MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte is expected to sign into law today (Aug. 6) the bill establishing a single and streamlined identification (ID) system in the country.
The event will be held this afternoon at Malacañang’s Rizal Hall, on the same day of the ceremonial signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
The national ID law aims to integrate the different government IDs so that card holders will just present one card for all transactions. Proponents of the bill said the law would cut red tape and provide the public additional protection against terrorism and other security threats.
The card will contain the bearer’s identification system number, full name, sex, blood type, date of birth, place of birth, marital status, address and photo.
Militant lawmakers are worried that the national ID system would violate the right to privacy and infringe on civil liberties.
Congress ratified the national ID bill last May.
President Rodrigo Duterte has officially signed the law on the national ID system. Story here.