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Sunday, March 06, 2005
Earmark P10M for Cebu ID
By Minerva B. Gerodias
CEBU CITY -- An identification card that will replace all other ID cards issued by different government agencies is what Capitol lawmaker Gabriel Luis Quisumbing proposes in a resolution creating a Provincial ID System.
The ID cards, which will have a permanent reference number, will consolidate all existing government identification systems "into one holistic, integrated and multi-purpose system."
"A provincial ID system will improve and enhance effective delivery of public services and will provide a comprehensive and integrated solution to the multiple-ID system prevailing today in different government agencies," Quisumbing said.
The draft ordinance will be discussed during the regular session Monday of the Provincial Board (PB).
Section 2 of the proposal states that it "guarantees the inviolability of the right to privacy of individuals."
But it adds: "In this age of modern technology, borderless economy and prevalence of transnational crimes, it is also a declared policy of the Province to solve the perennial problem of red tape in government bureaucracy and the simplification of processes relative to public and private transactions of citizens."
P10M fund
The card will be made using tamper-proof security paper, with a laser-imprinted photograph.
The proposed ordinance also provides for the creation of the Provincial Statistics Commission that will be tasked to implement the system.
Quisumbing sought an appropriation of P10 million for the initial operations of the commission.
His proposal comes at a time when Malacañang is pursuing its plan for a national ID system.
The state pension agency GSIS is already issuing IDs to government employees, while Social Security System is providing IDs to private workers. The Land Transportation Office, for its part, is responsible for the issuance of drivers' licenses.
The Commission on Elections has also come up with a voters' ID.
The proposal for a national ID system again cropped up in the aftermath of bombings that hit the cities of Davao, General Santos and Makati last Feb. 14. At least 12 people were killed and more than 100 injured in the explosions claimed by the Abu Sayyaf.
Anti-terrorist
But the ID proposal was also raised a decade ago during the presidency of ex-general Fidel Ramos.
For its part, the Central Command (Centcom) called on the public to support the implementation of the national identification (ID) system, saying it's an effective measure to combat terrorists.
"We are only after public security and safety," said Lt. Col. Melquiades L. Feliciano, Centcom-based 3rd Civil Relations Group commander.
Under Quisumbing's proposal, the Provincial Statistics Commission is to adopt measures necessary to maintain the privacy and security of personal information, as well as ensure the security, integrity and authenticity of all personal identification cards.
Another provision in the proposed ordinance states the reference number of the ID card shall be permanent and shall replace all ID numbers issued by the different agencies for taxation, voting, social security and driving, among others.
Penalties
If the draft ordinance is approved, Filipinos residing in Cebu Province will have five years to apply for registration and issuance of the ID card, which will be renewable every five years.
Parents or legal guardians will be responsible for the registration of infants.
Foreigners who reside or who plan to reside in Cebu will also be issued with temporary ID cards "for a reasonable fee." These cards will be renewed annually.
Those who found guilty of submitting fictitious names and other data; falsification, mutilation, alteration, forgery or unauthorized printing of the cards; unauthorized use or possession of an ID card; or refusal to accept or recognize the ID card without just cause will be imprisoned from one to five years.
(March 6, 2005 issue)
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