24 SEPTEMBER 2009

STATEMENT OF CHAIRPERSON LEILA M. DE LIMA ON THE LTO’S RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID)

LTO’s Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) project involves issue of right to privacy and right to security of person and property. Tantamount to surveillance without legal basis. Even suspects have right to privacy and security against search and seizure until exception is granted by way of warrant by court on showing of enough prima facie basis. There is risk of abuse or misuse. Should only be case to case basis not sweeping unlimited in time. No other country has found basis to justify such a general tool to keep tract of population. Coming right after the navy spying incident. People might think government does not understand its obligations under ICCPR to respect and protect right to privacy and security. We urge LTO to further study constitutional and human rights implications of the plan. There should be genuine consultations. CHR will issue formal advisory in due time.

(RELEASED THROUGH TEXT MESSAGING )