36 M Filipinos still have no national ID cards

Out of the total number of Filipinos who registered for the National ID system, more than half have already received their physical cards, leaving 35.94 million citizens still waiting.

As of April 12, 2024, about 50.06 million Philippine identification (Philid) cards have been delivered successfully across the country, out of a total of 86.01 million registered individuals.

“This is a significant milestone in the implementation of the National ID system,” said National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Claire Dennis S. Mapa, who also serves as Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Undersecretary.

“With more Filipinos receiving their National ID, the PSA shall continue to promote its use and acceptance among national government agencies and relying parties,” he added.

During its implementation, the Philippine Identification System (Philsys) program has been plagued with delays in the manufacturing and delivery of National ID cards.

To address the issue, the PSA introduced ephilid, the printable and downloadable version of the physical ID that can be presented as valid proof of identity in transactions.

As of April 12, 2024, PSA said around 45.16 ephilids –both printed and downloaded – have been issued by Philsys.

“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,” Mapa said.

Mapa said the PSA will continue to carry out registration activities to cover the last mile of the population while also continuing with its efforts to issue ID cards.

PSA registration centers are open for walk-ins and mobile and institutional registration is being conducted in Geographically-isolated and Disadvantaged Areas as well as public and private establishments.