Arroyo EO transfers unified ID system under SSS

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has transfered the task of developing the government's unified multi-purpose identification system to the Social Security System from the National Economic and Development Authority. In an executive order issued Jan. 16, Arroyo said the task of developing the ID system, which NEDA has handled since April 2005, would now be transferred to SSS. Under the new EO, the SSS would build on some work that has already been done by NEDA. Arroyo directed NEDA and the National Statistics Office would assist the SSS in developing the unified multi-purpose ID system. The reason for the transfer, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said, is that the SSS, which has about 12 million cardholders, already has the experience of handling a "national" ID system. But Ermita explained that despite the transfer of function from the NEDA to the SSS, the said ID system would still only cover employees from the different government agencies and GOCCS. He said a law, not just an executive order, would be needed to enforce a national ID system that includes private individuals. Ermita, however, admitted that the use of the SSS system is a step towards a possible unified national ID system. He said once Congress passes a law on an ID system, the SSS could then submit its recommendation on how to implement such a system. “We are moving from our EO 420, the unified mutli-purpose ID system for government. So let's see how it develops from there. But you will notice, the SSS has many members so that is a step forward. Let’s see how SSS will do its job of hamonizing the ID system," Ermita said. - GMANews.TV