Private firm Stradcom, the contractor for the Radio Frequency ID (RFID) system, on Thursday defended its project with the Land Transportation Office (LTO). The LTO is eyeing the implementation of the RFID system by October 1. But the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and at least two lawmakers have raised questions about the system.
Stradcom Vice President for Media and Public Relations Vince Dizon said the technology is misunderstood.
In an interview on ANC's Top Story, Dizon explained the RFID cannot be used for surveillance or tracking.
"This is the biggest piece of misinformation. We cannot track vehicles. It has no GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) ability. The idea is simply a way to identify the vehicle and make that identification permanent and tamper-proof. The maximum range is only 10 meters, beyond 10 meters, hindi na iyon mababasa (Beyond 10 meters, it can no longer be read)," Dizon said. CHR chair Leilia de Lima said on Thursday any system that could be used for tracking without a legal basis is a violation of human rights.
Stradcom also denies any overpricing in the deal.
Once implemented, the RFID system requires a P350 fee.
But House Transportation Committee member Congressman Rodolfo Plaza and Bayan Muna Congressman Teddy Casiņo have both said RFIDs can cost as low as P10. Dizon, however, explained that while other RFIDs cost less, the microchip that will be used will be suited to LTO needs. He said: "It is a very specialized and very specifically configured tag to suit the requirements of the LTO."
The tag will include, among others, the vehicle's engine and plate numbers, the owner's name, the last registration date, as well as the vehicle's make, series and year model.
Dizon added the system could also be used to help authorities recover stolen vehicles and identify public utility vehicles plying their routes without a valid franchise permit. The NTC, however, said Stradcom has yet to secure import and other permits that will allow the installation of the devices. Stradcom's Dizon also said the project has been in the works since September 2007, denying allegations that it was a "midnight deal." The LTO, on the other hand, said the implementation of the RFID system is in accordance with an order from the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).
LTO Chief and DOTC Assistant Secretary Arturo Lomibao also said several transport leaders have endorsed the system. "Sa Cebu mismo nagkaroon ng endorsement of more than 40 transport leaders coming from the Visayas and Mindanao. Pwede natin i-expand ang consultations," Lomibao also told ANC on Thursday.
But with what seems to be mounting pressure for further consultations on the system, the LTO now says the project could be delayed upon the order of Malacaņang or the DOTC. By Karen Reyes-Caringal, ABS-CBN News Channel
LTO, contractor defend RFID project | ABS-CBN News Online Beta
LTO, contractor defend RFID project
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