LEGAZPI CITY — After President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Philippine System Identification Act (PhilSys Act) or the National ID System (NIS) on Monday, many Bicolanos gave positive reactions on Thursday.
Jinky Tapel, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy student of Catanduanes State University, in a text message told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) said: “The act establishes a centralized database for vital information of all residents and foreigners in the country and is meant to speed up and improve the delivery of government services and reduce fraudulent transactions”.
She added that transactions in the government will be easier. “No need to present multiple identification cards in order to verify his identity or apply for various purposes,” she said.
“The number of criminals, I think will decrease if not totally eliminated. Once the system is operational, it is easier to track down those who are hiding from the law,” Tapel added.
Architect Kristen Lagman of Tabaco City said as an architect who abides by all the rules and requirements in all her transactions, the National ID system is a positive and convenient way of dealing with clients.
“Mas convenient sa lahat ng transactions kung iisang ID na lang ang gamit. (It will be more convenient for all transactions if only one ID is needed),” Lagman said.
Hansel Arcilla of Camarines Sur, in a phone interview, said, “I’m positive with the National ID System so that one ID is enough, also for the accountability of every Filipino”.
“I think every Filipino will be more responsible as an ID holder, they will take care of it since all vital information is encoded on that ID but I hope the government makes all efforts to protect the data given by every citizen,” Arcilla added.
Lawyer Jane Calipay, also in a phone interview, said: “The establishment of a National ID system has been long overdue. I think it is necessary to finally have a concrete and reliable database that could help for a fast delivery of government services and benefits”.
However, the lawyer emphasized that the fear is more on the implementation aspect as there could be breach of data security or mass surveillance.
“As long as there are measures set in place to protect our data, then it is time to create such system,” she added.
John Reale Barba of San Miguel, Catanduanes said those who are opposed to the National ID System are “pitiful”.
“They want no progress for the system of this country. The National ID System will be a solution to the existing problem of red tape and corruption,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Manuel Rangasa, executive director of Local Climate Change Adaption for Development (LCCAD), said the National ID System “will lessen the burden of the people in getting different kinds of ID and the expenses on it”. (Connie Calipay/PNA)
