SC urged to block RFID scheme

A militant transport group and some lawmakers are set to ask the Supreme Court to block the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) planned implementation of the controversial radio frequency identification (RFID) system.

Piston and party-list Reps. Satur Ocampo and Teddy Casino of Bayan Muna, Liza Maza of Gabriela and Joel Maglunsod of Anakpawis will file a petition before the SC tomorrow for permanent injunction with prayer for a temporary restraining order against the LTO’s plan to implement the RFID next year.

Piston secretary general George San Mateo earlier said the RFID could be used by the government to spy on those perceived as "enemies of the state."

He added that the RFID scheme had already been rejected by several civic-oriented organizations.

The LTO has deferred the enforcement of the RFID scheme last October amid clamor of several militant groups to junk the project.

Under the scheme, motorists will be required to install RFID microchips, which will cost a P350 one-time fee, in their vehicles.

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