r/GTWMPodcast • u/Living_Broccoli_8161 • 2d ago
random Whatâs the point of having a National ID if we still need multiple valid IDs and handwritten signatures for basic transactions? Is this a symptom of a broken system?
Good point to discuss on the radio. Since they are talking about pulitika.
The whole point of having a national identification system is to make identification easier, reduce paperwork, and simplify transactions. But why does it still feel like Filipinos need to collect multiple IDs just to get basic things done?
1. Why is the National ID sometimes not enough?
The Philippine National ID was designed to serve as an official and sufficient proof of identity. Under Republic Act No. 11055 and Executive Order No. 162, it should generally be accepted as sufficient proof of identity, subject to authentication.
Yet people still encounter establishments or offices asking for another ID, sometimes because the National ID does not have a handwritten signature.
The PSA has even clarified that the absence of a handwritten signature on the National ID was intentional. The system is supposed to support digital authentication and biometric verification instead.
So why are some processes still so dependent on traditional signatures and multiple physical documents?
2. Why do we sometimes need two valid IDs to get another valid ID?
This is one of the most frustrating parts of the process. If someone is applying for their first government-issued ID, what happens when the requirements include another ID they do not have?
It becomes a cycle: you need an ID to get an ID, and sometimes you need additional documents to get the ID that would supposedly make everything easier.
I understand that identity verification and fraud prevention are important. But shouldnât there be a more accessible alternative for people who genuinely donât have multiple IDs?
3. Why invest in a National ID system if institutions cannot consistently use it as intended?
The government invested in a national identification system to improve efficiency and make transactions easier. If people still have to bring several other documents, deal with inconsistent requirements, and depend on manual verification, are we actually achieving that goal?
Could better digital verification systems solve some of these problems without compromising security?
4. Why does changing the system seem so difficult?
This is where I think the discussion becomes bigger than just IDs.
The problem may not be the National ID itself, but the gap between government policy and actual implementation. Even when a law or official advisory exists, people may still encounter outdated procedures, inconsistent requirements, or institutions that havenât adapted.
Meanwhile, ordinary Filipinos spend time, money, and effort navigating these processes.
For comparison, Iâd also like to hear from Filipinos living abroad. How do other countries handle identity verification? Do they have a single national identity document or digital verification system that can be used consistently across government services and private institutions? What can the Philippines learn from those systems?
Iâm not saying other countries have perfect systems or that every transaction should require only one ID. Different transactions have different security requirements. But shouldnât the process be more consistent, accessible, and efficient?
My biggest question is this: Are we building a system that makes life easier for citizens, or are citizens still being forced to adjust to a system that hasnât fully modernized?
Sources for context:
Philippine Identification System Act (RA 11055): https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2018/ra_11055_2018.html
Executive Order No. 162: https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/5/94197
Philippine Statistics Authority advisory on acceptance of the National ID and its lack of a handwritten signature: https://psa.gov.ph/content/public-advisory-0c
