Over 50 Million National IDs Have Been Delivered, PSA Says

(SPOT.ph) The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said it has delivered over 50 million National IDs to registered persons across the country. Are you one of them?

Over 86 million Filipinos have registered to the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), which means there are still 36 million left waiting for theirs to arrive.  The government initially said the delivery of the National IDs may take up to six months upon registration, but others have been waiting for years.

When a fire ravaged the Manila Central Post Office in 2023, the PSA said the affected National IDs bound for a  Manila delivery will be replaced “at no additional cost” to the registered persons.

Regardless, the delivery of 50 million can still be called progress.

“This is a significant milestone in the implementation of the National ID system,” PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa said in a press release. “With more Filipinos receiving their National ID, the PSA shall continue to promote its use and acceptance among national government agencies and relying parties. It is our goal that the National ID will be on top of every Filipino's mind to be used in their transactions requiring proof of identity or age.”

Last March, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) directed banks and other BSP-supervised financial institutions to place the National ID at the top of the list of acceptable valid IDs.

Also read: What's Next for the National IDs, Parcels Inside the Burning Manila Central Post Office?

Still haven’t received your National ID?

Until the National ID arrives for everyone in plastic form, the government is offering an electronic version for registered people to print and laminate as a temporary fix. Here is how to apply for one:

• Log on to appt.philsys.gov.ph and check if you have a PhilSys Number.
• Book an appointment at your chosen registration center.
• Go to the registration center on the day of your appointment. Bring with you your transaction number and appointment slip.
• Claim the printed National ID. Minors must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

The electronic version is as good as the real deal, with PSA reiterating that it can be presented as valid proof of identity in transactions. Just make sure the print on paper is legible.

In the meantime, you can also track the delivery status of your National ID via PHLPost.

Also read: We Tried Applying for the National ID, Here's What Happened