As a Filipino, it has been our dream to have an easy way of identification. This urge made the Philippine government work on the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys); which, in turn, would be the key to the creation of the Philippine National ID.
Akin to the policies and rules of other countries, soon, the Philippines will have its version of a centralized identification system via the PhilSys PhilID.
To help you have a clearer thought of it, we’ve arranged some of the most common questions asked by Filipinos.
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Here are some of the most common PhilID FAQs you need to know:
PhilSys PhilID FAQs
What is the PhilSys?
The PhilSys, short for the Philippine Identification System is the central identification platform for residents, citizens, and resident aliens in the country.
Finalized back in 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte aims to simplify and to make government transactions more convenient.
By having a single and centralized digital ID system, people wouldn’t have to succumb long lines; they wouldn’t have to wait ages to get the assistance they need from the Philippine government.
Also Read: PhilSys Sign Up Scam – What You Need to Know
Understanding What the PhilID Is
Also known as the Philippine National ID, the PhilID is an identification document you can use for any government-related transactions.
It will be considered by the government as a valid proof of identity; you’ll be able to use it in both the private and the non-private sector, too!
After you successfully register to the PhilSys, this is what you’ll be given – it will have a unique PhilSys Number or PSN, as well as a unique PhilSys Card Number or a PCN.
Will it Replace the Importance of Other Government IDs?
As legitimate as it seems, the PhilID will not replace the current IDs that several government agencies have – the PhilHealth ID, among others.
It’ll serve as a foundational ID, which you can use as a solid valid proof of identity.
Read: Required Information That Will Be Stored And Used In The National ID System
In the future, once it has been efficiently and successfully rolled-out, both companies and agencies in the non-private and in the private sector will acknowledge it.
When is the Registration for the PhilID?
Part of the PhilID FAQs is as regards its registration because it has been unclear for the past few months, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To let you know, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is looking to start the PhilSys PhilID registration by the year 2021.
Low-income household registration has actually been started around the 4th quarter of 2020.
Read: Applying For A Digitized Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) ID
How Do I Register?
As per the PSA, low-income households will be the priority in the registration for the PhilID.
You can also register online using the PSA online portal, you can follow the instruction on how to register online for National ID
Apart from the fact that they have little-to-no access to information like this, the PhilID FAQs, they also have fewer chances of catching up to the trend.
That’s why the PSA is looking to establish and build registration centers that are both fixed and mobile. These centers would be placed strategically, accommodating the needs of all people who need it.
The PSA is currently in thetalks with several Local Government Units (LGUs), private sector companies, and government agencies, helping to determine key locations on where they can set up registration centers.
What Requirements Do I Need to Register for the PhilID?
In order for you to successfully register for the PhilID, you need to prepare the following:
- Duly accomplished application form
- Primary Identification Documents:
- Valid LTO-issued student permit or license (non-pro or pro)
- PSA-issued birth certificate (with one (1) gov’t-issued ID
- Valid DFA-issued passport
- Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) card
Also Read: PhilHealth Contributions Will Increase Starting Next Year
In the event that the agency asks for other documents, check the back of the registration form to see if it’s legitimate.
What Will be Included in the PhilID?
The PhilID or the National ID will contain a few pieces of demographic information.
Your PhilID will display and show the following:
- Full and Complete Name of the Cardholder
- Gender
- Date of Birth
- Blood Type
- Place of Birth
- Address
Other pieces of data that you might be able to see would include your official mobile number and email address.
However, these are optional information that cardholders can choose to display or not.
Price and Expiration of the PhilID?
We included this in the PhilID FAQs because recently, there’s been a scam revolving around the registration and the application for the PhilID.
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There’s no price for it – it does not cost anything. The PhilID is and will always be free of charge, for the first (1st) issuance to Filipinos.
However, if you damage the card, or if it has been lost, you’d have to pay for replacement.
In addition to that, the validity of the PhilID is also necessary. For resident aliens, the expiration date of the PhilID is only for a year. On the other hand, Filipino-holders wouldn’t have to worry about any expiration – it doesn’t have any!
No Need to Renew the PhilID?
This brings us to this next question – and to answer, no, you don’t need to update or renew your PhilID.
It does not expire – so there’s no plausible reason to update it. However, if you married (you’re a woman), if you changed address, if you have had plastic surgery, or any sort of modification, you can choose to update your information with the PSA.
Read: A Guide on How to Get a Philippine Voter’s ID
They’ll be the ones to modify the data shown on your PhilID.
What is the Republic Act (R.A.) 11055?
Caring to understand the Republic Act (R.A.) 11055 is key to understanding PhilSys’ PhilID.
R.A. 11055 is also known and labeled as the Philippine Identification System Act. By definition, it’s an act that establishes the single national identification system of the country.
Its purpose is to provide a valid form of identity proof for both resident aliens and Filipino citizens in the country.
In case you’re not aware, it has been duly signed by President Rodrigo Duterte back on the 6th of August, 2018.
How the PSA Assures People of Their Private Data
Why is this part of the PhilID FAQs? – Because it has been and it will always be one of the many concerns of our countrymen.
Read: List of the Valid IDs in the Philippines
Data is one thing that’s considered gold in our age – it can be erased, and worse – it can be stolen from you.
R.A. 11055 provides specific information about how the PSA would handle, manage, and secure your data and information.
The only time that they’ll share any type of data or information is when:
- The registered person has given a yes; if he or she has given consent to it, particular to the purpose before the processing; or
- If the registered person is of a compelling interest of public health or safety; provided that the risk of significant harm to the public is established, and the owner of the information is notified within a timeframe of 72 hours
If you have any other questions about the PhilID, the registration, and other features, don’t hesitate to contact the PSA.
You can visit their official Facebook Page, which is @PSAPhilSysOfficial for it.
Source: PSA Website