A government employee shows a sample of the new national ID. (INQUIRER PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — The new national ID under the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) must be accepted as sufficient proof of identity and age in all government and private transactions, according to an order by President Rodrigo Duterte.
This means that there would be no more need for multiple IDs currently required in conducting official business with nearly all government or private entities.
In Executive Order No. 162 he signed on Feb. 14, the president said the printed or electronic Philippine Identification (PhilID) and the corresponding PhilSys Number (PSN) and its derivatives shall be honored in all transactions that require proof of identity without the need to present other identification documents, “unless otherwise provided by law.”
The PhilID, PSN, and PSN derivatives may be presented in lieu of a birth certificate for transactions where age must be established, such as applications for a marriage license, a student driver’s permit and conductor’s license, enrollment of students, registrations in the Philippine Education Placement test, applications with the Professional Regulation Commission and voter’s registration with the Commission on Elections.
At least 2 types
Transactions in government and private entities often require a person to present at least two “valid” IDs to prove age and identity, among others. Some offices or establishments recognize only government IDs. Many require IDs that have pictures and signatures and others do not recognize “expired” IDs.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Department of Foreign Affairs already recognize the PhilID as among “any” IDs or documents to establish identity and age.
For a postal ID, however, the Philippine Postal Corp. still requires applicants to present two other valid IDs if they cannot present any of the following: birth certificate, GSIS or SSS Unified Multi-purpose Identification Card (UMID), driver’s license, or passport. Applicants are also required to present proof of address.
In accordance with Republic Act No. 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) shall ensure that cardholders or holders of PSN will not be prejudiced if the authentication cannot be performed through no fault of theirs.
No curtailment
The President’s order says the recognition and acceptance of other government-issued IDs in government and private transactions are not being curtailed for people without a PhilID.
He ordered all government agencies and private sector entities covered by RA 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, to integrate and accommodate the national ID in their Citizen’s Charters, guidelines, and other procedures.
Banks and other financial institutions were directed to comply and to inform their customers about the use of PhilID and PSN.
RA 11055, enacted in August 2018, established the PhilSys as the single national ID system for citizens and resident aliens to promote “seamless” delivery of services, improve efficiency, transparency, and targeted delivery of public social services.
Lifetime document
Though not mandatory, it aims to register all Filipino citizens, including those overseas, from age zero, and resident aliens in the Philippines in the national ID system.
The PhilID and the PSN do not expire and will become a lifetime identification documents. It could be updated to reflect changes such as a new address or civil status.
The ID for aliens, however, is valid for only one year.
Parents or guardians must bring a child’s PSA-issued birth certificate during registration. A birth certificate may also be presented by adults who do not have other valid IDs.
Aside from PSA’s birth certificate, an adult applicant should also present an original copy of one of the following primary documents: government-issued identification document which bears full name, front-facing photograph, and signature or thumb mark; passport; GSIS or SSS UMID; LTO-issued student’s license permit or nonprofessional/professional driver’s license.
—WITH A REPORT FROM INQUIRER RESEARCH
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