“Why Are We Getting Postal IDs Again?”
People are asking why the government is bringing back postal IDs now that we already have the National ID system in place.
On October 16, a Filipino user on Reddit shared infographics about how to apply for a postal ID, along with its requirements. The post got a lot of attention, but not all of it was positive. Some Filipinos questioned the need for another ID when the National ID system was already introduced.
One Reddit user said, “It feels like another way for the government to make money, especially when we already have the National ID. Nothing’s happening with that.”
Another user complained, “It’s too expensive for an ID that only lasts three years. It’s not worth it.”
Others were confused, asking, “Is the National ID still useless?” or “Why does every government agency need its own ID when we already have the National ID?”
Here’s a breakdown of both IDs:
National ID
The National ID, also called the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), is the official ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens. It’s meant to be used for government services like health benefits, tax transactions, and social services. You can also use it for opening bank accounts or applying for a driver’s license.
The National ID never expires for Filipinos, though it’s valid for only one year for resident aliens.
Postal ID
The Postal ID is a different ID card issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost). It’s accepted for many government services like passport applications and even for banking. It’s one of the easiest IDs to get because you just need a birth certificate, proof of address, and a government ID. However, it’s only valid for three years.
Last March, PHLPost stopped accepting applications for postal IDs due to technical issues, but they’ve now started accepting them again.
People are wondering if having both IDs is really necessary, especially since the National ID was supposed to make things easier. Some feel it’s just a way for the government to earn more money.
