Coming soon: Fake-proof postal ID

Soon, the Postal ID—one of six IDs acknowledged in government transactions—will be harder to fake with the addition of new security measures.

 

The virtual overhaul of the ID seeks to thwart identity theft, GMA News' Tina Panganiban-Perez reported on GMA News TV's State of the Nation with Jessica Soho on Tuesday.

 

"'Yung kasing paper (ID) na nila-laminate, napakaraming laminating machines sa Recto kaya napakarami talagang fake ID," Philippine Postal Corp. postmaster-general Josefina dela Cruz said.

 

PHLPost pointed out the new ID, which was launched Tuesday, will be made of plastic unlike the present laminated ID that had been prone to faking.

 

Among the new ID's security measures are a QR code that can be scanned and verified using an Android app, and a magnetic stripe similar to that of a credit card.

 

Other features include a holographic security image and biometrics data.

 

These security features are needed as the Postal ID is now one of six government IDs used for transactions, the others including the passport, Social Security System ID, Government Service Insurance System ID, driver's license, and voter's ID.

 

Normally, two accredited IDs are required for government transactions, with the postal ID being the most available and one needing only a birth certificate and barangay clearance to apply for it.

 

For now, PHLPost said there is no fixed cost for the new ID yet, though it initially estimated the cost may range from P400 to P800.

 

Those who already have a laminated ID can get one at a discount, dela Cruz said.

 

"Hindi pwedeng sabihing libre 'yan because there's a cost involved," she said.

 

For now, PHLPost aims to allow applications for the new cards in five pilot areas in Metro Manila by mid-November, and 20 areas by December, then nationwide by January 2015. —Joel Locsin/KG, GMA News