PHLPost said the new Postal ID will have security features and a QR Code, and may eventually be used for cashless transactions. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) on its 257th anniversary on Tuesday launched a new postal ID that the postal service says can be used for address verification and may in the future be used for cashless transactions.

Postal IDs are among the government IDs that can be used for passport applications and many other government and financial transactions.

Speaking at the launch of the new postal ID, Postmaster General Luis Carlos said PHLPost requires applicants to submit a birth certificate as well as documents proving they live at their given address.

"A lot of foundational IDs don't have that function… So, alam natin yung tao, alam din yung address (So, PHLPost knows the person and their address)," Carlos said.

Aside from being valid for Philippine government transactions, the Postal ID is also accepted in different countries through the help of the Universal Postal Union, a UN agency with 192 member states.

PHLPost said it is also working on partnerships with merchants for discounts and vouchers for Postal ID holders.

“We are really looking at that one [financial functionality] to answer the Bangko Sentral’s issues of the unbanked sector,” Carlos said.

PHLPost aims to expand the use of the ID for cashless transactions

“It’s not just an ID, it can be somewhat like GCash, where it can be used for cashless transactions. For convenience, in the future,” said PHLPost Chair Chair Stephen Cruz.

He said that PHLPost is seeking the return of the Philippine Postal Savings Bank — transferred to Landbank of the Philippines in 2017 by Executive Order No. 44 — to its control.

"It was transferred to Landbank via an Executive Order No. 44. In the same manner…it could be transferred back to Philippine Postal Operations via an Executive Order also," Cruz said.

WHAT'S NEW ABOUT THE POSTAL ID?

The new Postal ID displays the owner’s primary details — name, address, birth date, and signature — which are also stored in a QR code.

The PHLPost board also eyes including the planned seven-character ZIP code that will replace the current four-digit ZIP codes used in the Philippines.

The first two letters of the code will indicate the province, followed by numbers to indicate the city or municipality while the last three digits will refer to the barangay.

The process of replacing the ZIP codes has started in Congress.

There are no age limits or other restrictions on getting the Postal ID, which will be valid for three years.

GETTING THE NEW POSTAL ID

To acquire the new ID, applicants must submit their application form, documents and payment at the nearest post office.

Biometrics collection and information verification will be done once the application is accepted.

The basic requirements are as follows:

Duly accomplished PID Application form

Proof of Identity (Original and photocopy needed)

• • National ID (Digitized and/or paper)
• • Birth Certificate from PSA or Local Civil Registry with receipt issued within six months
• • GSIS UMID Card
• • SSS UMID Card
• • Driver’s License
• • Passport
• • Marriage Certificate for Married Women (If documents and IDs submitted does not bear married name)
• • Secondary IDs will also be accepted

Proof of Address (Original and photocopy needed)

• • Barangay Certificate of Residency issued within three (3 months) prior to PID application
• • Barangay Residence ID
• • Certified True Copy of Lease
• • Certified True Copy of Titles issued by the Land Registration Authority (LRA)
• • Certified True Copy of Real Estate Tax Receipt
• • Bank Statement
• • Credit Card Statement
• • School Billing Statement
• • Utility Bill (cable, electric, internet, landline, telephone, water)

Carlos said applicants with old Postal IDs should bring those too for easy renewal.

"Yung huli naming issue ng March 2023, it will lapse March of 2026. That's the one that you have to renew,” he said.

(The last time we issued Postal IDs was in March 2023, those will expire in March 2026. That's the one you have to renew)

The improved Postal ID costs P550 pesos, with rush processing at P650.

Delivery time will be three days for Metro Manila and between five and seven days outside the capital.

“Kumpleto yung features niya, at the same time, may QR code tayong pinaguusapan. It’s called a verification system…Kapag pinakita yung QR code niyan lalabas na tunay ‘yan, but if it’s a fake one, since I’ve seen one na nasa Recto, wala siyang lumalabas, blurred lang siya,” Carlos said.

(It has full security features, including a QR code. We can check the authenticity through that. If it's fake, the information will not be readable)

The public is also advised to visit PHLPost's official website for further details.

UPGRADED EMS NEXT DAY DELIVERY

PHLPost also launched its upgraded Express Mail Service (EMS) Next Day Delivery service.

This includes domestic and international express mail, APP e-packet, parcel post, and specialized services in Metro Manila.

Its key service features are same-day processing and next-business-day delivery, real-time updates, and enhanced dispatch and routing.

This new system reduces manual processing and promotes advanced scanning technology to address timely and accurate tracking of items.

EMS will also use the new seven alphanumeric codes to track deliveries.

Prices for each delivery would vary depending on the weight of the item, with a P100 associated fee for redelivery or parcel pickup requests.

For specific rates, the public is advised to visit PHLPost’s site.

“The EMS Next Dday Delivery underscores our resolve to enhance our service portfolio and maintain the trust of communities and businesses relying on postal services,” said Carlos.