Easier gov’t transactions seen due to nat’l ID system

“We also believe that the ID system shall facilitate government transactions and programs like census, promote transparency, and likewise spare our people from the burden of bringing with them several identification cards to establish their identities,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said.(Photo: Ginno Alcantara/Philippine Canadian Inquirer)

MANILA — The newly-signed Philippine Identification System Act will ease processing of government transactions and promote transparency, a military spokesperson said Tuesday.

“We also believe that the ID system shall facilitate government transactions and programs like census, promote transparency, and likewise spare our people from the burden of bringing with them several identification cards to establish their identities,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

Also, while the law is a bane to criminals, terrorists and unscrupulous persons and groups, it is a boon to law-abiding citizens and well-meaning individuals, he added.

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 as 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.