PSA: National ID safe from identity theft

CEBU, Philippines — With more and more Filipinos registering themselves for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has assured that the public is safe from identity theft and other types of imitations with its Philippine Identification card (PhilID) design.

The PhilID design, revealed last week, showed different security features.

Apart from the front-facing photograph and the basic demographic information, the front card design also has secret details like a guilloche design, micro printed texts, and color-shifting prints to ensure the card’s security and authenticity.

The back design contains additional demographic information of the cardholder, a QR code that can be scanned to determine the owner’s PhilSys Number (PSN), a barcode for the card’s serial number, and a microprint of the PSN.

Once the PhilID is received, one is advised not to disclose especially the PSN as it contains confidential information. During transactions, one should use the PhilSys Card Number (PCN) which is printed in front of the PhilID, above the photograph.

Earlier, the PSA has urged government agencies and private establishments to accept the PhilID as valid proof of identity in accordance with the PhilSys Act.

As a response, the Department of Interior and Local Government ordered the local government units (LGUs) to do the same and to not require additional identification documents.

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs has already included the PhilID in its list of acceptable IDs for passport application.

The issuance of the PSN and the PhilID is the last step of the registration process. Over 100,000 IDs were already distributed, while around 560,000 are now ready for delivery, according to PSA’s previous reports.

Those who have not registered yet can apply through the PSA’s online portal for national ID registration for step 1.  This step would cover the demographic information of the applicant, like full name, address, and date and place of birth.

Step 2 involves validation of supporting documents, iris and fingerprint scans, and taking of front-facing photographs.

In Cebu City, there are six existing registration sites for the step 2 process - Robinsons Galleria on the 4th floor, Robinsons Cybergate 2nd floor, Gaisano Country Mall 2nd floor, in Talamban Time Square Upper Ground Floor, SM City ground floor, and SM Seaside ground floor.

Each site caters to residents from specific barangays. The registration is from Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in SM malls.

The minimum health protocols are strictly observed. No walk-ins allowed.

Only those with appointment slips issued by the PhilSys enumerators during the house-to-house visitation for step 1 last year or have booked an appointment online can proceed with the step 2.

The registration for PhilSys and the delivery of PhilID is free of charge. — Loreine Kyra Lebumfacil, CNU Comm Intern, GMR (FREEMAN)