Arroyo calls on public to support nat’l ID system

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo called on the public Friday to support the national identification (ID) system, which she claimed could be a “strategic lynchpin of national security and social justice." The President said government would use the new system only for “security" purposes, particularly in the renewed campaign against the communist New People’s Army (NPA). “I call on all Filipinos to stand us one behind the national ID system," she said during the turnover ceremonies for new military chief Lt. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon in Camp Aguinaldo. On Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled with finality on the constitutionality of the national ID system, affirming its earlier ruling on April 19. "I appreciate the decision of the Supreme Court…this paves the way for the full implementation of the national ID system which is a strategic lynchpin of national security and social justice," the President said. “It will help us to secure our communities from terror and crime, and at the same time facilitate the delivery of basic services to the people," she added. On the public’s fear that such system could be used in violating people’s rights, the President said: "We shall ensure it carries all the safeguards to protect the rights of every citizen under the law." -GMANews.TV