Solon pushes for National ID System

A lawmaker from Metro Manila has filed a bill establishing the National Identification Card System (NICS) Act of 2001.

Muntinlupa lone district Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon said House Bill 54 shall cover all persons aged 18 years old and above and residing in the Philippines.

The National Identification Card (NIC) will serve as a valid proof of identity of the person indicated on the card. It will contain the cardholder's full name, residence address, date of birth, sex, height and weight, nationality and signature.

Biazon said the NIC will have a functional use during transaction with any government agency such as filing of application for any services and benefits offered by the Government Service and Insurance System (GSIS), the Social Security System (SSS) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth).

The NIC can also be use as identification for admission in all schools, colleges, learning institution and/or universities, both the public and private.

In cases of change of status and residence, any person changing his personal status or residence in one city or municipality to another, must inform the local Civil Registrar of the city or municipality within 15 days after such change transpire.

Foreign nationals may acquire NIC provided they must be legally staying in the Philippines for at least six months with the appropriate documentation as required by law.

Persons qualified to register for the NIC will have to apply for registration and issuance of an identification card at the Office of the Civil Registrar of the municipality or city where the applicant is located.

No person will be allowed to register for a NIC more than once. Any person who will apply for more than one NIC with malicious intent or will submit false information will face appropriate punishment.

Any person who applies for registration and issuance of a NIC more than once will be penalized with a fine of P1,000 or imprisonment of one year or both. On the other hand, any person who files an application for registration and issuance of a NIC containing statements or information known to him to be false or who procures or attempts to procure registration and issuance of NIC other than his own shall be punished by a fine of not more than P5, 000.00 or one year imprisonment or both.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) shall prepare the application forms for the NICS, which will contain the following information; name, age, date and place of birth, name of spouse, name of parents, residence-both permanent and temporary, occupation and other additional matters and information maybe necessary and required by the DOJ.