DILG to gov’t execs: Use PhilSys ID or face 500-K fine, ban from public office

BAGUIO CITY— The Dept. of the Interior and Local Government urged local government units  and the general public to use and accept Philippine identification (PhilID) or the national ID as a valid proof of identity for transactions with in  government and  private sector for easier identity validation and authentication. 

“The PhilID will increase efficiency, particularly when dealing with government services, as people will only need to present one ID during transactions,” said OIC-regional director Araceli San Jose of DILG-Cordillera.
    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.

Initial issuance of the PhilID is free of charge, but minimum fee for replacement of the ID due to damage or loss will be imposed. she said.

San Jose said that holders of a certificate of indigency are exempt from the replacement fee if they present this certificate.

Meanwhile, in a statement, DILG spokesperson and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya warned LGUs and private entities that failure to accept, acknowledge, or recognize the PhilID without just and sufficient cause would result to P500,000 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.