SENATE minority leader Aquilino Pimentel III has filed a resolution seeking an inquiry into the delayed issuance of Philippine Identification (PhilID) or national ID cards.

In filing Senate Resolution No. 1192, Pimentel underscored the need to conduct a comprehensive review in the implementation of RA 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, for purposes of putting up a catch-up plan to resolve the backlog.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has said that as of August 2, only around 52 million physical PhilID cards have been distributed out of the more than 89 million who have applied.

The backlog of cards was largely due to the limited capacity of printing facilities.

“Republic Act No. 11055, also known as the ‘Philippine Identification System Act,’ was enacted to establish a single national identification system referred to as the Philippine Identification System (Philsys) aimed at promoting efficient, transparent, and seamless delivery of public services, as well as to enhance administrative governance and financial inclusion,” Pimentel said in the resolution.

Last August 15, the Monetary Board terminated the contract between the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and AllCard Inc. (ACI) for the supply and delivery of 116 million PhillD cards due to the supposed failure of the supplier to meet contractual obligations.

Pimentel said the termination of the contract has resulted in a need for a new supplier and has raised concerns regarding the continuity and efficiency in the implementation of RA No. 11055.

The resolution, which was referred to the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, also seeks to find out underlying root causes of the delays and inefficiencies in the implementation of the law.

Pimentel’s resolution also highlighted the urgent need to establish more stringent standards to ensure that suppliers selected for the project have the capacity, reliability, and track record to avoid similar setbacks.

“The Philippine Identification System was designed to simplify and expedite the delivery of public services, but these delays undermine its purpose…The root causes of the delays must be uncovered to prevent further disruptions,” Pimentel added.

Meanwhile, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court has issued a temporary restraining order on the BSP’s contract termination with ACI. The TRO was issued by Quezon City RTC Branch 76 Presiding Judge Renato Pambid.

In issuing the temporary injunction, the court sided with petitioner’s plea challenging the BSP’s move to terminate the contract with the company.

“Considering the substantial amount involved in the assailed contract, and the financial as well as reputational prejudice that the petitioner stands to suffer and the extreme urgency considering the project timeline involved in this case, petitioner’s application for Interim Measure of Protection by way of issuance of a Status Quo Order and or Temporary Restraining Order and or Preliminary Injunction is hereby granted,” Pambid’s seven-page ruling dated September 9 said.

‘Public respondent Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is hereby restrained from proceeding with any form of implementation of the termination of the subject agreement with petitioner.

Additionally, the Court likewise enjoins the imposition by respondent of liquidated damages upon petitioner,” it added.

In terminating the contact, BSP said AllCard Inc. failed to fulfill and perform the services in its deal with the central bank.

The termination covers the “supply, delivery, installation, and commission of Lotus 1 Lot Lease of Card Production Equipment for a period of three years, including provisions of Technical and Maintenance Support personnel, training of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas/Philippine Statistics Authority personnel, and supply and delivery of raw materials, consumables and wear-and-tear spare parts for 116 million pieces of PhilID cards.”

The central bank also said that as of June 30 this year, the cumulative liquidated damages due from ACI have reached more than 10 percent of the contract price. – With Ashzel Hachero