The national ID system may be implemented this year after the bill proposing it hurdled bicameral conference, Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Wednesday.
Lacson said the bicameral committee has agreed to adopt the Senate’s version of the Philippine Identification System Act with minor amendments and suggestions from the House of Representatives.
Once ratified by both chambers, the bill will pass into law by the end of June or even earlier as it was an enrolled bill, according to Lacson.
“Kasi ‘pag ‘di pinirmahan in 30 days mag-lapse into law. So give or take by June end or before end of June, batas na ‘yan,” he said.
The country’s first national ID system has an initial funding of P25 billion.
Lacson said he hopes President Rodrigo Duterte would mention the national identification law in his third State of the Nation Address in July.
“This is a landmark legislation. It’s been languishing in both Houses for 18 years,” he said.
Lacson said the national identification card would be beneficial to Filipinos as it could serve as a “back up” ID.
READ: Remaining issues with the proposed national ID
“At least mababawasan ang katakot-takot na ID sa bulsa at bag ninyo. Pag transact ng business it will be very convenient,” he said. /muf
READ: When can cops get your info under nat’l ID system?