Philippine Identification System

The Philippine ID system has been a very controversial issue in the past decades with experts warning that it
could violate a person's right to privacy. But government insists that security mechanisms are in place to protect
stored information.

The Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) is the government’s central identification platform. In a nutshell, it is
a means to simplify public and private transactions. Proponents of the national ID system said that it can
greatly improve the delivery of government services – especially for those who lack proper government-issued
identification cards as a person’s record in the PhilSys would be valid and sufficient proof of identity.

According to Republic Act 11055, the system aims to "eliminate the need to present other forms of identification
when transacting with the government and private sector." It also aims to reduce corruption and curtail
bureaucratic red tape, prevent fraudulent transactions, and ease doing business in the Philippines.

Each registered person in the Philippines will be given a PhilSys Number (PSN) – a randomly generated, unique,
and permanent identification number. A physical identification card will also be issued which will serve as “official
government-issued identification document” that can be used in several transactions that require proof of
identification.

Information to be collected under the Philippine Identification System includes demographic data such as full
name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, blood type, address, and citizenship. Marital status, mobile numbers, and
email addresses are optional. Biometric information will also be recorded, including front-facing photograph, full
set of fingerprints, and iris scan. Other identifiable features may be collected if necessary. An identification card
called PhilID will also be issued under the new system. This physical card will bear the information such as a
person’s unique PSN, full name, blood type, date of birth, place of birth, address, and front-facing photograph.
Marital status is also optional.

The National Privacy Commission (NPC), meanwhile, said it intends to build trust with the people by mitigating
risks of breaches and leakages and making sure government agencies adhere to the Data Privacy Act.

The establishment of a national ID system has been the center of debate concerning privacy and data security.

While the system may be beneficial, data privacy experts are worried about certain provisions in the bill which
may blur the line between what's appropriate and what may constitute a violation of privacy. 

For example, the inclusion of a record history, which will track each transaction made, may pave the way for mass
surveillance. If the national ID system aims to streamline identity verification, keeping a record history would be
completely unnecessary, experts said.

But never the less, this National Identification System of the government will be much very helpful to all of the
Filipinos because they don’t need too much IDs for every transactions that they will do specially in different
government agencies. And will also protect the citizen from against bribery and red tape.

Syrill S. Cayetano

AISAM