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Saturday, July 22, 2006
Rights won't be violated under ID system: Arroyo
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday said the implementation of the unified ID system would help in keeping the people and the country safe against terrorism and crimes.
Arroyo, during the Armed Forces change of command ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo on Friday, said she is aware of the concerns and issues raised in the ID system but she assures that the people's rights "would be upheld at all times".
She also asked the public to "stand as one behind national ID system" which is the "a strategic lynchpin of both national security and social justice". She added that the ID system is part of every modern nation.
"It will help us to secure our communities from terror and crime and at the same time facilitate the delivery of basic services to the people. The Philippines stands to gain from a national ID system, in terms of political stability, economic growth and global competitiveness," she said.
The Supreme Court (SC) earlier upheld with finality the constitutionality of Executive Order (EO) 420 which paves the way for the implementation of the ID scheme that would initially be implemented among government employees.
The high court dismissed two motions for reconsideration filed by Bayan Muna and Kilusang Mayo Uno last April 19 when it questioned the constitutionality of the EO.
Former President Fidel Ramos, in an ambush interview, welcomed the SC's decision noting that the idea was originally his. Ramos however wants Arroyo ID system expanded to include the private sector.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the ID system, as stipulated in the EO, must first be implemented before it is expanded to include the private sector.
Bunye said the EO specifically aims to determine whether the ID system would be advantageous as well as identify possible problems in its implementation.
When they intend to implement it nationwide, Bunye said "it depends on the experience."
"We'll continually assess the implementation of what is approved by the Supreme Court and we'll find out if this could already be implemented on a nationwide basis," he added.
Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz Jr. said Arroyo wants the ID system implemented immediately. He said it would cover government employees as well as private citizens who would volunteer to be included in the ID system.
Cruz said the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) is overseeing the preparations and eventual implementation of the ID system.
He added that the implementation of the ID system could not come at a better time as the government is now capable of implementing it due to the availability of funds. He however declined to comment how much is allocated for the project.
Planning Secretary Romulo Neri said a grant worth P31.6 million (500,000 Euros) had been promised by the Spanish Government for the initial implementation or pilot testing of the ID system. (JMR/Sunnex)
(July 22, 2006 issue)
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