THE issue about having to divulge all of the details about yourself to the government and subsequently being issued an identification card for the purpose is nothing more than a process that has already been done on yourself a dozen times in a dozen different situations.
The national ID system is nothing new since it merely seeks to integrate and unify all available data of the citizens of a state in the attainment of such objectives public safety, social inclusion, law enforcement, financial inclusion, and better delivery of and access to government services.
To the detractors of the system, they should stop protesting the matter and instead look more closely how personal and identity data has been abused and exploited by so many agencies and offices, both in the public and private sector, and even through the internet.
For instance when a lending or credit facility like a bank offers its services for a credit card or debit card to a particular depositor that individual must fill out a form that will contain most if not all of his/her personal data.
After filling up the requisite forms that individual is then issued either a debit card or credit card. The bank now has in its possession a document containing all the personal details of that particular individual which the latter has voluntarily surrendered in exchange for a card.
Such transactions have already been accepted by society, ditto with other private and public offices and agencies where the individual concerned is required to surrender pertinent details of his identity in exchange for some function or service.
The national ID system is no different.
In exchange for allowing the government to obtain personal data on the identity of a particular individual it is hoped that the following objectives can be achieved: (a) the facilitation of transactions involving basis services and social security providers, (b) Convenience of transaction of official business with government and private offices and agencies, and (c) Reduce government red tape and enhance the integrity and reliability of government issued identification cards in relation to private transactions.
The above are actually part of the various rationale already embedded in existing laws on why there is a need for a unified national ID system.
It actually hoped that through the national ID system we will finally do away with the several government issued ID cards that one has to have in order to establish one’s bonafide as well as remove requirements in private transactions where you have to present two or more valid IDs.
In other words, through the national ID system both government and private transactions involving individuals or even groups will be made much more easier and all the more convenient.
Since the national security concern right now is about terrorism and how certain fanatical and radical groups connected to the Isis in the Middle East are still trying to infiltrate our communities to launch another Marawi type of attack or other kinds of terroristic activity, it is only right that the State be allowed to protect itself short of calling on the people to defend it as provided for in the 1987 Philippine Constitution which in Section 4 thereof provides, “The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people. The Government may call upon the people to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal, military or civil service.”