Congressman supports moves to repeal cedula law

MANILA, Philippines - A congressman on Wednesday expressed his support to proposals to start issuing national identification cards instead of community tax certificates (CTC) or cedula.

Maguindanao Representative Simeon Datumanong, a former justice secretary and House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao, said that the cedula is a “stigma of colonization” and should be abolished.

The use of the cedula originated from the Spanish colonizers in the 19th century, but was abolished during the American colonial rule.

When the Local Government Code was ratified in 1991, cities and municipalities started the collection of taxes from corporations and employees for the use of other government services.

With the approval on second reading by the House Representatives of House Bill 6895, last February 5, 2013, the developments toward the materialization of the National I.D. could be seen.

Albay Rep. Al Francis Bichara's House Bill 6895, which has been passed on second reading, seeks to and institute the "Filipino Identification System" as an economic and social tool towards the attainment of a progressive society through efficient services for all Filipinos.

Under the bill, every Filipino is required to obtain a non-transferrable "Filipino ID card" at the Local Civil Registrars Office, valid for 10 years. The first ID is free of charge, but the succeeding renewals would be charged to the cardholder.

The Filipino ID is to be presented for transactions that require data such as identity, status, birth, and other necessary information.

However the ID is considered invalid if the cardholder changes his citizenship, with the exception of those with dual citizenship. Sharmaine Tan, Philstar.com Trainee