Lacson: National ID System to deter hacking, phishing, other cybercrimes

Presidential aspirant and Senator Panfilo Lacson said Friday the proper implementation of the National ID System Act would deter hacking, phishing, and other cybercrimes.

The lawmaker made the remark when asked about the recent incidents of hacking in various digital financial platforms during the presidential forum organized by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).

“Napakamabisa po nito (batas) hindi lamang sa pagtugon sa mga tutulungan ng ating national government sa ayuda pero ito rin ang magbibigay ngipin, ng lakas sa law enforcement para ang ating seguridad, pati mga nahahagip ng cybercrimes e madaling mahuhuli kasi nga lahat tayo ay may pag-aari nang PhilSys number na tinatawag,” Lacson, the author and the sponsor of the National ID System Act, said.

(The law is very effective not only in the national government's distribution of financial assistance but also in the law enforcement and in our security, including cybercrime prevention. The perpetrators could be caught easily because each one of us has the PhilSys number.)

“Sana madaliin ng Philippine Statistics Authority ang pag-implement nito para maisakaturapan na ang batas,” he pointed out.

(I hope that the PSA will implement this immediately to achieve the intent of the law.)

In the same forum, Lacson said President Rodrigo Duterte should appoint new poll commissioners who have probity and objective.

“Hindi dapat ‘yung nanggaling sa politika (He should appoint someone who is not involved in politics),” he added.

Last Wednesday, Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Sheriff Abas along with Commissioners Rowena Guanzon and Antonio Kho Jr. have officially retired ahead of Eleksyon 2022.

On the other hand, Lacson maintained that he has not violated any law when he evaded arrest after being implicated in the Dacer-Corbito double murder case.

He cited anew the Supreme Court jurisprudence on Tuliao case, which he said, allows the court to proceed with the case even without the accused placed under legal custody.

“It is the choice, an option that I took kasi ‘pag SC ruling, it becomes part of the law of the land. Wala po akong viniolate kung ang option ko ay hindi magpakulong, pero paandarin ang kaso,” he explained.

(I did not violate any law because I took the option not to be placed under legal custody but I allow the case to proceed.)

Lacson further stressed the need for internal cleansing to fight the structural corruption within the government.

He cited anew how he fight bribery and the “kotong” culture during his stint as chief of the Philippine National Police and even during his term as senator.

Apart from this, Lacson said the digitalization of government processes would eradicate corruption at the lower ranks.

He then stressed the need to boost the internet system in the country by prioritizing the government’s National Broadband Program.

Lacson stressed that the NBP was underfunded over the past years.—AOL, GMA News