MALACANANG yesterday ordered all state agencies and urged local governments units (LGUs) to start the full implementation of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) and its integration into government processes, databases, systems, and services to make transactions faster, more convenient and cost-efficient.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, who signed Memorandum Circular No. 95 last February 7, a copy of which was only released yesterday, said all concerned agencies shall prioritize PhilSys integration to enable the use of PhilSys-enabled services such as the authentication and validation processes within two years.
The order covers all government agencies, instrumentalities, departments, bureaus, offices, local governments, government-owned and controlled corporations, state-run financial institutions, state universities and colleges and other chartered institutions.
“There is an urgent need to direct the entire government to take preparatory steps to ensure that the PhilSys and its key components are properly integrated in the processes, databases, and services of all government agencies, to facilitate interconnectivity, make transacting with the government more convenient and cost-efficient for the benefit of the general public,” the memorandum read.
It added that agencies were tasked to identify processes and services that can use PhilSys to enable online and paperless transactions and the removal of duplicates and ghost records from registries and determine the appropriate types and quality of biometric authentication devices that need to be procured.
The agencies were also directed to develop their two-year PhilSys integration plan and to submit to the PhilSys Policy and Coordination Council their integration plans within 60 days from the effectivity of the circular.
The President in 2018 signed into law the Philippine Identification System Act, which seeks to establish a single national identification system for all citizens and resident aliens of the country that will serve as valid proof of identity of the person and serve as a tool to simplify public and private transactions, access social services, and enhance financial inclusion.
