(Eagle News) — Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III assured the public that there will be no violation of privacy and other rights even if the National Identification system is put into law.
The proposed measure to be known as the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) aims to issue permanent identification cards for all Filipinos even those who are abroad.
Sotto said the public should not worry if the bill is enacted into law since Congress will put necessary provisions to protect the privacy and rights of the public.
He said that the Philippine Statistics Authority will manage the national ID system and act as a repository and custodian of all data.
“Ang repository ay ang Philippine Statistics Authority. Palagay ko naman may safeguard na yon. Kasi kukuha ka lang ng certification dito ay mahirap ng makakuha,” Sotto said in a press conference on Friday, May 25.
The proposed national ID will contain the individual’s full name, facial image, and date of birth, address and fingerprints.
Once the bill is approved, those who are at least 18 years old should register at the local civil registry office where they live, or at other implementing agencies to apply for the said ID.
Filipinos abroad should file an application at the nearest Philippine Embassy or consular office.
Sotto said an additional safeguard will be provided by Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
“If any individual will disclose any information without the approval of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), he will face penal sanctions.
“Kailangan magpapaalam ka muna sa DICT para magawa mo yon. Para payagan,” he said.
He added that there is a “provision on unlawful disclosure of information” in the law.
“May penal sanctions, so may kulong,” the lawmaker said.