PhilSys sign-up sites strictly enforce health protocols

MANILA – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has reminded the public that acquiring a national identification (ID) card through the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) should be done with health protocols in mind.

For safety purposes, applicants can complete the Step 1 demographics registration through the online portal https://www.philsys.gov.ph/, after which the appointment reference number (ARN) will be sent via text message.

For the Step 2 biometrics process in registration centers, applicants must wear masks and face shields and bring disinfectants like alcohol or sanitizer.

Bringing of ballpen is also required as registration staff are advised not to lend theirs to prevent the possible transmission of the coronavirus.

To avoid crowding and spending unnecessary time onsite, applicants should go to registration centers at the scheduled time and not too early.

No walk-in applicants will be entertained for safety measures.

The appointment slip or ARN and original copies of supporting documents and proof of identification are also required.

The operations of all PhilSys registration centers in areas under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) classification are temporarily suspended.

Among areas under the most restrictive quarantine status are the National Capital Region and Laguna province until Aug. 20, Bataan province until Aug. 22, and the cities of Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro until Aug. 15.

The Philippine ID (PhilID) will help realize the country’s goal toward a digital economy, thus the reminder of National Statistician and PSA Undersecretary Dennis Claire Mapa for all government agencies and private entities to recognize the validity of the card as a valid proof of identity.

“The PSA, together with other entities involved in the success of the PhilSys program, urges agencies and establishments to make transacting easier and safer for our fellow Filipinos by accepting their PhilID as a valid proof of identity. This will bring us closer to our goal of achieving a digital economy and society for the Philippines,” Mapa said in a statement on Aug. 12.

The Department of Foreign Affairs previously issued an advisory endorsing the use of PhilID in passport applications and other consular service-related transactions.

Section 12 of the PhilSys Act states that the PhilID shall be accepted as a government-issued ID and a valid proof of identity in dealing with national government agencies, local government units, government-owned or controlled corporations, government financial institutions, State Universities and Colleges, and private entities.

Signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the PhilSys Act, aims to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.

The national ID shall be a valid proof of identity that shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrollment in schools, and the opening of bank accounts.

It will also boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services where people will only need to present one ID during transactions.