AFTER meeting with his newly appointed National Economic ad Development Authority director-general and socio-economic planning secretary Arsenio Balisacan, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. has ordered preparations to be made for the immediate release of some 50 million national identification (ID) cards by the first quarter of next year.
In an interview, press secretary Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles disclosed that it was the expressed desire of the president to resolve the reported delays in the issuance of the ID cards as their use would make transactions by the public easier and more efficient.
“The primary purpose of the meeting (with NEDA) was the national ID system—that’s part of our economic recovery system because it is necessary,” Angeles explained about the chief executive’s order for the 50 million national IDs to be ready by early 2023.
“It is essential, especially in terms of banking systems or establishment of any business, including small businesses. The national ID system is also important for the credit system,” she added.
Republic Act no. 11055 or the PhilSys Act, signed in August 2018 by then President Rodrigo Duterte in August 2018, created the national ID system.
