05 AUG 2013

Republic of the Philippines $9 PH
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BillNo._2243

Introduced by Representatives.
GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO and DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The existing multiple identification system in the government is one of the causes
of red tape in the bureaucracy. Individuals have to present various IDs issued by
different government agencies in order to prove their identity. On the side of the
government, the issuance of IDs from the different agencies have created unnecessary
and costly redundancies, while at the same time entailing higher costs.

This bill seeks to streamline and integrate the issuance of identification cards in
the government in order to simplify the processes relative to public and private
transactions of the citizens. Moreover, the establishment of a unified identification
system will enhance the integrity and reliability of government-issued identification cards
in private transactions and prevent violation of laws involving false names and
identifications.

In view of the foregoing, the enactment of this legislation is earnestly
recommended.

GLORIA

DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO
2" District,

2™ District, Camarines Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No._2243

Introduced by Representatives
GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO and DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “National Identification
System Act’.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to improve the quality
of life of the citizens by facilitating access to and delivery of quality and effective
government service. For this purpose, there is a need to establish a unified system that
will address the irregularities in the bureaucracy as well as simplifying the processes on
public and private transactions.

Sec. 3. National Identification System. — A National Identification System is
hereby created which shall provide the official identification of all citizens of the Republic
of the Philippines. A corresponding ID Card with a permanent number shall be issued to
every citizens which shall consolidate all identification systems issued by various
government agencies.

Sec. 4. Issuance of National Identification Card. - Every Filipino citizen shall be
issued a National Identification Card which shall be valid for five (5) years and is subject
to renewal. The ID shall be made of a tamper-proof security material. It shall have on its
face the imprinted photograph, name, date of birth, date of issuance, signature of the
‘owner and the print of the right thumb mark or any of the fingerprints as collected and
stored which shall appear on the face or back of the card.

The application and issuance of the ID shall be initially free of charge and the
succeeding issuances shall be charged to the owner of the card.

Sec. 5. Functional Uses of the National Identification Card. — The National
Identification Card shall serve as the official identification of every citizen and shall be
valid and honoured in all transactions such as, but not limited to the following:


a) Application for passport and driver's license;

b) Application for employment;

c) Availment of SSS and GSIS benefits;

d) Availment of privileges under Republic Act No. 7432 or The Senior Citizens
Law;

) Opening of bank account and other bank-related transactions;

f) Voting identification purposes; and

g) Other functional uses which the NEDA may prescribe

Sec. 6. Authorizing the National Economic and Development Authority to
Harmonize all Government Identification Systems. — The National Economic and
Development Authority (NEDA) shall serve as the lead agency in streamlining and
developing the system. Permanent representatives from different government agencies
shall be appointed by the heads of their respective agencies, including, but not limited to
the National Statistics Office, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Land
Transportation Office, the Bureau of Immigration, the Social Security System, the
Government Service Insurance System and the Philippine Health Insurance
Corporation.

A technical working group shall be created to provide assistance as may be
necessary for the effective performance of its function.

Sec. 7. Functions and Responsibilities of the National Economic Development
Authority. - \n addition to the organic functions and responsibilities of the National
Economic Development Authority (NEDA), the NEDA shall exercise the following
functions and responsibilities:

a) To promulgate and prescribe rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of this Act;

b) To adopt a unified ID system containing the basic features of the ID Card as

indicated in this Act;

To enter into agreement with local governments and with other

instrumentalities of the government, for the purpose of ensuring a

government-wide adoption and support to streamline the ID system in the

government;

To conduct public information campaign to ensure effective implementation of

the System; and

To perform such other functions necessary to implement the provisions of this

Act.

°)

d)

e)

Sec. 8. Safeguards. — The National Economic Development Authority and the
participating agencies shall adopt safeguards as may be necessary to ensure that the
right to privacy of an individual takes precedence over efficient public service delivery.
Such safeguards shall, as minimum, include the following:

a) The data to be recorded and stored, shall be limited to those indicated in this
Act;

b) In no case shall the collection of other data in violation of a person’s right to
privacy be allowed under this Act;

©) Strict systems of access control to data in the identification system shall be
established:


d) The identification card to be issued shall be protected by advanced security
features and cryptographic technology; and

e) Awritten request by the Owner of the identification card shall be required for
any revision of relevant data

Sec, 9. Penal Provisions. - Any person who knowingly uses false information in
applying for the issuance of the ID shall be punished with a fine of not less than Ten
Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) but not more than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos
(P500,000.00) or an imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more than two
(2) years or both.

Sec. 10. Funding. — Such funds as may be recommended by the Department of
Budget and Management shall be provided to carry out the objectives of this Act,

Sec. 11, Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The NEDA in consultation with
the participating agencies shall promulgate the rules and regulations in implementing
the provisions of this Act.

Sec, 12. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations,
and other issuances, or parts thereof, inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

Sec. 13. Effeotivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,