IN BRIEF

Gatchalian: Nat’l ID sufficient for banks

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian called on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to remind banks that Republic Act 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act compels them to accept the national ID as sufficient proof of identity for financial transactions, and any bank that refuses to recognize it will be fined P500,000.

Gatchalian made the call amid continuing complaints that some banks refuse to recognize the national ID as proof of identity because the card itself does not display the person’s signature.

“This is not the intention of the law. The national ID system is meant to simplify public and private transactions. The BSP should immediately look into this issue and ensure that all financial institutions, especially Landbank and Development Bank of the Philippines, adhere to the law,” Gatchalian said. Macon Ramos-Araneta

WHO lauds Cayetano for tobacco advocacy

THE World Health Organization (WHO) recently recognized Senator Pia Cayetano and four other global public health champions from the Western Pacific Region for advocating tobacco control and championing laws, programs and projects that combat smoking, vapes and heated tobacco products.

The Department of Health confirmed over the weekend that Cayetano was “acknowledged for her dedicated advocacy in promoting the global campaign against tobacco.”

Every year, WHO recognizes individuals and organizations in each region for their important contributions to tobacco control with the WHO Director-General Special Recognition and World No Tobacco Day awards.