Senators raise concerns over AFP nat'l ID pitch

Senators on Tuesday raised various concerns as they expressed their opinions on the military’s move to revive the national ID system proposal. Senate Majority Leader Sen. Francis Pangilinan shared the sentiments of various groups that human rights violations might be committed under the cover of the proposed national ID system. Pangilinan noted that the Arroyo administration had, in the past, consistently violated the rule of law as proven by various rulings made by the Supreme Court that opposed the implementation of the government’s “national security" measures. "In reviving the proposal, can we trust this government to respect the basic, constitutionally guaranteed rights of its citizens?" Pangilinan asked. "Unfortunately, as has been ruled by no less than the SC in a string of landmark cases that includes EO 464, People's Initiative, CPR, Proclamation 1017 among others, this government has been found to have consistently acted in a manner contrary to the rule of law and the Constitution. If the SC has found this government in repeated violation of the rule of law and the constitution then we view this latest proposal with grave reservations," he added. For his part, Sen. Francis Escudero said there is no need to issue a consolidated singular ID since Filipinos already possess such an ID – and one that has a clear provision for social services – in the form of the cards from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. "An ideal national ID should be a social services tool. It should be one that would entitle the holder to assistance and benefits and not as a security instrument foisted at the expense of the people's privacy," Escudero said in a statement. He added the PhilHealth card is already a de facto national ID as stated in Republic Act 7875, the National Health Insurance Act of 1995 which mandates the universal and compulsory coverage of Filipinos in a national health insurance system. Escudero said Section 2 of the Act requires all citizens to enroll in the system to avoid adverse selection and social inequity. Section 8, meanwhile, entitles the bearer to a "health insurance card" to be issued by the local PhilHealth office for the purpose of identifying the members, verify eligibility and record utilization of benefits. "The new ID system will only create a lucrative ID lamination industry out of yet another public document with low social acceptability because of its equally low social purpose," he said. He added Malacaňang should just use the PhilHealth card as national ID to save on unnecessary expenses. A national ID system designed in the security mold, Escudero said, will be costly. "Either, it will be given gratis, which will burn a hole in the government's pocket, or be subjected to a fee, which will invite complaints from an already overtaxed public," he said. Escudero added periodic renewal should also be factored in as updated information should be an ID's security feature. He said the Philhealth ID cum national ID will even earn money for the government or at best revenue neutral as people will voluntarily buy health insurance if they see value for money in it. Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago also joined the fray, saying a law is necessary in the military’s proposal to implement a national ID scheme. “If the military proposes a single ID system that will be compulsory for all branches of government, then a law passed by Congress is necessary. A mere executive order will not suffice," Santiago said. Santiago cited a Supreme Court ruling that a law passed by Congress is necessary if the ID system is characterized by three features: • If it is a special appropriation; • If it is when the ID card system is compulsory on all branches of government; and • If it requires personal data beyond what is routinely required, such that the citizen’s right to privacy is infringed. - GMANews.TV