Local government units (LGUs) should not require the public to present their voter’s identification cards (ID) before providing essential services like medical assistance or cash aid nor is it needed to register for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination program, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) stressed Friday, Sept. 24.
“Inuulit po namin hindi po dapat hinahanapan ng voter’s ID ang ating mga kababayan para makakuha at mapakinabangan ang serbisyo at paglilingkod mula sa mga pamahalaang lokal. (We reiterate that the public should not be required to present the voter’s ID to avail of the LGU’s services and assistance. It is and will never be a requirement set by the national government nor the DILG),’’ said DILG spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said.
Malaya said that LGUs should not single out the voter's ID as a specific requirement from citizens who want to get vaccinated or avail of other LGU programs and services.
Aside from voter's ID, Malaya noted that there are other government IDs that may be presented by the citizens as proof of identity or residence.
In a usual transaction especially in times when beneficiaries are requested to provide proof of identity, Malaya explained that they are given options of what ID to present which can range from the Philippine Passport, employment ID and PhilHealth ID, among others depending on their purpose.
“Having no voter's ID does not make one a second-class citizen. We should never discriminate against those who cannot present their voter's ID nor deprive them of the essential services that they deserve,’’ he added.
Malaya added that the LGUs should bear in mind that it is the people's money in the form of taxes that they are using to deliver such services.
"It is therefore rightful to give back to the people and serve them regardless if they are registered voters of the locality or not," he said.
The DILG issued the reminder after receiving reports from the field that some LGUs are requiring the presentation of the voter's ID before they can access government services.
In the event that an indigent individual does not have any proof of identity, Malaya said s/he can coordinate with the barangay to ask for a Barangay Certification stating that person's identity and whether s/he is a legitimate resident of the barangay.
The DILG spokesperson reminded the LGUs to stop politicizing the basic services intended for the people “especially that the filing for candidacy is just around the corner.
Malaya asked the public to report to their field offices any LGU that requires a voter’s ID before they are allowed to be vaccinated or avail other LGU service.