NATIONAL ID SYSTEM: FILIPINO IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM ACT

SIGNIFICANCE

The existing multiple identification system in the government is one of the causes of
red tape in the bureaucracy. Filipinos have to present various identification cards
issued by different government agencies in order to prove their identity here and
abroad. In fact, the Philippines is one of only nine (9) countries in the world without a
national identification (ID) system. The issuance of identification cards from different
agencies has created unnecessary and costly redundancies, thereby entailing higher
costs.

The Filipino Identification System will consolidate all government-issued ID systems

into one to improve government services and limit red tape in government transactions.
It will lower costs, streamline transactions, and provide ease and convenience.
Individuals can use the ID as an official document that will be honored in transactions
concerning a person’s identity, marital status, birth, and other personal circumstances.
It will be accepted in transactions with national government agencies, local government
units, government-owned or controlled corporations, and government financial
institutions. It may also be used to identify voters, schools, and employees, as well as
to avail of senior citizens’ benefits. It may also be used in courts, for police clearances,
and transactions with banking and financial institutions.

In 1996, the "National Computerized Identification Reference System" issued by the

Ramos administration was invalidated by the Supreme Court on two main grounds:
"one, it is a usurpation of the power of Congress to legislate, and two, it impermissibly
intrudes on our citizenry’s protected zone of privacy."(Ople vs. Torres G.R.127685 July
23,1998). According to the SC, the President can issue administrative orders, rules and
regulations only in the exercise of administrative power. However, the national ID
system established byA.O.308 redefines the parameters of some basic rights of the
citizenry vis-a-vis the State; it imposes a duty on a citizen to get an ID before he can be
given the right to deal with government agencies delivering basic services. So, it deals
with a subject of general concern or common interest that should be covered by law
enacted by Congress. It cannot be covered by a mere administrative order.

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 To deter unlawful use of information. the proposed measure provides sanctions ranging
from six months to two years imprisonment, and a fine of P50,000 to P500,000. The
System should consider issues on selection of the source documents, technology
obsolescence (i.e. biometrics), high cost of implementation, administrative efficiency as
well as the level of computerization in government agencies.

DESIRED FEATURES

In order to facilitate access to and delivery of quality and effective government service,
there is a need to establish a unified system that will simplify the processes on public
and private transactions. The proposed measure seeks to:

• Consolidate all existing government-initiated identification systems into a single

identification system;

• Task the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) with overseeing the ID registration
through the Local Civil Registry Office and ensure that all Filipinos, including
indigenous peoples and those in the remote communities, are issued cards;

• Provide a card, which shall be made of tamper-proof security material, store at least
the biometric data of the cardholder and also bear the owner's photograph, name,
birth date, gender, date of issue, and signature;

• Have the card be used in all government transactions including applications for
passport, driver's license, any services and benefits offered by the Government
Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Social Security System (SSS), the Philippine
Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Home Development Mutual Fund
(HDMF); clearances from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), courts,
prosecutor and the police; proof of identity, status, age and address for admission in
all learning institutions as well as for employment purposes; and availment of benefits
or privileges afforded by law to senior citizens;

• Require all Filipinos aged 18 years and above to get the card, initially free of charge;
and

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 • Mandate private entities to accept the card as valid proof of identity.

RELATED HOUSE BILL WITH FEATURES

House Bill Nos. 3425, 2243

STATUS

Approved by the Committee on Appropriations on 2017-05-23

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