PJ Garcia files ‘only one valid ID’ bill

CEBU, Philippines — To reduce the burden on Filipinos of presenting multiple identification cards (IDs) during transactions, Third District Congressman Pablo John “PJ” Garcia has filed a bill mandating that all public and private offices require only one valid ID for all transactions.

House Bill No. 10973, also known as the One Valid ID Bill, was submitted by Garcia on September 25. The bill lists 19 forms of IDs that all offices, both private and government, must recognize as valid proof of identity.

The list includes the PhilSys ID, Passport, Driver’s License, TIN, Postal ID, Voter’s ID, GSIS, SSS, PhilHealth, PRC, IBP, PVAO, Senior Citizen ID, PWD ID, Solo Parent ID, 4Ps ID, OWWA ID, SID, SRB, and ACR or ICR.

Garcia stated that any of these IDs should be sufficient to prove an individual's identity for all transactions.

“Individuals may lack the time or resources to apply for the specific identification required by an agency or private business, even though they possess another valid ID duly accepted elsewhere,” Garcia said.

According to Garcia, HB No. 10973 aims to complement Republic Act 11055, which established the Philippine Identification System and the PhilSys ID.

The lawmaker noted that the implementation of the PhilSys ID has faced challenges due to logistical issues and the recent pandemic.

“Despite the pronouncement concerning the objective of PhilSys, certain government agencies and private entities still require multiple forms of identification, practically meaning that each ID, standing alone, is invalid. This unduly burdens the public when such agencies can definitely ensure the integrity of their government-issued IDs and documents.” Garcia said.

Under the proposed bill, those who refuse to accept one valid ID from the list will be penalized with a fine of Php 500,000.

Once enacted into law, individuals found using government IDs for fraudulent transactions may face imprisonment for six months to three years, a fine ranging from Php 50,000 to Php 3 million, or both. (CEBU NEWS)