Gov't to launch 'RapidPass System' to ensure easier passage through checkpoints for frontliners

The government will roll out on Friday a virtual identification system aimed at ensuring easier passage through checkpoints for frontliners and other exempted individuals from home quarantine due to the threat of COVID-19.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said in a virtual press conference that the RapidPass System will limit contact between exempted individuals and personnel manning checkpoints.

“Sa RapidPass System, ang ating mga frontliners sa mga checkpoints ay gagamit ng QR Code scanners na nasa smartphones at isa-scan po ‘yung unique QR codes na ibibigay sa ating mga authorized individuals o vehicles,” Nograles said.

“Pag scan po sa QR code, puwede na po padaanin ang indibidwal o kotse.”

Nograles said a RapidPass can be requested by frontliners or authorized personnel through the website RapidPass.ph, either on a desktop or a mobile device.

“Puwede pong i-print ang QR code at ipaskil sa sasakyan o puwede ipakita sa inyong smartphone. Sa mga walang smartphone o printer, ipakita lamang po ang inyong control number sa ating mga nagtatao ng checkpoint kasama ang inyong valid ID,” he said.

Those who do not have a RapidPass may still be able to show proper identification documents.

“The RapidPass will be available to everyone but it will not be required,” Nograles said.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) partnered with non-profit local software developer organization, Developers Connect, Inc., to create the RapidPass, which will be launched later Friday in a virtual press conference with several Cabinet officials.

DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña earlier said the RapidPass System was approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on March 27 and was tested within the Mandaluyong area on the same day. --KBK, GMA News