SENIOR Citizens Party-list Representative Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes has lauded the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) for their digital ID project for seniors and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), while also raising concerns about potential misuse.
Ordanes, author of House Bill 780, which aims to integrate senior and PWD services into the eGovPH Super App, stated that the rolled-out digital ID exceeded expectations. He highlighted the potential for seamless integration with the PhilSys National ID database, enabling automatic ID activation for new seniors upon turning 60. He also noted that there are 8.4 million PhilSys-registered seniors.
However, Ordanes also addressed persistent issues of online access for impoverished seniors and those in remote areas. He cited examples of seniors in Metro Manila unable to afford smartphones or claim allowances due to lost ATM cards, forgotten passcodes, scams, and loan sharks. The DICT and NCSC have assured they will collaborate with regional offices, LGUs, and partner organizations to provide on-the-ground support and digital onboarding, with grassroots seniors’ groups ready to assist.
Ordanes’ statement concluded with new concerns regarding online gambling and financial scams. He urged the DICT and NCSC to work with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Securities and Exchange Commission, banks, and fintech companies to implement safeguards and security measures to prevent digital IDs from being used for illegal online gambling and identity theft.
