Law-abiding citizens need not worry about National ID system — PNP

IDENTITY CARD The Philippine Statistics Authority released this sample design of the national identification card after President Duterte signed the Philippine Identification System Act last year. (JAM STA. ROSA)

MANILA, Philippines — Law-abiding citizens do not have to worry about the National ID System, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan assured as the program’s pre-registration process kicked off Monday morning.

“If you are a good citizen, there is nothing to be afraid of. If you are following rules and regulations, for the PNP, if you are not violating rule of law or any violation of human rights, it will be good for you, it will be good for everybody,” Cascolan said in a press briefing at Camp Crame.

“Syempre karamihan ng mga natatakot dyan, ‘yan yung mga gumagawa ng masama,”Cascolan added.

(Most of those who are apprehensive or fearful are those involved in criminal activities.)

PNP Chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan (Image from his official Facebook page)

As early as 2018, the PNP has already brushed aside concerns on the proposed National ID System, saying it could be a tool in preventing and combating criminal activities.

National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa earlier said nine million Filipinos—five million household heads and other adult household members—in 32 provinces will be registered under the Philippine identification system (PhilSys) from October to December.

The selected provinces  host most of the 40-percent poorest families in the country but also have low COVID-19 cases.

These 32 provinces are Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Bulacan, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Rizal, Laguna, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Albay, Masbate, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental, Compostela Valley and Tawi-Tawi.

Republic Act No. 11055 or the PhilSys Act, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in August 2018, seeks to harmonize and integrate several government IDs by establishing a single national identification system for all citizens and resident aliens through the collection of basic personal information and biometric data.

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