WAGING WARFARE
WRITTEN BY GIAN DE GUZMAN GRAPHICS BY JON BONIFACIO
HISTORICALLY, WAR OFTEN involves the use of arms or weapons. The Japanese used swords and bayonets during the World War II, while the Americans had pistols and rifles. The Egyptians had naboots made out of wood and rattan. The Filipinos used bolo knives during the Philippine Revolution. But today, war is not just about weaponry; technology has already enabled modern warfare to transpire in networks and computer systems. A battlefield is being built on the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) proposed by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and signed by the President just this August. And now, PSA is already in preparation for its implementation. According to the PhilSys Act of 2018 or RA 11055, the PhilSys is a foundational identification system that serves as valid proof of identity for both citizens and resident aliens. The key to this system is the development of a national ID called the Philippine Identification System ID (PhilID) that shall be issued to all those registered under PhilSys. The PhilID contains the PhilSys Number (PSN), quick response (QR) code and personal information that are all unique to its holder. The holder’s identity can be authenticated by either presenting the
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PhilID or using their biometric information. Authentication can be conducted by validating biometric and personal information. Personal information, in the context of our law, is any information that directly identifies the individual such as full name, sex, birthdate, birthplace, blood type, address, and citizenship. Meanwhile, biometric information pertains to front-facing image, fingerprint, iris scan, and/or other distinguishable features. A set of at least two fingerprints shall be encrypted on the QR code at the back of the card. With this system, the PSA targets to provide more convenient public and private transactions, promote seamless delivery of services, curtail corruption, and enhance financial inclusion. Though it appears promising to have a national ID that identify someone as a citizen, the PhilSys Act allows a record history that holds the location and date of transactions whenever the card is used. This takes us into considering the “war” the country is involved in. The Philippines has been a constant target for cyberattacks. This fact have made not just this questionable provision but the system as a whole, an area of contention between involved parties and stakeholders.
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