.
Under the new law, a Common Reference Number (CRN) will be given to all Filipinos.
This would contain 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.
Additionally, the ID will also be honoured when transacting with certain private institutions such as banks.
Furthermore, Filipinos living and working abroad can register at embassy or consular offices in their countries of location to get their assigned CRN.
At present, opening a Filipino’s wallet will show you several IDs like a driver’s license, a voter’s ID, an SSS/GSIS ID, PhilHealth ID, and Tax Identification Number card, among others.
Once the National ID is distributed to every single Filipino here and abroad, transactions will be made easier and faster.
