Senate Bill Seeks to Amend National ID Law to Address Data Privacy Concerns

Strategic Insights -

Senator Panfilo Lacson has filed a bill aimed at amending the Philippine Identification System (National ID) Act, citing concerns over data privacy. The proposed measure seeks to address potential misuse of the Philsys number, which is currently printed on the national ID card. Lacson argues that this would restore the integrity of the National ID System, which he authored and sponsored. The bill also seeks to allow authorized parties to access the Philsys number through secure means, complying with current data protection standards.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed bill seeks to amend Republic Act 11055, the Philippine Identification System (National ID) Act, to address data privacy concerns.
  • Senator Panfilo Lacson, author and sponsor of the National ID law, filed the bill to address potential misuse of the Philsys number.
  • The bill aims to eliminate the visible representation of the PSN (Philsys number) on the national ID card, instead encoding it securely with biometric information within the card's QR code.
  • Unauthorized registrants, including Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) personnel, could be removed from the National ID system under the proposed measure.
  • The PSN's visibility on the card poses a risk of potential misuse, including identity theft, fraudulent activities, and unwarranted monitoring or profiling.
  • An instance in 2024 highlighted this risk, with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) warning the public against unauthorized individuals approaching cardholders and taking photographs of their national ID in exchange for cash.

Statistics:

  • Undisclosed number of unauthorized registrants in the Philippine ID system, including those from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).
  • No specific number mentioned for instances of identity theft or fraud related to the national ID system.
  • The bill proposes to change the way the Philsys number is accessed and secured within the nationwide ID system.

Sources:

  • Newsbytes.PH