Duterte signs EO institutionalizing acceptance of National ID in transactions

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order which will institutionalize the acceptance of the Philippine or National ID system as sufficient proof of identity and age in all forms of transactions.

As stated in Executive Order No. 162, there is an urgent need to institutionalize the acceptance of the PhilID and PSN (PhilSys Number), as authenticated, as sufficient proof of identity and age in all government and private transactions, to improve efficiency in the delivery of social services, strengthen financial inclusion and promote ease of doing business.

Duterte said the PhilSys shall be the government's central identification platform for all citizens and resident aliens of the country. In connection with the policy under Republic Act No. 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act, an individual's record in the PhilSys shall be considered as sufficient proof of identity and age of an individual for public and private transactions.

Further, the PhilSys (Philippine Identification System) shall serve as the official government-issued identification document and official proof of identity of cardholders in dealing with all national government agencies.

The PSN or PSN derivative of an individual shall also be honored and accepted in transactions with the government and private sector entities, notwithstanding the non-presentation of the PhilID.

Under the EO, the Philippine Statistics Authority shall ensure that cardholders or holders of the PSNs will not be prejudiced if authentication cannot be performed through no fault on the part of said persons.

Neither does this order foreclose the recognition and acceptance of other government-issued identification documents in government and private transactions, it added.

Banks and other financial institutions shall comply with the guidelines issued by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and other regulatory agencies on the use of PhilID, PSN or PSN Derivative.

Duterte earlier ordered all government agencies, including local government units, to prepare for the implementation of the National ID system.

The PSA and the Department of Information and Communications Technology was tasked to ensure that all information databases and systems to be developed by government entities shall be synchronized to facilitate interoperability of government-initiated identification systems, ensure efficient and more reliable government transactions and secure access to information and services. —KG, GMA News