Public-private key cryptography now available with PhilSys

MANILA – A website that uses public-private key cryptography will now be available with the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) project.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Saturday that the key cryptography called PhilSys Check features a quick response (QR) code system, which enables the relying parties to authenticate the Philippine Identification (PhilID) card and verify the data stored in its QR code.

Philippine Registry Officer-in-Charge and Assistant National Statistician Fred Sollesta said the PhilSys Check is part of the government’s efforts to promote “greater financial inclusion and unlocking access to basic social services” to more Filipinos.

“As the PSA continues to strive for innovation, we developed a system that will enable the PhilID basic authentication to be more accessible to our relying parties and the general public,” he said in a statement.

The PSA said PhilSys Check is part of the project’s goal “to enable a broader transition to digital or online citizen-centric service delivery” by the government and the private sector.

The PhilSys Check was piloted in 13 banks nationwide since its launch on April 8.

The PhilSys Check authentication system is currently accessible through android devices and laptops with internet connection via the website https://verify.philsys.gov.ph for free.

PSA Assistant Secretary Rosalinda Bautista called on PhilSys partners to utilize the PhilSys Check.

“It is our absolute desire that this milestone for PhilSys will be ardently received and supported by the general public. To our relying parties, your active engagement and unwavering support motivate us to keep working hard to fulfill our mandates and deliver the services well-deserved by our constituents,” Bautista said in a social media post.

The PSA will likewise launch soon a PhilSys mobile application to provide an alternative version of “proof of identification” for transactions while registrants are waiting for their physical cards.

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, enrolment 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 the PhilID during transactions.