Mindanao solon lauds SC decision declaring national ID system constitutional
text & photo HADER GLANG

House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Abdulgani "Gerry" Salapuddin on Saturday welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling declaring as constitutional Executive Order 420 which sets an integrated national ID system for government agencies and government-owned and–controlled corporations.

"This signals 'all system go' for the implementation of a unified national ID system," Salapuddin, one of the principal authors of the proposed National ID System pending in Congress, told Zamboanga Southwall.

Salapuddin said it is high time that government adopts a functional multi-purpose ID card which it can use for people’s daily activities and transactions. He said President Arroyo can now certify for urgent passage the committee reports in the House on unified ID system so that it will pass into law sooner.

“I am truly elated by the Supreme Court’s ruling. The decision must energize government efforts to institutionalize a truly national ID system for all Filipinos that is tamper-and fraud-free and convenient,” he said.

Salapuddin said the implementation of a national ID system will conveniently reduce the weight of people’s wallets which have been burdened with numerous ID and other plastic cards.

“I firmly believe that the only ones who are against a national ID are those who have questionable identities or illegal transactions. To the PNP and other law enforcement agencies like the National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and similar agencies, the ID system will boost their efficiency and effectiveness,” said Salapuddin.

He also believes that the Supreme Court's ruling has multifolds benefits. "A unified national ID system is an effective tool against criminality and the fight against terrorism. It'll also be a big boost for effective tax collection campaign and against tax cheats."

The Basilan congressman said in order to cleanse, reform and modernize the electoral process that has been plaguing the country’s political system due to allegations of fraud and cheating, the Commission on Elections should consult with the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) being the lead agency in the national ID system task force to integrate or harmornize their data base to integrate into the national ID. (ZS)