SEVERAL senators urged the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to address the delays in the delivery of Philippine National ID (identification) cards and to “intensify” its information drive on how every Filipino can get their national ID.

Senator Grace Poe on Thursday said the government must address the “delays” in the printing and delivering the national ID to provide people a valid proof of identity in one card.

“The long wait of six months to over a year to get the ID is unjustifiable,” Poe said.

Poe challenged PSA to do its job, insisting “there should be no room for incompetence in serving the people.”

Poe stressed that the national ID could have been the trusted card used for the speedy distribution of cash aid, fuel vouchers, health benefits, and other basic services that Filipinos desperately need to help tide them over the challenging times.

“The streamlined information in one card would have made public and private transactions less cumbersome and trying,” she added.

“As it continues to encourage the public to sign up, the Philippine Statistics Authority [PSA] must ensure the veracity and accuracy of the data in the card and open avenues for modifications if needed,” Poe further said.

The lady senator explained that the Filipinos had given the program a “chance”, with more than half of the population registered.

Poe also encouraged the public to sign up as she called on the PSA to ensure the accuracy of the data in the card and open avenues for modifications if needed.

Reportedly, more than half of the population have registered for the national ID.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the national ID will help the authorities “fight corruption and crime”.

He said the national ID is the government’s much-needed “tax collection tool”.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said the national ID will simplify the movement of everyone.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Executives Order no. 162 to institutionalize the acceptance of Philippine National ID as “sufficient” proof of identity in all private and government transactions. By Camille P. Balagtas & Marlon Purificacion