On RFID – High Tech Meets Good Old Common Sense

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) urges to implement a new technology on the streets – the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). This project aims to “revolutionize and speed up vehicle registration”, lessen “Kotong”, identify stolen cars easily and mitigate the air pollution caused by vehicles. The RFID chip is small, like a computer chip, and is being used in boutiques, schools and NLEX E-passes. It carries data at may be scanned conveniently by a reader that officials would hold. Thus, to fulfill the goals of LTO, millions of chips must be installed in all vehicles, from trucks to motorbikes, all over the country.

The initiative of the LTO to advance registration and traffic control methods to a better technology is commendable. Keeping up to date with new implementing technologies, especially when a country can afford it, is a proof that government offices are seeking remedies that are relevant and timely. But initiatives, hopes and aims are not the only things that matter in serving this country.

Motorists will have to pay Php350 upon registration of their vehicle, with a 10 year validity of the RFID chip. With six million (NEDA estimate) vehicles at present, and around 150,000 (NEDA estimates) newly registered vehicles yearly, the implementation of the new technology will surely affect the economy, and many, if not all, Filipinos. Given this, a careful scrutiny should take place before any decision comes at hand. The LTO has started the RFID scheme this October without the proper consultation and approval of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), which is chaired by President Gloria Arroyo.

“Whoever is implementing the project must be powerful enough to have the guts to bypass the President”

the former NEDA chief Ralph Recto comments.

A good analysis takes more than looking at what an institution sees to achieve, it also considers HOW the institution seeks to achieve it. For obvious reasons, such a smart idea should REALLY undergo analyses from other important authorities – for no matter how TECHNOLOGY or the means to organize and govern lives far advances the basic tools of the past, the due processes in governance never looses timeliness; just like the good old common sense.

J.E. Mickey M. Eva VIII