Nat’l ID system to help in disaster relief efforts: Lorenzana

The DND chief also said the measure will help the government address the gaps in the identification of citizens entitled to receive government services, thereby making things more convenient for law-abiding Filipinos. (PNA file photo)

MANILA — Aside from helping the ongoing campaign against terrorism and criminality, the newly-signed Philippine System Identification Act will greatly help in disaster relief efforts, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Tuesday.

“For example, as a country prone to disasters, the system will allow improved distribution of aid to legitimate disaster victims. Matters such as this can now be better addressed because of the new law,” Lorenzana said in a statement.

The DND chief also said the measure will help the government address the gaps in the identification of citizens entitled to receive government services, thereby making things more convenient for law-abiding Filipinos.

“(And) while we welcome the beneficial effects of this law on law enforcement operations, we assure the public that individual privacy will be respected,” Lorenzana stressed.

The Philippine Identification System Act or Republic Act 11055 was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang last Monday.

Under the bill, a foundational ID system, dubbed PhilSys, will be in place.

It will have three components: the PhilSys Number (PSN), PhilID and PhilSys Registry.

PSN is a randomly generated, unique and permanent identification number for each individual, to be incorporated in all identification systems of government agencies.

It will remain with the person even after death. PhilID is a non-transferable card with the PSN and basic information.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is mandated to act as the PhilSys Registry. Under the national ID law, the PSA will collate the full name, sex, birthdate, address, citizenship and blood type of Filipino citizens and encode them in a centralized database.

The law ensures that the individual’s right to privacy is protected.

As provided under Republic Act 11055, information may only be released when the registered person has given his or her consent, specific to the purpose prior to the processing; when the compelling interest of public health or safety so requires, provided the risk of significant harm to the public is established and the owner of the information is notified within 72 hours of the fact of such disclosure; upon order of any competent court; and when a registered person requests from the PSA access to his or her registered information and record history, subject to the guidelines and regulations to be issued by the PSA.