CHR backs national ID system

THE Commission on Human Rights in the province is backing the implementation of the National Identification (ID) System.

Romeo Baldevarona, head of CHR-Negros Occidental, said that the national ID system has more advantages.

"It would be a big help in the government's campaign on anti-terrorism and other criminalities," Baldevarona pointed out.

He said it would be easier for the law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend criminals.

"People have nothing to fear because the government would only ask basic information of the individuals to be encoded in the computers and there will be no violation of everyone's right to privacy," Baldevarona further said.

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law the Philippine Identification System Act on August 6.

The new law establishes the Philippine ID System as a centralized database for vital information on all residents and resident aliens in the Philippines.

It is meant to speed up and improve the delivery of government services and reduce fraudulent transactions.

Personal data to be collected for the national ID will include name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, and address.

Biometrics information will also be collected, including facial image, full set of fingerprints, iris scan, and other identifiable features that are necessary.

Registration for the ID will be free of charge. Filipinos living abroad may sign up for their national ID with the embassy or consular office where they are located.

Under the 2018 national budget, the government allotted P2 billion budget for the initial implementation of the program.