Date of Release: 12 May 2021
Reference No: 2021-192
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has begun issuing the PhilSys Number (PSN) and delivery of PhilID on 01 May 2021. In partnership with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), about 40,000 Philippine Identification (PhilIDs) cards have been delivered to registrants who have successfully undergone the Step 1 and Step 2 Registrations.
In accordance with Section 12 of Republic Act (RA) No. 11055 or the PhilSys Act, the PhilID is considered a valid proof of identity when transacting with the government and private sector, especially those that provide financial services such as banks and money-transferring agencies.
“Achieving our vision of a digital ecosystem with PhilSys cannot be done by the PSA alone. We need the cooperation of all to realize our financial inclusion and social protection goals – from the PhilSys registrants to government agencies, financial institutions, and businesses. I enjoin the government and private sector to actively participate in the PhilSys implementation by honoring and accepting the PhilID as sufficient, valid proof of identity in line with the law, without the need to present any other ID. Many Filipinos, especially the poor and marginalized, are unable to access basic economic and social services for lacking a ‘valid ID’. With the cooperation of various entities, the PhilSys, through the PhilID, will finally make transactions easier for them”, said PSA Undersecretary Dennis S. Mapa, Ph.D. , National Statistician and Civil Registrar General.
PhilSys aims to give Filipinos easier and faster access to financial, social protection, health, education, and other government services by providing them with valid proof of identity.
In line with the Government’s commitment to data protection, privacy-by- design and security of the PhilSys, the permanent 12-digit PSN is microprinted on the back face of a registered person’s PhilID, which is to prevent it from being easily seen or captured. A 16-digit PhilID Card Number (PCN) – essentially a public version of the PSN – is printed conspicuously on the front face of the card and is intended to be used for authentication purposes. Registered persons are advised only to use their PCN for transactions and not their PSN. Similarly, relying parties should not request or capture the PSN.
Establishments who refuse to accept the PhilID as valid proof of identity will be subject to a fine of an appropriate amount in compliance with Section 19 or RA No. 11055.
The online Step 1 Registration is currently in its pilot phase with the intention of allowing more Filipinos to register while minimizing health and safety risks. This involves the collection of the registrant’s demographic information and setting of appointment for Step 2 Registration through the official PhilSys online portal.
Digital authentication and Electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) using fingerprint, iris, facial photograph, and SMS-based One Time Passwords or demographic verification will be launched by PSA towards the end of 2021. These PhilSys-enabled services will allow identity to be verified even without the need for a physical PhilID.
For the latest information on PhilSys, visit the official PhilSys website (www.psa.gov.ph/philsys) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/PSAPhilSysOfficial/). You may also reach the PhilSys Registry Office via hotline number 1388 or e-mail at info@philsys.gov.ph.
-PhilSys Registry Office
