Manila, Philippines — A senior lawmaker has called for a congressional investigation into the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) following persistent delays in the issuance of national identification cards under the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys).
Representative Eric Pumaren of Quezon City, in a formal letter to the House Committee on Public Information, flagged what he described as "unreasonable delays" in the delivery of physical ID cards to millions of Filipinos who have already registered for the national ID system. He emphasized that the delays undermine the government's goal of establishing a seamless and inclusive identification system.
"The national ID system is a cornerstone of efficient governance and financial inclusion. However, the prolonged wait for physical cards—in some cases over a year—defeats its purpose and erodes public trust," Pumaren said. He noted that many citizens need the card for basic transactions such as opening bank accounts, accessing government services, and verifying identity.
Pumaren urged the House panel to summon PSA officials to explain the bottlenecks and present a clear timeline for resolving the issue. He also suggested that the agency explore alternative delivery methods, including digital IDs, to expedite the process.
The PSA, for its part, has acknowledged the delays, citing supply chain issues and logistical challenges, but has assured the public that it is working to clear the backlog.
The proposed probe aims to ensure accountability and push for reforms to prevent further inconvenience to the public.