RFID tags should be declared unconstitutional and illegal - Maza

“The anomalous LTO-Stradcom RFID project must be junked. This scheme is both an absurd and burdensome requirement at the expense of ordinary motorists.”

Thus said Senatorial candidate Rep. Liza Maza of Gabriela today as she joined members of Piston (United alliance of drivers and operators nationwide) in their call to stop the implementation of the Radio Frequency Identification project that began last January 4.

“Apparently, this is another profiteering scheme since LTO has now begun collecting P350 from the motorists for the additional fee on every motor vehicle that is registered this year. All the more it becomes shady since it is implemented just months before the 2010 elections,” Maza said.

Maza criticized the Arroyo administration for neglecting the sentiments of the transport sector against the RFID scheme despite the already worsening conditions brought about by unabated increases in the price of oil and other commodities.

“The constitutionality of the implementation of the RFID tags or spy chips is still under question. Aside from the burden passed on to motorists, the fear that the RFID scheme will be used to intrude the privacy of individuals hangs about,” Maza stressed.

Maza has filed House Resolution No. 1429 last year directing the House Committees on Transportation and Information and Communications Technology to investigate the impending implementation of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology san wider public consultation and public advisory and which allegedly underwent shady bidding process. Together with Rep.Satur Ocampo, she has also asked the Supreme Court to declare as “unconstitutional and illegal” the Land Transportation Office’s controversial radio frequency identification (RFID) project. ###