The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has said that one valid identification card is enough for transactions with government agencies, and that offices requiring a second ID should be reported.
ARTA Director-General Ernesto Perez made the statement this week, with the National ID cited as an example of a sufficient document.
In an interview on Unang Hirit on November 6, Perez said, “One valid ID is already sufficient. Lalo na po yung ating National ID, it’s already considered a valid ID.”
He also urged the public to report institutions that continue to ask for multiple IDs. “Ngayon kung meron parin po kayong ganyan na experience na any government agency, even banks na requiring two valid IDs, ireklamo po niyo at makaka-asa po ko kayo na mareresolba natin,” he said.
“If an agency still requires two valid IDs, do not hesitate to report them to ARTA so that action can be taken,” Perez said.
Legal basis
Perez cited Section 12 of Republic Act 11055, the Philippine Identification System Act. It provides that presenting a PhilID or PhilSys Number (PSN) is sufficient proof of identity for transactions with government agencies, subject to proper authentication.
“Therefore, where the sole purpose is to establish a person’s identity, a government agency should generally not require a second government-issued ID once a valid PhilID has been presented,” he said.
He added that the position is consistent with Republic Act 11032, the Ease of Doing Business Law. That law prohibits unnecessary, excessive and redundant requirements unless a law specifically requires them or the agency’s Citizen’s Charter states them.
Exceptions
Perez said agencies may still ask for additional documents for purposes other than verifying identity, such as proof of authority or eligibility.
“In such cases, the additional requirement should be the specific document needed to establish the required information, rather than another valid ID whose purpose is likewise only to establish identity,” he said.
The policy covers government agencies, including local government units, Perez said.
Accepted IDs and penalties
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Circular No. 608 lists acceptable identification documents. They include the Philippine passport, driver’s license, Professional Regulation Commission ID, postal ID, voter’s ID, Social Security System card, GSIS e-Card and Senior Citizen Card, among others.
Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno earlier said that, under Republic Act 11055 and Executive Order No. 162, anyone who refuses to accept the national ID without a valid reason can face fines of up to ₱500,000.
How to file a complaint
Complaints to ARTA can be filed through the online form on its website or by email at [email protected].
Complaints to the Philippine Statistics Authority can be sent to [email protected] or made through the PhilSys hotline 1388. Complainants should include the establishment’s name and address, the date and time of the incident, and the explanation given by staff.
