National ID card pushed (1:33 p.m.)

MANILA -- A lawmaker has filed a measure institutionalizing a national voluntary information personal (VIP) card that would contain all vital information of every citizen in the country.

Representative Al Francis Bichara (second district, Albay) said House Bill 131, which proposes the issuance of a VIP card on a voluntary basis, would institutionalize a national VIP card in order to facilitate and streamline governmental transactions and increase productivity.

The VIP card will serve as a valid proof of the bearer's identity. It will contain the cardholder's permanent serial number, name, photograph, residence address, date of birth, sex, height and weight, nationality, blood type, polling precinct, barangay/municipality/city or province and special medical needs.

“The VIP card will protect, secure and/or save the holder from red tape in the government bureaucracy, unnecessary harassments, and wastage of time and from death of permanent injuries in case of accidents and/or disasters," said Bichara.

The card shall be presented and honored in transaction requiring the identity, status, birth and all other personal circumstances such as transaction with any government agency, application for passport and driver's license. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)