Again, the National Identification plan

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

A hue and cry has risen again in certain sectors of society over the report about the revival of the proposal to adopt a national identification system in the country. Dire predictions of the uses which the government might make of the existence of such identification system have been made by those quarters, all centering on the possible abuses that could ensue from it.

Perhaps it is more the fact that it is the military that has sounded the call for the adoption of an ID system that has made alarum bells ring in the consciousness of some people. To them, it could only mean that the government, through the military, has some sinister agenda for putting up a scheme for identifying and keeping track of its population.

There is no denying the fact that such could happen, as also that many other schemes could be plotted by those who put their personal ambitions and hunger for power before the well-being and convenience of the people.

But it has also to be admitted that there are many benefits to be gained from the existence of an identification system, and among them is the convenience an “I.D.” could give, especially to those who have to deal with or transact business, not only with government offices, but also with private institutions, who invariably require some certification or credible identification beforehand. Among these transactions are those with banks, schools, licensing agencies, hospitals, service companies, and so many others.

With the national identification card, one need not run around to so many sources for certifications, endorsements, recommendations, and so forth. Admittedly, there could be some disadvantages, especially if one has some adverse records, but it does not seem likely that such will be openly displayed on the card one is issued, and may not even be known unless a need to look into one's background is necessary.

A compromise the government can make with the doubting ones could be to make the application for such identification voluntary and required only for official transactions. That way, those against it have a choice – they can apply and avail of the benefits, or desist, avoid what they feel is disadvantageous to them.*