BAGUIO CITY – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has urged local government units (LGUs) and the general public to use and accept Philippine identification (PhilID) or the national ID as a valid proof of identity, which would facilitate transactions with both the government and the private sector by allowing for easier identity validation and authentication.
“The PhilID will also increase efficiency, particularly when dealing with government services, as people will only need to present one ID during transactions,” said OIC-RD Araceli San Jose of DILG-CAR.
She said that the PhilID is for permanent use and has no expiration date while the PhilID issued to resident aliens or foreign nationals residing in the country will be valid for only a year.
Noting that the initial issuance of the PhilID is free of charge, however there will be a minimum fee for the replacement of the ID due to damage or loss.
She also said that holders of a certificate of indigency are exempt from the replacement fee if they present this certificate.
Meanwhile, in an official statement, DILG Spokesperson and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya warned any LGUs and private entities that failure to accept, acknowledge, or recognize the PhilID without just and sufficient cause would result in a PHP 500,000 fine.
Government officials and employees who refuse to accept the PhilID card as proof of identification will result in a lifetime ban from holding any public office or working in the government, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and their subsidiaries. By Pamela Mariz T. Geminiano
