Ampeloquio, Karen S.

19 April 2017
Constitutional Law II 1A-JD4

NATIONAL ID SYSTEM
House Bill 12 is an act establishing the Filipino Identification System. It is the policy of
the state to promote a just and dynamic social order that shall insure the prosperity and
independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide
adequate social services and improved quality of life for all. Towards this end, an effective
identification system is hereby established to facilitate transaction with the government and to
simplify the processes relative to public and private services.
The Filipino Identification System herein referred to as the ID System is hereby
established and instituted as an economic and social tool towards the attainment of a progressive
society through the provision of efficient services to all Filipinos. The identification system shall
provide official identification of all citizens of the Republic of the Philippines through the
issuance of the Filipino Identification Card (Filipino ID card). It shall gradually concert and
consolidate all existing Government-initiated identification system into one integrated and
efficient identification system.
Every Filipino, whether residing in the Philippines of abroad, is mandated to register
personal information required by the ID system, and upon application shall be issued non-
transferrable Filipino ID card with an ID number that shall be valid for life, subject to
replacement only following circumstances.
The proposed National ID will be bearing the photo, full name, date of birth, gender,
signature, serial number from Philippine Statistics Authority and the bearers biometrics, and
will be made tamper proof.
Under the proposal of Senator Ping Lacson, the National reference system will handle the
gathering of citizens vital informations. Having a national ID system would be helpful in our
anti-crime and anti-terror campaign. By having a centralized database, we would have easy
access to information about suspects, fugitives and other lawless elements. Further, this would
reduce leakage in providing social services to the people, such as the Pantawid Pamilyang
Pilipino Program, Senator Lacson said.
The advantages of the National ID System are as follows: (1) it promotes financial
inclusion, enable many poor and unbanked Filipinos to open bank accounts; (2) help the
government identify the beneficiaries or welfare services; and (3) prevent criminals from faking
their identities.
In my opinion, I think it is very urgent for the government to implement the National
Identification System. Everyday, we hear of illegal activities of persons or groups, such as David
Tan who is in high-profile rice smuggling, and making the government lose millions or billions
of pesos. If there were a national ID people like Mr. Tan could easily be traced and apprehended
easily and quickly.

In the case of supertyphoon Yolanda, those victims who are still missing could also be
easily identified if they had their IDs. As of now, many of the victims remain unaccounted for,
with their families uncertain of the fate of their relatives. It is so hard for the government and the
rescuers as the search goes on. They have to start from scratch.

I think it would be better if this national ID system be implemented because it will be a

lot of easier for any individuals and less expense in getting separate ID cards for the different
agencies or purposes. And it would be less hassle if it is just contained in a single ID that can be
used for different transaction and governmental purposes.

Mon Casiple, a political analyst, fears violation of citizens right to privacy as stated by
the Supreme Court, by compiling all the ID holders information in just one database to be made
accessible to any entities the ID holder would have transaction with.
 Article III, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution, Bill of Rights states that, the privacy of
communication and correspondence shall be inviolable except upon lawful order of the court, or
when public safety or order requires otherwise, as prescribed by law. Any evidence obtained in
violation of this or the preceding section shall be inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding.
Those who oppose the ID system are those who have something to hide, probably
because they are engaged in the illegal trade and activities. Legitimate, law-abiding citizens like
me are 100 percent in support of the ID system. Having a national ID is something to be proud
of. Business-transactions would be easy and hassle-free.

However, the proponents of the bill ensures the safety of the national ID system.
Congressman Belmonte said that Among others, it is prohibited for any person to
publish, disseminate or give to third parties or entities any information obtained in connection
with the application for identification with a few exceptions. It also mandates the PSA to ensure
the protection of the data contained in the cards.
"Violators of the proposed law would face imprisonment of six months to two years or a
fine of P50, 000 to P500, 000, or both at the discretion of the court," he added.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella clarified that the bill pushing for the national
ID did not came directly from the President. He said that it is included in the 10-points wish-list
presented by 400 businessmen who participated in Sulong Pilipinas workshop held in Davao.
The request seeks to help businesses spearhead the transactions in accordance with the Duterte
administrations economic policies.
Human Rights Commissioner Karen Dumpit said that the National ID System does not
violate human rights but the proponents has to be sure that the provisions of the bill should
safeguard its safety and should not be subjected to abuse.
I think this proposal will be beneficial not only to the individual citizen who would make
their expenses much more lesser than the usual because they would not apply for five or more
IDs but instead, for only single ID card that will contain the information they will need but also it
would be less hassle for every governmental departments because it will provide a central data
that they can depend on that would make transaction faster in any governmental agencies.