Practical ID

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Friday, September 8, 2017
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THE GOVERNMENT is pushing for a national ID. The goal is to improve the delivery of government services through a consolidated or unified ID. There has been a practical suggestion on this a long time ago but was never been given full consideration: Since Filipinos already possess one with a clear provision for social services, why not improve and expand the coverage of this ID? It’s the PhilHealth ID or card.

Ideally, a national ID should be a social services tool. It should be one that would entitle the holder to assistance, benefits and government services, not as a security instrument foisted at the expense of people’s privacy.

PhilHealth cards fit the bill as they are already a de facto national ID. Republic Act 7875, the National Health Insurance Act of 1995, mandates the universal and compulsory coverage of Filipinos in a national health insurance system. Section 2 of the said Act requires all citizens to enroll in the system to avoid adverse selection and social inequity. Section 8, meanwhile, entitles the bearer to a “health insurance card” to be issued by the local PhilHealth office for the purpose of identifying members, verify eligibility and record utilization of benefits.

Instead of embarking on a Holy Grail-like chase for a national ID, why not expand the PhilHealth ID? A new ID system will only create a lucrative ID lamination industry out of yet another public document with low social acceptability because of its equally low social purpose.

The use of PhilHealth card as national ID will also save on unnecessary expenses. A national ID system designed in the security mold will be costly. Either it will be given gratis, which will burn a hole in the government’s pocket, or be subjected to a fee, which will invite complaints from an already overtaxed public. Periodic renewal should also be factored in as updated information should be an ID’s security feature.

PhilHealth ID cum national ID will even earn money for the government or at best revenue neutral as people will voluntarily buy health insurance if they see value for money in it.

If the national ID will be intertwined with PhilHealth, the government will be ensuring health and public security at the same time. Practical, right?

 
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