senator lacsons rationale for a national id system he proposed

Sunday, January 27, 2008
Do we need a national ID system?

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/27/yehey/opinion/20080127opi6.html

Yes, to improve public service
By Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson
While much has been said about the security aspects of having a
national ID system, many tend to overlook the greater benefits and
simple conveniences that it holds for the ordinary Filipino.
More than doing away with a bulky wallet, not filled with cash but
which plastic identification cards, Filipinos may yet further see the
elimination of bureaucratic "red tape" and experience fewer "downtime"
in transactions involving their individuality.
How many Filipinos, especially overseas workers, have been held and
hassled in our airports for having namesakes with criminal records?
How many of us have been asked to produce two or three IDs for simple
transactions such as opening a bank account or claiming remittances
from abroad? How many people have you seen groping for the IDs in
their bulky wallets while filling up forms that require their tax
identification number, their Social Security Service number, their
Philhealth number, and so forth and so on?
My bill to establish a National Reference Card System was crafted with
expediency of transactions in mind. To make the Philippines at par
with how citizens from developed countries--with their own national ID
systems such as the United States and Singapore--go about with personal
transactions.
The security facet is inalienable from this proposal since its essence
is derived precisely at protecting an individual's identity in this
age of advanced digital technology.
It is a positive step. It is not a great leap towards the future of
our country and those who oppose it are being overwhelmed by their
crab mentality to protect their own or their affiliation's agenda.
It is unfortunate that the government has tapped the military and
police as messengers of this supposed change which explains the
vehement howl against this important 'upgrade' for our society.
But in the hands of a sensible and good administration, I am more than
certain this proposed measure's advantages would surpass the
expectations of naysayers and majority of our countrymen.
No, it is a threat to privacy
By Sen. Francis Pangilinan
A national identification system that produces a universal ID card
presents a multitude of potential problems. As a start, almost any
identification card can be copied or counterfeited. A fake national ID
card would pose more danger than any sectoral card issued by the
government. We have to ask the following questions:
How would the government ensure that documents submitted to obtain an
ID card are not counterfeit or fake?
How much would it cost to build and maintain an ID system?
Who has access to the central database? Can the government protect
confidential information against misuse, particularly by law
enforcers? Congress, if we are talking of a national ID system, should
specify the individuals or agencies authorized to access the data, and
for what purpose. Unrestricted access could lead to abuse and violate
the right to privacy.
.. The citizens should have the right to control the information fed
into the system to avoid unauthorized use and to ensure that only
correct data is used. A wrong piece of information could be very
damaging.
In reality, a national ID card will not thwart terrorist attacks or
insurgencies because criminals, terrorists or insurgents could
purchase fraudulent documents, such as birth certificates.
Most people also fear that the cards would permit authorities to
monitor their movement and activities.
Accordingly, in the case of Kilusang Mayo Uno v. Neda Director
General, the Supreme Court ruled that the President could merely
authorize a uniform ID data collection and ID format by executive
order, because she has power only over the executive branch.
A law passed by Congress is necessary if the ID system being proposed
is characterized by three features. The first is a special
appropriation. The second is when the ID card system is compulsory for
all branches of government and for all Filipino citizens. The third
feature is when the ID card system requires personal data beyond what
is routinely required, such that the citizen's right to privacy is
infringed.

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