Joint Statement Regarding the Philippine

Identification System Act Proceedings

26 September 2018

We, the undersigned, as civil society organizations and concerned citizens of the
Philippines, express our grave concern for the recent proceedings regarding the
promulgation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No.
11055, or the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Act.

During the weekend of September 22, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) posted
on its website the draft IRR of the PhilSys Act. On Monday, September 24, the PSA
announced the schedule of the PhilSys IRR public consultations: which were to be held
later that same day in Metro Manila and the following day (September 25) in Cebu and
Davao.

There are no indications that further consultations will be carried out. Neither are there
any reports that civil society and/or the private sector were approached, consulted, or
involved in the actual drafting of the Rules. Instead, the Rules are expected to be
approved and signed within mere days of the two-day consultation mentioned.

These hasty proceedings do not constitute sufficient public consultation. They do not
speak well of the administration’s sincerity in fomenting a more inclusive approach to
policy-making.

We wish to emphasize that the PhilSys Act, including its IRR, will directly impact the
identity of every Filipino and resident alien, as well as all rights that flow from such
identity. A mechanism of such reach and significance warrants genuine participation of
those it purports to serve. It demands consultation that gives voice to all sectors of
society. Such engagement is the kind envisioned by no less than the Philippine
Constitution itself:

The right of the people and their organizations to effective and reasonable
participation at all levels of social, political, and economic decision-making
shall not be abridged. The State shall, by law, facilitate the establishment
of adequate consultation mechanisms. (Section 16, Article XIII)

Accordingly, a hasty, exclusionary, and undemocratic handling of public consultations for

a law as monumental as the PhilSys IRR is in direct defiance of this Constitutional right.

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We, the undersigned, therefore call on the PSA and the other members of the PhilSys
Policy and Coordination Council to delay the promulgation of the PhilSys IRR, and
extend the period for public consultations so as to allow for broader and more
meaningful participation of the public in this important rule-making process. Only under
these conditions can a truly fair and rights-based identification system be established.

This statement has been signed by the following organizations and individuals:

Foundation for Media Alternatives

Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates

True Colors Coalition

In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement

WomanHealth Philippines

Philippine Computer Emergency Response Team

Peoples Alternative Study Center for Research and Education in Social

Development

Human Rights Online Philippines

Democracy.Net.PH

Privacy Philippines (PrivacyPH.net)

Internet Society - Philippines Chapter

Atty. Vincent Isles

Prof. Helen Dayo

Rose Trajano

Jhay de Jesus

Aiko Shimizu

Jared Enriquez

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Irene Zerrudo

Thina Lopez

Jess Pacis

Marnie Tonson

Pierre Tito Galla

Al Alegre

Peter Gan

Honey Ignacio

Cecilia Soria

Karen Jiz

Ming-Ming Lee

Niza Concepcion

Lito Averia

Tony Delgado

Albert P. Dela Cruz

Sheila Laggui

Aena Zoraya Briones

Ellie Glino

Ariel Conrad Malimas

Maristela Miranda

Angelie Dela Cruz

Sharifah Datu Tambuyung

Kathleen Benavidez

Juan Kagaoan

Almira Sumampong

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Francia C. Clavecillas

Leopolda C. Cabiro

Eduardo dela Cruz

Christine L. Baylon

Zaldy E. Peraz

Mario P. Velasco

Alex M. dela Cruz

Airene J. Batas

Sally Garcia

Lota E. Amparo

Renato G. de Jesus

Robert C. Villanueva

Alvin M. Pura

Jhewoung Capatoy

Fernan G. Montes

Ricardo Pulos

Elpidio Avellanoza

Cheryl Magracia

Crizelda Isidro

Leonora Celiz

Geraldine Peras

Concordia R. Mangaring

Evangeline S. Porciuncula

Eman Moso

Bernardo Mondragon

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Gil Daluz

Myra Zyrene Andal

Sandra E. Flores

Cherryl Paghid

Mary Jane Lato

Dalomabi Lao Bula

Salahudin Samporna

Jasmin Victoria

Froilan Alipao

John B. Wee, Jr.

Napoleon Ofero Jr.

Sarah B. Wee

Bernie V. Aneslagon Jr.

Jake Barrientos

Cathlene Tacoloy

Atty. Rounald Sitoy

Basilisa C. Villegas

Elizabeth U. Yan

Julio Mari C. Sumayop

Amy Abcede