Filipinos are closer to a national ID system as Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno inspected the machines that will be used to print the ID cards.
Aside from producing bank notes and coins, the BSP was also in charge of printing important documents such as passports. Both currencies and passports require security features and special printing methods to ensure they are counterfeit-proof.
"Today, I inspected the offset printing, card body punching, and collating machines that will be used to print the National ID. BSP has been tasked to print the ID cards," BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said in a tweet.
The ID card will contain the Philippine Identification System or PhilSys number of each individual, their full name, facial image, sex, date of birth, blood type, and address.
Biometric information such as a person's iris scan, fingerprints, and photograph will also be included in the card.
Opening bank accounts becomes easier
Banks usually require Filipinos to present at least two forms of identification, but with some only possessing one ID, plans of opening an account are often dropped. Since the National ID will contain an individual's verified information, the public can expect an easier time at the bank.
"With this National ID, it would be easier to comply with the stringent Know-your client (KYC) requirement of banks—a usual roadblock to access financial services. With it, it would be easier for Filipinos to open a bank account," the BSP chief said.
The National ID can also simplify the distribution of financial aid.
When does registration start?
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, registration for the first step of the national ID system will start on Oct. 12, while the second step, which is the capturing of biometric information, will begin on Nov. 25.
Philippine Statistics Authority Assistant Secretary Rose Bautista said low-income households listed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development will be prioritized for the first step of registration.
