Here is a list of frequently asked questions about the Philippine ID (National ID) system, which will have its pilot testing in September.

Related:
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Read: RA 11055, An Act Establishing the Philippine Identification System (National ID)

THE NATIONAL ID SYSTEM:

What is the National ID System?
The Philippine ID (National ID) is a system where each Filipino and resident alien will be given an identification number, to facilitate the delivery of basic government services and to ease transactions with government and private entities. The system includes the PhilSys number, PhilID, and PhilSys Registry. As Sen. Lacson said in his sponsorship speech for the measure: “(I)dentity has become a foundation in virtually all nations – even developing ones – for transforming governance, enhancing delivery of services and implementing security and crime prevention measures.”

Who will be the custodian of information in the National ID System?
The custodian of such information will be the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Can hackers get access to my ID number?
The law contains security safeguards and heavy penalties for those who will deliberately leak one’s information.

If one dies, can his/her PhilSys ID Number be recycled and issued to others?
No. The PhilSys ID number to be assigned to a person is permanent. It cannot be recycled.

Will newborn Filipinos have an ID too?
Yes, but they will get a permanent number upon reaching the age of majority. Newborns and minors will be issued temporary numbers.

What about resident aliens? Or foreign tourists?
Resident aliens (non-Philippine citizens who established residence in the Philippines for at least 180 days) may be issued National IDs, to facilitate their transactions with government and private agencies while in the Philippines. Tourists staying briefly in the country need not be issued IDs.

Who will have priority in being issued National IDs?
Those who will have priority include senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and conditional cash transfer beneficiaries.

REGISTRATION FOR A NATIONAL ID

Is registration for a National ID mandatory?
The system is more about accessing benefits, so no one is forced. But the PSA believes everyone will eventually be compelled to register. As Sen. Lacson has stressed, the National ID system aims “to reward, not to punish; to make life easy, not difficult.”
The PSA and concerned agencies shall enter into separate memoranda of agreement on their duties for operating the registration centers. Registration shall be under the direct supervision and control of the PSA.

Is registration free?
The initial application and issuance as well as renewal of the PhilID for citizens shall be free. In this case, renewal refers to the replacement of the PhilID due to recapturing or updating of biometric information.
Fees will apply for the initial application and issuance as well as renewal of a PhilID to resident aliens; and for the issuance of a replacement PhilID to citizens and resident aliens due to loss, damage or change of entries.

What documents will be needed?
The registration process would be faster if applicants brought a valid birth certificate.

What about biometrics?
Biometrics can first be captured when the child is five years old. Biometrics will be taken again when the child is between 15 to 18 years old.
For children aged below five, only demographic information and front-facing photo will be collected; and the PSN linked to that of the parent or guardian.
For children aged 5 to 14, including those who had been registered at age 4 and below, complete biometric info shall be initially captured at age 5, and recaptured at 15.

Is there a need to ‘renew’ registration?
There is no need to ‘renew’ but you can ‘update’ your info with PSA if you changed address, had plastic surgery, etc.

BASIC DATA

What data is included in the ID?
The ID will contain pieces of demographic information. This includes the holder’s full name, gender, date of birth, place of birth, blood type, and address. Other data such as mobile phone number and email address are deemed optional.

Will my data be secure?
The law provides for penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of data. It also provides conditions for the release of information:
1. When the registered person has given his or her consent, specific to the purpose prior to the processing.
2. When the compelling interest of public health or safety so requires, provided the risk of significant harm to the public is established and the owner of the information is notified within 72 hours of the fact of such disclosure.

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