Philippine Identification System (PhilSys): registration, documents, requirements

Philippine Identification System was introduced in October 2020. Registration of Philippine citizens in PhilSys began with the aim of establishing a single identification number for each citizen and facilitating access to government services and social programs. This was a planned phase of the implementation of the system. Initially, it started with the registration of citizens in certain regions of the Philippines, and then the program gradually expanded to the entire country.

PhilSys is an important step in improving government services and facilitating the identification of Philippine citizens. It contributes to a more efficient delivery of government services and increases the security and accuracy of citizen information.

What is PhilSys?

PhilSys (PhilSys ID), or Philippine Identification System, is a national identification program introduced in the Philippines. It is a system designed to issue unique identification numbers to Philippine citizens, and to improve the efficiency and accuracy of their identification and authentication.

PhilSys is designed to establish a single and universal identification number for every Philippine citizen. Every Filipino citizen as well as residents, including foreign nationals who reside in the Philippines, can go through the PhilSys registration process and get their PhilSys Number (PSN).

The main purpose of PhilSys is to provide easy access to government services and social programs and to prevent fraud and re-registrations. PhilSys allows Filipino citizens to use their unique identification number for various purposes including opening bank accounts, obtaining government benefits, educational services, health care and other government services.

PhilSys provides convenience and security to Filipino citizens by providing a unique and secure way to identify themselves. Registering with PhilSys usually involves providing personal information, collecting biometric data such as fingerprints and a photograph, and obtaining a unique PhilSys Number. This data is stored in a central database to ensure the integrity and security of the information.

PhilSys plays an important role in improving the identification system and providing better government services to Philippine citizens.

What is a PhilSys ID?

The PhilSys Identifier, also known as PhilSys Number (PSN), is a unique identification number assigned to each registered Filipino citizen under the PhilSys (Philippine Identification System). This identifier is permanent and unique to each individual and is designed to provide a more efficient and reliable way to identify citizens in various public and private transactions.

PhilSys ID helps eliminate duplication and errors in the identification of citizens, simplifies registration processes, as well as facilitates citizens’ access to public and social services. Thanks to this system, citizens can receive various identification documents, banking services, health and social benefits, participate in voting and perform other actions that require identification using a single PhilSys ID.

Who can get a national PhilSys ID?

The PhilSys National ID is available to all Filipino citizens as well as foreign residents residing in the Philippines for more than 6 months. All persons who are 18 years of age or older are required to register with the PhilSys system and obtain their PhilSys ID.

The PhilSys system can also provide identification numbers to children under the age of 18 to facilitate their participation in social and government programs.

In general, people living in the Philippines, regardless of their nationality or status, are eligible for a PhilSys National ID.

Advantages and disadvantages of the PhilSys system

The PhilSys National Identification Program has the following benefits:

  • Improved identification. PhilSys provides each registered person with a unique identification number, making it easier to identify and verify the identity of citizens in various transactions and interactions with public and private organizations.
  • Simplified access to services. The PhilSys identification system can be used to simplify citizens’ access to government services, social programs, health care, education and financial services. This can help improve the general well-being of the population and reduce barriers to obtaining needed services.
  • Combating fraud and counterfeiting. The implementation of PhilSys can help combat fraud and document falsification, as the unique identification number and biometric data can more accurately identify a person and prevent illegal actions.
  • It’s easier to get a senior citizen discount. Older people will not even need to apply for a senior citizen ID card after they turn 60 because their national ID card includes their date of birth, which means they can immediately take advantage of senior citizen discounts and benefits.

Despite the advantages, there are also potential disadvantages and dangers:

  • Data privacy and security. Collecting and storing a large amount of personal information in PhilSys can raise concerns about data security and privacy. Appropriate steps must be taken to protect and secure the information to prevent unauthorized access and data misuse.
  • Risk of misuse. There is a risk of identity misuse because the information could be subject to identity theft or used in fraudulent schemes. The government should take steps to protect citizens from this type of risk and to ensure the security and confidentiality of their identities.
  • Not all citizens are included. Implementing PhilSys requires the active participation and registration of all citizens. However, some people, especially those from vulnerable groups, may find it difficult to obtain an identification number and the benefits associated with the system. It is important to make sure that all citizens can participate in the system without any barriers or discrimination.

Overall, PhilSys has the potential to add significant value by simplifying identification and service access processes, but attention needs to be paid to issues of privacy, data security, and inclusion of all citizens in the system.

How to register with PhilSys: instructions and documents

To register with PhilSys without an appointment and in the absence of certain documents, you can follow these steps:

  1. Visit your nearest PhilSys Registration Center. Contact your nearest PhilSys Registration Center where the registration process will be conducted.
  2. Fill out the registration form. Obtain and complete the registration form, providing your personal information such as full name, gender, date of birth, residential address and other information as required.
  3. Provide documents to verify your identity. You will usually be required to provide documents such as:
    • Philippine passport or e-passport.
    • A single Multipurpose Identification Card (UMID) issued by GSIS or SSS.
    •  A PSA-issued birth certificate and one government-issued ID card with your full name, front photo and signature or thumbprint.
    •  Student LTO card or non-professional/professional driver’s license.

If you do not have these documents, you can provide other documents that can serve as identification, such as:

  • Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) ID
  •  SSS Identifier
  • PWD Identifier
  • PhilHealth ID
  • Birth certificate issued by LCRO
  • Birth certificate issued by PSA
  • Certificate of adoption issued by PSA
  • Single parent ID
  • Integrated Barrister Identification Card of the Philippines (IBP)
  • Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
  • Seaman’s book
  • Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) identification card
  • Pension ID Card
  •  Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program ID (4Ps)
  • License to Own a Firearm (LTOPF) ID
  • NBI permit
  • Police clearance/identification card
  •  Voter ID
  • Mailing ID
  • Special Resident Retirement Visa (SRRV) issued by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA)
  • National ID card from other countries
  1. Provide biometric data. During registration, you may be required to provide biometric data such as fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature.
  2. Get a unique identification number. After successful registration you will be issued a unique PhilSys ID number which will serve as your identifier.

After registering your national ID card, all you have to do is wait for your PhilSys national ID card to be delivered to your address. Be sure to show the courier the transaction receipt or any valid ID.

Regarding PhilSys ID requirements, the following is important:

  • The PhilSys ID must be obtained only by Filipino citizens over 18 years of age. Under the age of 18, registration is possible only with the consent of a parent or guardian.
  • Registration with PhilSys is mandatory for all Filipino citizens except those in special exceptional situations as defined by law.
  • The PhilSys ID is used for purposes of identification and access to various government, financial and social services.
  • Your PhilSys ID must be processable, unique and must meet the security and data protection standards set by PhilSys.

It is important to note that PhilSys registration requirements and procedures are subject to change over time, so it is advisable to consult official sources.

FAQ

Is Philsys registration required?

Yes, PhilSys registration is recommended for all Philippine citizens except those in special situations as defined by law. PhilSys was introduced to create a national database of personal data of citizens and provide them with a unique identifier. PhilSys registration helps establish a clear identity for citizens, facilitates access to various government, financial and social services, and helps improve the efficiency of government processes and programs.

Does the PhilSys National ID have an expiration date?

The PhilSys National Identifier has no expiration date. It is a permanent and unique identification number assigned to Philippine citizens. Registration with the PhilSys and receipt of the National ID is provided once and remains valid throughout a person’s lifetime.
However, newborns who are automatically issued a PhilSys ID card without fingerprint and iris scans will be issued a new ID card when they reach the age of five to register their full biometric information.

How much does it cost to get a PhilSys National ID card?

The PhilSys National ID card in the Philippines is free for citizens and residents. This means that you do not have to pay for the registration and PhilSys ID card process itself.
It is worth noting, however, that some additional services related to PhilSys, such as printing duplicates or replacing lost cards, may charge certain fees. It is recommended that you consult official sources or organizations associated with PhilSys for detailed and up-to-date information on costs and possible fees.

How do I get a digital copy of my national ID card?

If you have not yet received your national ID, you have the option to temporarily use a printed ePhilID. ePhilID is an alternative version of the PhilSys National ID that can be printed out and used for various transactions. It is important to note that the printed ePhilID is accepted as valid proof of your identity and age. For example, the Department of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) has stated that it will accept ePhilIDs as valid documents when applying for a passport. The printed ePhilID contains relevant information such as your full name, gender, date and place of birth, marital status, blood type and address. It also contains your 1×1 photo and a QR code.

How secure is the personal data in PhilSys?

PhilSys takes security measures to ensure confidentiality and data protection. They strictly collect and store only necessary information in accordance with the law. No political, socio-economic, religious or criminal data is collected. Tokenization is used to replace sensitive data with derived data, ensuring the security of personal data. 
Registrants can use a PhilID card number (PCN) or PSN alias, accompanied by a one-time PIN or biometric data for authentication. The PSN is not stored in public or private databases, but those organizations may store certain tokens to verify the uniqueness of the owners or to reconcile data with other agencies as required by law.

Conclusions

In the future, PhilSys should improve or simplify bureaucratic processes in government and private institutions. Delays in obtaining national ID cards are frustrating and inconvenient for Filipinos, but we hope that the government will fulfill its promise to speed up the process of printing new cards.

It is also worth noting that the PhilSys National ID provides a convenient and reliable way to verify identity in various situations such as opening a bank account, obtaining government services, or participating in elections. It can also be useful for enrolling in educational institutions or looking for a job, providing more efficient and faster registration and data verification processes. Moreover, the PhilSys National ID helps reduce the risk of fraud and document forgery because it is based on biometric data, which is difficult to fake. This increases the level of security and trust in the identification system.

Finally, the development and implementation of PhilSys demonstrates the Philippine government’s commitment to modern digital governance, improved government services, and greater convenience for citizens.

Comments