Many countries have been implementing their own National Identification System.

In
Britain, through its Identity Cards Bill that was introduced by the British Parliament on November
9, 2004, the identity cards are used to prevent its citizens’ identities being stolen. In Canada,
they use their national ID card system which replaces identification documents that are
currently used in the private sector. It is also use to authenticate a person’s entitlement to
government services. In Togo, they have this Togo’s National Identification Program (National
ID) which registers all Togolese and entitles nationals to hold an ID Card. This card is used as
proof of ID and enables people to apply for all government and financial services including
obtaining a Passport or Driver’s License, writing national educational examinations and
obtaining a bank loan, among others. In addition, India has also its own National Identification
System that was established by the Indian Citizenship Act of 1995.
In the Philippines, there are many existing multiple identification systems in the
government which is one of the causes of red tape in the bureaucracy. Filipinos have to present
various identification cards issued by different government agencies in order to prove their
identity here and abroad. In addition, these multiple identification system has created costly and
unnecessary redundancies which entails higher cost to the people
The Philippines is one of only nine countries in the world without a national identification
system. The congress also notices the status quo of the Philippines regarding the identification
system of the country. Because of that, the congress came up with a bill establishing and
instituting Filipino Identification System through the Filipino Identification Card. This card will
become a proof of identity of a person.
The Filipino Identification System is established and instituted as an economic and
social tool towards the attainment of a progressive society through the provision of efficient
services to all Filipinos, it also provides official identification of all citizens of the Republic of the
Philippines through the issuance of Filipino Identification card. It shall gradually concert and
consolidate all existing Government-initiated identification systems into one integrated and
efficient identification system. This bill seeks to address and deficiencies to improve government
services and limit red tape which means, an order carried to fastidious excess or excessive
bureaucracy, in government transactions.
The Filipino Identification System will consolidate all government-issued ID systems into
one to improve government services and limit red tape in government transactions. It will lower
costs, streamline transactions, and provide ease and convenience. There are many advantages
regarding the Filipino Identification System. The more commonly cited benefits include the
following:
Better delivery of and access to government services. That a good universal ID
system can improve efficiency and reduce cost both to the government and citizens of the
delivery of and access to public services remains the most invoked reason for supporting
such a system. There is no denying that an identification problem can exclude one from
much-needed social service programs. Financial Inclusion. Economic experts and other
authorities also note the potential of having an ID system address the country’s financial
inclusion challenges. Here in the Philippines, it has been suggested that a national ID
could enable unemployed Filipinos who typically do not have access to other IDs to avail
of financial and banking services. Law enforcement. Governments also see ID systems
important when fighting terrorism and various crimes like illegal immigration and identity
fraud. In 2016, when a commercial bank became involved in an $81M money laundering
case, government agencies echoed calls for the establishment of a national ID system in
order to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Public Safety. A centralized database can also prove useful during national
emergencies, calamities, and other public safety concerns. When the MERS (Middle
East respiratory syndrome) virus broke out in 2014, the Department of Health found
it difficult to track down the other passengers of an airliner that had a Filipino who tested
positive for the virus. The Health Secretary then stated it would have been easier if they
had an extensive database of Filipinos to help them in their search. Social Inclusion.
National IDs are also believed to promote social inclusion by providing official identification
for individuals that usually have no access to such documents

Streamlined Information. With a single ID for everything, all the information about a
citizen are associated to his or her national ID number. From the basic personal
information like birthday, address, phone number to your driving records, criminal records,
and loans, a national ID system will provide access to these information to relevant
agencies authorized by the person. This will not only streamline information, but also
transactions be it with the government or private organizations.

No Need for Other “Valid IDs”. Currently, we have separate IDs for SSS, Philhealth,
Pag-ibig, and even for our tax and voter registration. While it makes sense to have a
separate ID for each because they are after all different agencies of the government, it
would be practical and more efficient if they’re all associated to a single ID.
Once a national ID system is in place, government and private agencies will no longer
need other IDs to verify a person’s identity. Verification can already be done easily
through the automated system which will come together with the implementation of
the Filipino Identification System. From airports to banks, there’s no need for you to
stress about bringing a number of valid IDs just to get your transactions going.

Faster ID verification. The provision of the Filipino Identification System will guarantee a
fool-proof and highly secured process of identification. This will be made possible with the
government’s initiative to gradually install biometric machines in all of its relevant
agencies. Your trip to SSS, Philhealth, Pag-ibig, or whatever government agency will be
less of a hassle once the national ID system is in place.
National Security. Filipino Identification System Act is implemented for national security
reasons. Government officials can prevent individuals who are not supposed to be in a
certain area, such as individuals who have been deemed national security threats, from
performing certain actions such as flying. It also helps law enforcement identify an
individual who is a suspect of a crime. Identity Theft. The Filipino Identification System
helps combat identity theft. For example, in the case of Flores-Figueroa v. United
States,Figueroa-Flores gave his employer fake immigration and Social Security
documents that combined his name with the identification numbers of others. With this
system, we will be able to avoid this kind of circumstance since under this act, it punishes
the following offenses: a) Falsifying information in applying for the issuance of a Filipino
ID card or procures through fraud, and b) any person utilizing the card in an unlawful
manner.
 Long-Term Validity. Under this act, the national ID card will be valid for a period of at least 10
years so people don't have to worry about long lines and complicated processes every 2 to 3
years.
Lower Costs. Using one card instead of many will reduce the financial burden on the public and
government. People only need to carry one ID and only have to pay for processing once. Various
agencies and departments also don't need to have various cards made and printed so the national
budget can be allocated for other public uses.1

Of course we cannot avoid criticisms regarding the Filipino Identification System Act.
National ID systems everywhere are always immersed in controversy. With regards to the
privacy and security of the National Id System, we all know that Philippines has a
comprehensive data protection law which is the Republic Act. No. 10173, also known as
the Data Privacy Act of 2012. This law provides numerous legal safeguards that ensure
the protection and security of each person’s data. The Filipino Identification System Act is
properly guided by the principles and standards enshrined by law. So whatever is the
outcome of this act, it is for the benefit of the sovereign which is the people