National ID System in the Philippines: benefits and risks

Most Filipinos (73%) support the National ID system , according to a recent survey by SWS. As a result of the system’s implementation, there are some concerns about its potential implications, especially around data security and privacy.

What is the National ID System?

In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte recently signed the Philippine Identification System Act (Republic Act 11055), which is a law aimed at creating a national ID system that allocates a centralized database for all personal information of all citizens and foreign residents.

PhilSys, the Philippine Identification System, will provide each registered person with their own unique and permanent PhilSys number, as well as a physical identification card referred to as PhilID, which can be used to verify the identity of each individual in transactions requiring this proof.

It is the case that most countries, such as Singapore, Thailand, China, South Korea, France, Italy, and Spain, among many others, issue their citizens with national ID cards to prove their identity to their government. In addition to the Philippines, only nine countries in the world do not have a national identity system at the time of the signing of the new law.

Why the National ID is Beneficial for Us

One ID for All Transactions

Doesn’t it frustrate you to be unable to process your transaction because you lack the necessary IDs? A national ID will be recognized in all transactions that require a verification of identity, so that will be a thing of the past.

When transacting with government and private offices using your PhilID card, you no longer have to present multiple valid IDs to prove your identity.

It is possible to use the national ID for the following purposes under the PhilSys law:

The provision of services by the SSS or GSIS, the Pag-IBIG program, PhilHealth, or other government agencies
Applications for passports and driver’s licenses
Transactions related to taxes
Application for a job
Transacting with the financial system and opening a bank account
Identification and registration of Voters
Benefits and social welfare applications
Background checks and clearances for criminal records
Universities, colleges, and schools can use this application

The process of obtaining a PhilID is much simpler than that of other government-issued identification cards. Philippine citizenship or proof of Philippine residence is all that is required for PhilSys registration. Citizens are free to apply for PhilIDs and renew them.

Easier Access to Financial Services

Filipinos, according to the Bank of the Philippines’ 2017 Financial Inclusion Survey, reported that they were unable to apply for bank loans because they lacked the required IDs.

Since the national ID system is in place, millions of unbanked Filipinos will have easier access to banking services such as opening a bank account, applying for credit cards, and applying for loans.

More Efficient Government Transactions

In addition to shortening line times and improving the efficiency of government services, the national ID system should increase government efficiency.

In a series of tweets, Panfilo Lacson explains how the national ID system can reduce red tape. SSS benefit applications can be processed faster if you submit your PhilSys or PhilID number. Despite forgetting your physical ID, the government agency will still process your request based on your PhilSys number.

The SSS used to take months to process a claim if someone shared their name with another SSS member, since they had to verify the individual’s identity.

The beneficiaries of unconditional cash transfers will also be able to receive their benefits faster as a result of their national identification cards being able to easily identify them by the government.

Easier to Get a Senior Citizen Discount

In Atty’s opinion, the national identification system will greatly benefit senior citizens. The Philippine Daily Inquirer published an opinion piece by Romulo Macalintal. By addressing this issue, the elderly will be able to access a senior citizen discount regardless of what kind of ID they present. Senior citizen law expressly states that any government-issued ID can be used for the discount, but some businesses only accept senior citizen IDs.

Upon turning 60, seniors will not even need a senior citizen ID since their national IDs show their birthdates, allowing them to enjoy the discounts and benefits that come with being a senior citizen.

Protection from Fraud

There will be the same security features on the PhilID card as on passports, banknotes, and other government identification cards used throughout the world. There is a high probability that fraudsters who want to make fake ID cards will find it difficult to copy this card.

The advantage of having a national identification card as a consumer is that you are protected from identity theft and other types of fraud.

Why the National ID System is a Cause for Concern

Possible Data Breaches

There have been several cases of government websites being hacked in recent years. Data breaches in the Philippines have been infamous and include the 2016 “Comeleak” that exposed the personal information of about 55 million voters.

Does the national ID system prevent this from happening? It is expected that the national ID will collect a large amount of personal information, including name, address, birth date, birth place, as well as biometric data (image of the face, fingerprints, iris scan, etc.). According to experts, the government is unable to secure personal data.

To allay such fear, the government assures that it will observe the Data Privacy Act (RA 10173). Several government officials were also quoted in local news outlets as claiming that the information contained in the national ID system is the same as that which can be found in the existing databases of PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund, and Philippine Statistics Authority.

Possible Privacy Rights Violations

Using PhilSys, the government will have access to massive amounts of personal information about Filipino residents.
National ID law specifically refers to “record history” as a source of concern for privacy advocates.
Therefore, every transaction made with the PhilID can be tracked by the government.The misuse or abuse of this could result in violations of privacy.

Conclusion

National IDs have a number of advantages, including protecting data and maintaining privacy. As long as the government protects the security and privacy of ID holders, we should be fine.