From People’s Tonight: As Lacson said, let’s do our part in thwarting the spread of the virus even in our own little way.
Continue reading “Editorial: Act of responsibility [People’s Tonight]”
An Appeal for Public Disclosure: How the Average ‘Juan’ Can Help Flatten the COVID-19 Curve
With Republic Act 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act still not ready for implementation, it is not easy for the government to trace ordinary citizens who tested positive for COVID-19, as well as those who were directly exposed and symptomatic. Making the job harder is the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (R.A. 10173), which protects the right to privacy and non-disclosure of medical records of patients.
As an admitted oversight of Congress, the recently enacted Bayanihan to Heal As One Act (R.A. 11469) does not authorize the President to direct the disclosure of COVID-19 patients.
But if public figures like Prince Charles, Boris Johnson, Tom Hanks, Christopher de Leon and several of our own legislators had voluntarily and publicly declared they are or were infected, maybe it is time for the “man on the street” – the ordinary Filipinos – to do the same in order to alert those who they had interacted with to take the necessary measures, so that the infection does not spread further.
If their identities are made public voluntarily, even through their barangay bulletins, homeowners’ associations or any social media platforms available, then people who they directly got in contact with can come forward to be tested and treated if needed.
As an elected Senator of the Republic, I appeal to our citizens to practice that selfless act of responsibility to society and do our part in hastening to flatten the curve by thwarting the spread of the virus even in our own little way.
COVID-19 may not be like the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), where there is social stigma attached to the afflicted because it is sexually transmitted in most cases. Nevertheless, it does not diminish the threat that COVID-19 poses not only to those vulnerable but those around them.
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National ID System Tops Lacson’s Accomplishment List in 3rd Regular Session
A long hoped-for national ID system that will facilitate the delivery of basic government services while helping fight crime and terrorism.
Such a system, provided for by Republic Act 11055, is the landmark accomplishment of Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson during the first few months of the Senate’s third regular session.
RA 11055, which President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law Aug. 6, harmonizes and integrates some 33 government ID cards into a single system.
Related:
Batas Na! Lacson Expects National ID System to Speed Up Transactions, Deter Crime
Lacson-Sponsored Measure Providing Heavier Penalties vs Hazing Signed into Law
Sponsorship Speech: Senate Bill 2031, Rank Classification in the PNP
Lacson Bill Gives Government Stronger Teeth vs Terrorism
Continue reading “National ID System Tops Lacson’s Accomplishment List in 3rd Regular Session”
Read: RA 11055, An Act Establishing the Philippine Identification System (National ID)
Republic Act 11055 establishes the PhilSys (Philippine Identification System) to provide a valid proof of identity for all citizens and resident aliens to simplify public and private transactions.
PhilSys will also be a social and economic platform through which transactions can be availed of, and shall serve as the link in promoting seamless service delivery, enhancing administrative governance, reducing corruption, strengthening financial inclusion, and promoting ease of doing business.
All the Things You’ll Be Able to Use the National ID For [FemaleNetwork.com]
From FemaleNetwork.com: According to Senator Ping Lacson, the country currently has “33 different forms of identification issued by various government agencies;” that this ID system will “harmonize, integrate, and interconnect these countless and redundant government IDs” to “eliminate the need to present other forms of identification in a wide variety of public and private transactions, services, and derivative identity credentials.” Continue reading “All the Things You’ll Be Able to Use the National ID For [FemaleNetwork.com]”