National ID system can help deter criminality, terrorism — Lacson

The National identification (ID) system will not only help people in transacting with government and private entities but will also contribute in deterring criminality and terrorism, Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Monday.

The statement came after President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the bill establishing a single and streamlined identification system in the Philippines.

“At long last, we now have a law that breaks the formidable barriers between government and the downtrodden and the poor due to the lack of identification,” Lacson said.

Currently, there are 33 different forms of “functional” identification cards issued by various government agencies, which according to the senator, may lead to “duplication of efforts, wastage of resources, and uncoordinated identity approaches.”

Under the newly-signed law, a foundational ID system dubbed as PhilSys will be created.

It will have three components: the PhilSys Number (PSN), PhilID and PhilSys Registry.

PSN is a randomly generated, unique and permanent identification number for each individual, to be incorporated in all identification systems of government agencies. It will remain with the person even after death.

PhilID is a non-transferable card with the PSN and basic information.

The Philippine Statistics Authority is mandated to act as the PhilSys Registry.   /vvp