ILOILO CITY — The Philippine Identification System will be a big boost in fighting crime and terrorism, said the police regional director in Western Visayas.
Chief Supt. John Bulalacao of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) said Republic Act 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act will help minimize the incidence of crime.
“It will help identify criminals through latent prints,” he said.
During calamities or disasters, the ID system will also be a big help in identifying fatalities.
Bulalacao added that it will also expedite the processing of licenses of firearms and police clearances, as well as help facilitate the identification of arrested suspects.
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday signed into law the Philippine Identification System Act, which seeks to integrate the various government IDs for all citizens and foreign residents in the country.
It also seeks to promote the efficient delivery of services and to lessen corruption and red tape in the government.
The national ID system bill was ratified by the Senate and the House of Representatives last May 29 and 30, respectively.
At present, some of the government-issued IDs include the Unified Multi-Purpose ID or UMID issued to the members of the Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System; Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth); Tax Identification Number; and the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund).
Through the ID system, it would ensure the 106.6 million Filipinos access to a wide range of government services and privileges. (Cindy Ferrer/PNA)
