National IDs not accepted as proof in gov’t offices

MANILA — The PhilSys ID or the national ID is said to be useless because it is not accepted as proof of an individual’s identity in government offices and other offices due to the lack of a signature.

“Without a specimen signature on it, the Philip­pine National ID has apparently been rendered useless as a proof of identity for its owner because it does not bear the holder’s signature,” according to Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers.

Barbers, chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs is one of the authors of Republic Act (RA) 11055 or the PhilSys, said it has been six years since it was enacted but until now many people are still waiting for their ID.

Although there is a fine for those who do not recognize the national ID, it pointed out that the simple problem of the missing signature ‘unlike other valid IDs such as passports, driver’s license and others is the reason why the PhilSys ID becomes useless.

Under RA 11055 enacted on August 8, 2018, the PhilSys national ID will serve as a valid identification that can be used in business transactions in the government and even in the private sector.

As a result, he will ask the officials of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for an explanation due to the lack of signature and 12 digit permanent identification numbers from the said ID.