Lawmakers who took part in the pilot registration of the Philippine Identification System, conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, urged Filipinos to register during the scheduled PhilSys nationwide registration in July 2020.
Republic Act 11055 or the PhilSys, the government’s central identification platform, shall create a single official identification card, to be known as the Phil-ID, for all citizens that would interconnect government-issued IDs. It aims to simplify transactions and promote ease of doing business, which has been a priority of the Duterte administration.
Rep. Estrellita Suansing of Nueva Ecija, co-author of the PhilSys Act, underscored the significance of the system and its benefits to the Filipinos.
“Actually, very important ito because the advantage is isa na lang ang ID. Hindi na yung marami kang itatago and marami kang a-applyan. Di rin tulad ng ibang IDs na may validity,” she said.
Similarly, Rep. Marlyn Alonte of Biñan City cited how PhilSys can be advantageous to its registrants.
Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona of Romblon noted the convenience of having a single official ID.
“I think everybody should get that because once you have that ID, it’s an all-in ID already. Unlike now, you have to present normally at least two or three. That single ID will already confirm your identification,” he said.
Rep. Cesar Jimenez Jr. of Zamboanga City also encouraged Filipinos to register as soon as it is rolled out nationwide next year since the Phil-ID shall streamline private and public transactions as well as abridge various government processes.
A total of 61 House Members registered in the pilot test at the House which is being conducted until December 5, 2019 at the South Wing Annex.
Aside from Suansing, legislators present during the second day of the pilot registration on Tuesday include Deputy Speaker Evelina Escudero, Deputy Majority Leader Lianda Bolilia, Assistant Majority Leader Kristine Singson-Meehan, Committee on Local Government Chair Rep. Noel Villanueva of Tarlac, Committee on Health Committee Chair Rep. Angelina Tan of Quezon, Committee on Basic Education and Culture Chair Rep. Roman Romulo of Pasig City, Committee on Trade and Industry Chair Rep. Weslie Gatchalian of Valenzuela City, Committee on Appropriations Vice Chair Rep. Horacio Suansing Jr. of Sultan Kudarat, Committee on Higher and Technical Education Vice Chair Rep. Alan Dujali of Davao del Norte, Rep. Yasser Alonto Balindong of Lanao del Sur, and Committee on Constitutional Amendments Vice Chair Rep. Lorenz Defensor of Iloilo, among others.