SLOW NATIONAL ID ROLLOUT IMPACTS BENEFICIARY AID ACCESS

House Transportation Committee Chairman and Quezon City Rep. Franz Pumaren has called for an investigation into the delayed rollout of the National ID system, saying it is affecting the distribution of aid to transport workers impacted by rising fuel prices due to the war in the Middle East.

He said government programs such as fuel discounts, per-kilometer subsidies, and fare incentives depend on accurate identification of beneficiaries, but only about 50 percent of National IDs have been distributed.

As a result, many transport workers, especially those in the informal sector, are unable to access assistance due to a lack of valid identification.

Pumaren also pointed to inefficiencies, data mismatches, and duplication caused by the absence of a unified ID system.

He plans to file a resolution seeking a House inquiry into the Philippine Statistics Authority’s implementation of the program and urged regulators to maximize existing aid before approving fare increases.

Source: PhilNews24 | May 3, 2026