Press Release
January 8, 2008

KIKO OPPOSES REVIVAL OF NATIONAL ID SYSTEM
"The ticklish question is simple: In reviving the proposal, can we trust this government to respect the basic, constitutionally guaranteed rights of its citizens?" -- KIKO

Senate Majority Leader and Independent Senator Kiko Pangilinan today downplayed suggestions to revive the National ID system, "The ticklish question is simple: In reviving the proposal, can we trust this government to respect the basic, constitutionally guaranteed rights of its citizens? The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recommended the implementation of a national ID system to hasten the fight against threat groups.

In 2006, PGMA directed the AFP to end the insurgency before her term ends in 2010. In 1998, the Supreme Court rejected the proposal saying the system posed a "clear and present danger" and would violate the right to privacy guaranteed by the Constitution. "Unfortunately, as has been ruled by no less than the SC in a string of landmark cases that includes EO 464, People's Initiative, CPR, Proclamation 1017 among others, this government has been found to have consistently acted in a manner contrary to the rule of law and the constitution." Kiko added. "If the SC has found this government in repeated violation of the rule of law and the constitution then we view this latest proposal with grave reservations." Kiko ended.

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