No additional ID, please

THE National Council of Churches in the Philippines is concerned over a “landmark bill” mandating another citizen’s identification system supposedly to improve the delivery of government services.

With so many IDs in use, including the United Multipurpose ID, we wonder at this fixation for identification.

What we need now is a respite from the incessant increase in the prices of basic commodities, and better access to other basic social services, not to mention relief from corruption.

Another ID system means further financial burdens on the poor. In addition to the cost, those who cannot avail themselves of it are vulnerable to harassment. We need only to recall the report of human rights groups how people with no community tax certificates were harassed by Gen. Jovito Palparan in the past.

Previously proposed national ID systems were criticized as part of the state’s counterinsurgency or anti-terrorism drives.

Considering that the Philippines was listed in the 2017 Global Impunity Index as having the highest level of impunity among 69 countries, there is reason to be concerned about this new push for IDs.

We urge our legislators to be more attuned to the people’s real needs, instead of giving them more burdens to bear. Laws should be made for the people’s benefit, and not for their further bondage.

REV. DR. REX RB. REYES JR., general secretary
LISSA BELLE R. BROWN, vice chair
REYNALDO T. NATIVIDAD, corporate treasurer
National Council of Churches in the Philippines