Government Identification Digitization Act of 2026

Senate - Office of sue Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES A10 :14 MAR 25 First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No. 2019 Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito AN ACT ALLOWING THE USE OF DIGITAL COPY OF IDENTIFICATION CARDS IN GOVERNMENT TRANSACTIONS EXPLANATORY NOTE The emerging digitization of government services is essential in adapting to technological advancements nowadays. With the creation of the eGov PH application, digital convenience for government services and identification was sought, further depicting the utilization of digital copies of identification cards in government transactions. In 2025, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reported that it had generated 84 million digital IDs. These digital IDs are accepted as a valid proof of identification that is accessible through mobile devices!. The digitalization of identification cards has streamlined transactions across national and local government agencies, as well as banks and other financial institutions, resulting in more efficient government services. While physical IDs remain important for official transactions, digital IDs offer greater convenience for Filipinos, especially as mobile devices have become an essential part of everyday life. 1 Bajo, A. F. (2025, March 10). DICT says 84 million digital national IDs generated. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/938751/dict-says-84-million-digital-national-ids- generated/story/

With this measure, the country's interconnectivity infrastructure and digitalization efforts will be strengthened, contributing to overall economic advancement. In line with these enhancements, this bill seeks to permit the use of digital IDs for identity verification in all government transactions, except for international applications. Furthermore, it mandates government agencies to issue physical IDs embedded with an electronic mark that can authenticate the corresponding digital copy, subject to the rules and regulations to be issued by the Executive Department upon the bill's enactment into law. In light of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this legislation is earnestly sought. -00 JV EJERCITO

Senate Offer of tie Sarcretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 26 MAR 25 A10:14 First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No._ 2019 Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito AN ACT ALLOWING THE USE OF DIGITAL COPY OF IDENTIFICATION CARDS IN GOVERNMENT TRANSACTIONS Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the Government

Identification Digitization Act of 2026.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

recognize the vital role of technology in pursuit of national development and progress. 5 The State hereby adopts a policy to create and sustain a digitally integrated government that provides responsive and efficient digital transactions in the government.

Sec. 3. Scope and Coverage. - All Government-issued Identification Cards (IDs)

9 subject of new and renewal application shall be covered by this Act, except IDs that 10 have an international application.

Sec. 4. Digitization of Government IDs. - All Government-issued IDs that are

subject to new registration or renewal application shall inscribe an electronic mark that can be read by the concerned government system when a digital copy of an ID is presented. These IDs shall contain the required information provided by the applicant during registration and/or application.

Sec. 5. Effect of Digitization. - The physical copy of the Government ID that

bears an official electronic mark is no longer required to be presented in any

1 government transaction. It shall be sufficient that a digital copy of the said ID is 2 presented and the electronic mark therein is authenticated by the system used by the 3 concerned government office for the said transaction to be authorized.

Sec. 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of

5 this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its 6 enactment into law.

Sec 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Information

8 and Communication Technology (DICT) and all government Offices issuing government IDs to the public shall issue the implementing rules and regulations within 10 sixty (60) calendar days from the effectivity hereof for the proper implementation of this Act.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any part, portion, or provision of this Act is

declared unconstitutional or invalid, the portions or provisions which are not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Sec. 9. Repeating Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees,

implementing rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. Approved,