The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF), an organization of eminent economists, recently asked for the institution of a national ID system to promote inclusive growth, and to safeguard peace and order.

Advantages of ID system. The FEF believes that the national ID system will, among others: 1) promote financial inclusion because it will enable many poor and “unbanked” Filipinos to open bank accounts, something not possible without a government-issued ID; 2) help the government identify the beneficiaries of welfare services; 3) deter identity fraud online and offline, thereby enhancing e-commerce; and 4) prevent criminals from faking their identities.