Auto firms seek consultation on RFID scheme

MANILA, Philippines – An organization of motor vehicle assemblers and distributors is asking the Land Transportation Office to hold consultations with industry stakeholders before implementing its planned radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging scheme next month.

Elizabeth Lee, president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi), said the automotive industry, and even other stakeholders, wanted to know the LTO’s objectives in implementing such a scheme, scheduled to start on October 1.

She said it was also important for the LTO to lay down the advantages and disadvantages of such a scheme, "taking into consideration the comments of all stakeholders.’’

"Basically, we are requesting for consultation as none was done. We were surprised with the information and ads (that came out),’’ she said in a text message Friday.

“Perhaps the first step should be a consultation with stakeholders regarding the advantages and disadvantages, consequences and concerns, and objectives (of the RFID sticker). These need to be thoroughly threshed out.’’

As part of the consultation process, she said the LTO should also identify the target market for the scheme.

"RFID in some countries is used for logistics and fleet vehicle tracking. I’m not sure regarding private use or implementation. I still have to check on this,’’ she said.

Using radio waves, RFID vehicle tracking systems can identify and pinpoint both stationary and moving vehicles. These vehicles can be registered and tracked, and data can be written to them even at long distances and while in motion.

Vehicles with RFID stickers stuck on their windshields can provide RFID readers with such information as vehicle make and model and plate number.

Under the planned LTO RFID tagging scheme, vehicle owners would have to shell out P350 for the sticker with the RFID sticker, also called a microchip.

This scheme, however, had been met with opposition from various quarters, including motorists, transport groups, and even some solons.

Gabriela party-list Representative Liza Maza said the government could abuse the technology, while the Commission on Human Rights said the scheme could pose a threat to individuals’ privacy.

Even Malacañang cautioned LTO on implementing the scheme, conceding that there was a need to conduct consultations with industry stakeholders.

"It would be proper to conduct a more thorough study on this before this is implemented,’’ deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said.