Solon seeks ID system under auspices of BI

House national defense committee chairman Prospero Pichay has filed a bill for the establishment of a national identification card system under the administration of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

The Lakas representative said the proposed Philippine Citizenship Identification System would supplant the various current government ID systems which do not provide adequate coverage for all citizens.

Thus, he said every Filipino would get faster and better access to public services, while government will have a clearer fix on the demographics of the populace, translating to better planning and allocation of limited resources.

Under House Bill No. 3369 filed by Pichay the other day, all Filipino citizens would hold a Filipino Citizenship ID upon reaching majority age. The proposed ID would contain personal information on the bearer, who would be assigned a permanent non-transferable ID number.

This ID would then be used in all government transactions, including acknowledgment of a document before a notary public, vying for and occupying a government position, and applying for and receiving any license, certificate, or permit from any public authority.

At present, Filipino citizens rely on a patchwork of public ID systems for their documentary requirements, including SSS and GSIS numbers, Tax Information Number, passport, driver’s license, and residence certificate. Pichay pointed out that not all Filipinos are covered by these schemes, while some of these are also subject to falsification or alteration.