Is your national ID enough for official transactions? Here's what the law says
Have you ever presented your national ID for an official transaction only to be asked for another "more valid" government ID?
Apparently, this is a common occurrence, and Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno said it goes against the law.
In a Facebook post on Oct. 24, Diokno posted a reminder that said the national ID is enough to provide valid identification for any official transaction.
He cited the PhilSys Act and Executive Order No. 162 in reiterating that the national ID can be used as official identification.
"Paalala: Sa ilalim ng PhilSys Act (RA 11055) at Executive Order No. 162, opisyal at sapat na patunay ang national ID sa anumang transaksyon sa gobyerno man o sa bangko at pribadong kompanya," Diokno wrote.
He added that anyone who refuses to acknowledge the authority of the national ID without a valid reason can face a fine of up to P500,000.
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According to the Supreme Court e-Library, the national ID "shall be honored and accepted, subject to authentication, in all transactions requiring proof or verification of citizens or resident aliens' identity."
Among these transactions are application for a passport and driver's license, opening of bank accounts, application for admission in public and private schools, application for eligibility and access to social welfare benefits from the government, voting registration, tax-related transactions, and admission to any state hospital or health center.
There are limitations, however. Per RA 11055, the national ID does not automatically translate to proof of the bearer's eligibility for certain benefits and services; neither is the ID considered absolute proof of Philippine citizenship.
The national ID is valid both in physical form and digitally. If you don't have one yet, you may apply for a digital national ID in the eGOVPH mobile app.
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