Manila, Sept. 15 -- The National ID could become the mandatory first line of age verification for Filipinos opening social media accounts under proposed amendments to a measure protecting minors from online harm.

Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson proposed that the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) replace less definitive methods as the primary proof of a user's age.

"I-simplify natin at gamitin natin ang National ID... Ang panukala ko, pagdating sa period of amendments, gawin nating must ang basis, gawin natin ang National ID o ano ang backup ID na pwedeng gamitin para documented (Let us simplify the process and use the National ID. During the period of amendments, I will propose that we use the National ID or a backup ID as a requ...