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Philippine National ID: Things to know

The national ID system has been a very controversial issue in the past decades with experts warning that it could violate a person’s right to privacy. But government insists that security mechanisms are in place to protect stored information.

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Why do we need a national ID system in the first place?

The Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) is the government’s central identification platform. In a nutshell, it is a means to simplify public and private transactions.

Proponents of the national ID system said that it can greatly improve the delivery of government services – especially for those who lack proper government-issued identification cards as a person’s record in the PhilSys would be valid and sufficient proof of identity.

According to Republic Act 11055, the system aims to “eliminate the need to present other forms of identification when transacting with the government and private sector.”

Socioeconomic Secretary Ernesto Pernia, in March 2018, said that PhilSys “can open up opportunities especially for the poor and marginalized and will make public service delivery more efficient.”

It also aims to reduce corruption and curtail bureaucratic red tape, prevent fraudulent transactions, and ease doing business in the Philippines.

When and where do we need to register?

RA 11055 states that every citizen or resident alien in the Philippines shall register personally a year after the law takes effect.

Individuals can go register in the following centers:

PSA Regional Provincial Offices
Local Civil Registry Offices
Government Service Insurance System
Social Security System
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
Home Development Mutual Fund
Commission on Elections
Philippine Postal Corporation
Other government agencies as assigned by PSA

What will I get upon registration?

All Filipino citizens and aliens shall register in the PhilSys. Individuals born after the law takes effect shall be registered upon birth immediately.

Each registered person in the Philippines will be given a PhilSys Number (PSN) – a randomly generated, unique, and permanent identification number.

A physical identification card will also be issued which will serve as “official government-issued identification document” that can be used in several transactions that require proof of identification.

Where can I use the PhilID or PSN?

The PhilID or PSN can be used when dealing with national government agencies, local government units, government-owned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and the private sector.

The law lays out specific transactions that the ID can be used for:

Applying for social welfare and benefits
Applying for services offered by the GSIS, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-Ibig, and other government agencies
Applying for passport and driver’s licenses
Tax-related transactions
Registration and voting identification purposes
Applying for schools, colleges, universities, and other learning institutions
Applying for employment and other related transactions
Opening bank accounts and other transactions with banks and financial institutions
Verifying criminal records and clearances
Other transactions defined in the implementing rules and regulations (IRR)

What information will be collected?

Information to be collected under the Philippine Identification System includes demographic data such as full name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, blood type, address, and citizenship. Marital status, mobile numbers, and email addresses are optional.

Biometric information will also be recorded, including front-facing photograph, full set of fingerprints, and iris scan. Other identifiable features may be collected if necessary.

Who will handle my data?

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is the main implementing agency of the national ID system. It will maintain and secure all the information collected from all Filipinos and registered aliens in the country.

According to the law, the PSA will be assisted in technical aspects by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). It can also adopt “new but more effective” technology that can help in the registration, authentication, and security of all data.

A PhilSys Policy and Coordination Council (PPCC) will also be established to formulate policies “to ensure effective coordination and implementation” of the PhilSys. The council will be composed of representatives from different government agencies including the Department of Budget and Management, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), among others.

How secure will my data be?

The law explicitly states that there are only two ways by which the registered information can be accessed or used: if the registered individual gives consent or if there is a court order issue in the interest of public health or safety.

When the information about a certain individual needs to be released, the registered person will be notified of the disclosure within 72 hours. The existence of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 also reinforces the state’s “commitment” to having a legal recourse in the event of violation of one’s privacy.

Information covered by National ID System:

Demographic data

Full name
Sex
Date of birth
Blood type
Address
Filipino or Resident Alien
Marital status (optional)
Mobile number (optional)
Email address (optional)

Biometric data

Front-facing photo
Full set of fingerprints
Iris scan
Other identifiable features

An identification card called PhilID will also be issued under the new system. This physical card will bear the information such as a person’s unique PSN, full name, blood type, date of birth, place of birth, address, and front-facing photograph. Marital status is also optional.

A person applying to be part of the PhilSys needs to present a birth certificate. Resident aliens, meanwhile, will need certification of their status. Additional documents may be requested upon assessment.