The Philippine Statistics Authority and the Department of Information and Communication Technology have launched a digital national ID, now available as a valid proof of identification for both government and private transactions.
The digital national ID can be accessed via computers or smartphones with an internet connection. Registered individuals can view their digital ID through the official website or the eGovPH app, which requires demographic information and facial verification for confirmation.
Two authentication platforms, National ID eVerify and National ID Check, were also introduced to streamline identity verification processes. These platforms provide real-time data verification and facial recognition, simplifying both government and private sector transactions.
NEDA Secretary and PhilSys Policy and Coordination Council Chairperson, Arsenio Balisacan, emphasised the digital ID’s potential to enhance government service efficiency and the delivery of social welfare benefits. “We hope to lessen leakages and ensure that public money is spent where it must be spent,” he stated.
National Statistician Dennis Mapa noted that 87.6 million Filipinos are registered with PhilSys, and while 83.6 million have been assigned unique PhilSys numbers, only 51.6 million have received physical ID cards. The digital ID aims to bridge this gap.
DICT Secretary Ivan Uy praised the new system, saying, “This modern identification system will streamline transactions, improve service delivery, and ultimately make doing business easier for everyone.”
The National ID eVerify system allows government agencies and private establishments to confirm identities swiftly, while the National ID Check validates ID authenticity through QR code scanning without accessing the national ID database.
