THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reiterated the penalties for fraudulent acts related to the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) and the mechanisms put in place to combat such incidents.
“The PSA emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding the privacy and security of registered persons’ data, and the integrity of PhilSys as a trustworthy identification system. Any attempt to compromise the integrity of PhilSys, especially through fraudulent acts, will be thoroughly investigated, and those found responsible will face legal consequences in adherence to the law,” said PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa, PhD, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General.
According to the Republic Act 11055 or the PhilSys Act, the submission of fictitious name or false information in PhilSys, from registration to updating, is punishable with three to six years imprisonment, and a fine of P1,000,000 to P3,000,000.
The same penalties apply to the unauthorized printing, preparation, or issuance of a PhilID; the falsification, mutilation, alteration, or tampering of the PhilID; or the possession of a fake, falsified, or altered PhilID.
Likewise, a person who uses and possesses another person’s PhilID or PSN without reasonable excuse, or willfully transfers a PhilID or PSN to any other person may face the above mentioned penalties.
The use of PhilID or PSN in an unlawful manner or to commit fraudulent acts can result in imprisonment of not less than 6 months but not more than 2 years, or a fine of not less than 50,000 but not more than 500,000, or both.
Meanwhile, the non-acceptance of PhilID as a sufficient valid proof of identity, without sufficient or just cause, is also punishable with a fine of P500,000.
As PhilSys is based on the privacy-by-design principle—where privacy is incorporated into its technologies by default and from the start—the collection or use of personal data other than the purpose for which it was requested, and the unauthorized use or disclosure of data or information is prohibited and punishable with 6 to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of P3,000,000 to P5,000,000.
For the commission of any of the mentioned acts, the Fraud Management Division (FMD) was formed to handle incidents of fraud related to PhilSys. The FMD actively collaborates with field offices and other relevant stakeholders such as relying parties and law enforcement agencies for reporting, documenting, escalating, and investigating possible fraudulent activities or violation of the PhilSys Act.
“We encourage Filipinos to remain vigilant and report any fraudulent activity related to PhilSys. Everyone’s cooperation is crucial in helping us maintain the trust and confidence of the public in our national ID system,” Usec. Mapa added.
For any information regarding PhilSys-related fraudulent activities, the public is encouraged to report via email at info@philsys.gov.ph, send a message on www.facebook.com/PSAPhilSysOfficial, or call Hotline 1388 (fees apply).
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