In an attempt to further improve efficiency in the bureaucracy, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has called on all government offices and agencies in the Executive Branch to accept and acknowledge the various formats of the Philippine Identification (PhilID) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Photos from ARTA (Facebook)

In a Facebook post, ARTA reiterated its Advisory No. 006, reminding all government agencies under the Executive Branch nationwide, as well as their offices abroad, to recognize the various formats of the PhilID, both the physical card and the ePhilID whether printed or downloaded on mobile devices.

"The PhilID shall be honored and accepted, subject to authentication, in all transactions requiring proof of verification," it said.

"These measures are being issued to assist the government agencies in their duty to streamline their processes in delivering government services," it added.

According to ARTA, the various formats of the PhilID are sufficient proof of identity and age that any applicant or requesting party can present for transactions that require identity validation.

ARTA reminded that any person refusing to accept or acknowledge any form of the PhilID without just and sufficient cause could face a fine of P500,000. Government employees and officials violating this provision of the law could also be perpetually disqualified from holding any public office.

The PhilSys establishes a single national identification system for all citizens and resident aliens of the Philippines.

"It promotes the simplification and digitalization of services in contribution to nation-building," the ARTA said.

The various formats of the PhilID contain the demographic and biometric information of the registered person collected during registration.

The PhilID shows the person's PhilSys Card Number and other basic information such as their name, sex, blood type, marital status, date and place of birth, address, a front-facing photograph, and a QR code.