KALIBO, Aklan – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Aklan has begun accepting requests for the replacement of damaged or defective Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) identification cards (PhilSys ID or national ID).
Chief Statistical Specialist Engr. Antonet B. Catubuan of PSA-Aklan said it is a proactive measure to ensure the usability and acceptability of the national ID as a valid proof of identification in all transactions.
The request to replace a damaged PhilSys ID is free of charge.
The PSA-Central Office manages the printing of the national ID, and the replacement would take at least a month to arrive at the Aklan office.
A holder of the damaged PhilSys ID may go to the Fixed Registration Center (FRC).
A PhilSys ID is said to be damaged or defective if the plastic cover is peeled off, the photo is hazy or does not match the cardholder, or it has been washed out, causing some entries to be erased.
Peter Mangilog, information officer of PSA-Aklan, explained that damaged national IDs qualified to be replaced by the agency are those that do not require updating of the cardholder’s demographic and biometric information.
Corrections in names, erroneous sex or date of birth, changes in marital status, and the like are not yet in the scope of the replacement.
As of Aug. 17, PSA-Aklan had already received and processed 52 requests for the replacement of damaged PhilSys IDs, five of which were already received and immediately issued to the cardholders. (PIA Aklan)/PN
