NEDA defends use of unified ID

The Unified Multipurpose Identification (Unified ID) system is not a "surveillance scheme" that would pry on the people’s privacy or trample on their civil liberties, said Augusto B. Santos, the new director general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

"Instead of keeping redundant multiple IDs and databases from agencies which is the case right now, one unified ID would do, saving time, money, and effort," Santos added.

The unified ID makes it convenient and less costly on the part of the user to transact with the government and private business.

The recent implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Executive Order 420 calling for the establishment of a unified ID card issued by the NEDA upholds the Constitution. "The system has been thoroughly studied including its possible legal glitches," Santos stressed.

The NEDA chief, however, rejected claims that by Aug. 2006 all Filipinos are expected to carry just one identification card.

"This ID is voluntary. But it will make life easier for persons transacting with government to have it," he said.

The primary objective of the unified ID system is to facilitate government transactions with a common database. Fighting terrorism is just a secondary objective, by preventing fraudulent transactions due to false names and identities.

Santos stressed that the IRR only covers those who will transact with government agencies, and government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) issuing ID cards and other private business. EO 420 requires all GOCCs and government agencies to streamline and harmonize their identification systems, and authorizes the NEDA to implement the same.

Allaying public fears, Santos added that the unified ID is a lot different from former President Ramos’ national ID system proposed years ago, which according to the Supreme Court, warranted a legislation.

While EO 420 makes it possible to assign a common reference number (CRN) unique to a registrant, which will go into a computerized database under the administration of the government, the right to privacy of an individual will always be protected, and take precedence over efficient public service delivery. The IRR has specific provisions that safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of data or information about the individual stored in the CRN registry.

"The unified ID will only bear the usual information which a common citizen has been providing government agencies (e.g. Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, Land Transportation Office) in their transactions for years now," Santos explained.

According to National Statistics Office (NSO) administrator Carmelita Ericta, the unified ID will contain three kinds of data: basic, biometrics, and other data.

Basic data will comprise the name, date and place of birth, name of parents and sex. Biometrics data includes the photo, signature, and the prints of the index fingers and thumbs. Other data will also be included such as home address, marital status, height, weight, prominent distinguishing features and the tax identification number (TIN).