INTERIOR and Local Government (DILG) officer-in-charge Eduardo Año expressed support for the national identification (ID) system, saying it will hasten transactions in both government and private sectors, expedite the delivery of services and deter crimes.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde also expressed support to the national ID system and said the public, especially the law abiding citizens, have nothing to fear about it.
The national ID would contain the bearer's name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, address, nationality, blood type, marital status, mobile number, email address and biometric data such as front facing photograph, full set of fingerprints and iris scan.
Once signed by the President, the national ID system is expected to be rolled out by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) before the end of June.
Año said the national ID can be used to transact with the government and private sectors such as in opening bank accounts, registering as a voter, getting admitted to hospitals and schools, applying for passports and driver’s licenses, requesting social welfare and services and benefits from government agencies.
“With a national ID system in place, it will be very convenient for both the public as well as the government. It will simplify and shorten processes because there will be no need to present multiple IDs or fill out multiple forms just to prove one’s legal identity in dealing with both government and private institutions... No more using cedulas as identification,” Año said.
“Establishing a national ID system complements earlier government efforts to streamline government systems and processes. This is all part of President Duterte’s vision of change,” he added.
Año said the national ID system will be helpful for the local government units and police as crime suspects will be easier to identify.
He urged those opposed to the system to open their minds to the advantages of having a national ID to boost law enforcement and public safety.
“Those who are against it are probably those who have skeletons in the closet because any law-abiding citizen would welcome it,” said Año.
A bicameral conference committee approved the national ID bill on May 23. (SunStar Philippines)