President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order institutionalizing the acceptance of the Philippine Identification System Number (PhilSys) or National ID as sufficient proof of identity and age in all government and private transactions.
Executive Order No. 162 was signed, by the authority of the President, by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Feb. 14, 2022.
The President cited the urgent need to institutionalize the acceptance of PhiliSys or PSN as authenticated, as sufficient proof of identity and age in all government and private transactions, to improve efficiency in the delivery of social services, strengthen financial inclusion, and promote the ease of doing business.
Duterte said the PhilSys shall be the government’s central identification platform for all citizens and resident aliens of the country.
In connection with the Philippine Identification System Act, an individual’s record in the PhilSys shall be considered as sufficient proof of identity and age of an individual for public and private transactions.
The PhilSys shall also serve as the official government-issued identification document and official proof of identity of cardholders in dealing with all national government agencies.
The PSN or PSN derivative of an individual shall also be honored and accepted in transactions with the government and private sector entities, notwithstanding the non-presentation of the PhilID.
The EO allows the PhilID, PSN, or PSN Derivative to be presented in lieu of a birth certificate for transactions that require individuals to establish their age, including but not limited to: applications for a marriage license; applications for student driver’s permit or conductor’s license with the Land Transportation Office; enrollment of students in public and private schools or registration for the Philippine Educational Placement Test; applications with the Professional Regulation Commission; and applications relative to voter’s registration with the Commission on Elections.
Government agencies are likewise tasked to amend their Citizen’s Charters to integrate the PhilSys Components and accommodate its features. The transacting public shall be informed of these amendments and private sector entities are enjoined to do the same.
On the other hand, banks and other financial institutions shall comply with the relevant issuances of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and other government regulatory agencies, and communicate to the public such policies and guidelines on the use of the PhilID, PSN, or PSN Derivative.
Meanwhile, Senator Christopher Go commended the issuance of EO 162, which he said aims to improve efficiency of public service delivery, strengthen good governance, and cut red tape in private and public transactions.
“If we are to fully achieve the full benefits of the national ID system, the institutionalization of its use is necessary, ensuring faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective delivery of government services,” the senator said.
“Moreover, as we prepare for the ‘new normal,’ the transition to e-governance becomes crucial, particularly the digitalizing of
government processes. E-governance will reduce red tape, eliminate corruption, enhance transparency, provide safe and convenient delivery of services to the people, and encourage citizen feedback and participation in governance,” Go added.