Kintanar asks GMA to fast track national ID

A Provincial Board member has requested President Gloria Arroyo to fast track the national identification system as the next election is fast approaching.

In his proposed resolution, board member Juan Bolo said it is time for the president "to implement in high gear the national ID system in order to set the offices" for the upcoming polls since the project "is very expansive and might be taken over by the election activities."

He explained that there is a need for concerned agencies to be responsive to the project as this might affect their efficiency and effectiveness to serve the public.

"The need for its full implementation is very urgent so as not to hamper public service," he said.

The proposal, which is co-sponsored by board member Carmiano Kintanar, is slated for discussion in the provincial board's regular session today.

Last August 10, the Supreme Court released an en banc resolution dated June 20 declaring Executive Order 420 constitutional and rejecting the motions for reconsideration filed by Kilusang Mayo Uno and Bayan Muna.

The two party-list organizations had filed petitions last year, challenging the constitutionality of EO 420 that Arroyo issued on April 13, 2005.

On April 19, the High Court voted 12-2 in favor of EO 420 and subsequently mandated all government agencies under the executive branch to adopt a unified and multi-purpose ID system.

The ruling was however contested by the Kilusang Mayo Uno and Bayan Muna, which then filed motions for reconsideration. In denying the motions, the Supreme Court found the petitioners' arguments as lacking in substance.

In view of the High Court ruling, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said Arroyo gave the Cabinet a go-signal "to get the ID system on track for its immediate implementation."

Bunye dismissed apprehensions that the measure would violate human rights, saying there are only 14 specific data required under the ID system, which are the same found in passport and in ID cards of Social Security System and the Government Service Insurance System. - Cristina C. Birondo