AMLC Advisory
Reminder to the Covered Persons on the Acceptability of Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Number, National ID, and the Verified Information from the National ID Authentication Services (NIDAS) for Transactions with Covered Persons under the Anti-Money Laundering Act
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) reminds covered persons that the presentation of the PhilSys Number (PSN) or the Philippine Identification Card (National ID) are recognized forms of identification for customers transacting business with financial institutions.
The AMLC highlights that under Rule 18, Section 3.7 of the 2018 Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9160, otherwise known as the Anti-Money Laundering Act, as amended (AMLA), the PSN and National ID shall be considered official and sufficient proof of identity of customers of covered persons, subject to the authentication requirements of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
This is in line with Section 12 of Republic Act No. 11055, otherwise known as the Philippine Identification System Act, which mandates that the presentation of the PSN or National ID shall constitute sufficient proof of identity for transacting business with government agencies or private entities, subject to proper authentication.
Additionally, the requirement for First-Time Customers to present the original and submit a clear copy of an ID is satisfied through the generated confirmation from the PSA’s National ID Authentication Services (NIDAS). The AMLC confirms that this is also a sufficient proof of identity in the conduct of its customer due diligence (CDD), e.g., customer identification process and customer verification process. For record-keeping purposes, covered persons may screenshot, take a photo, and/or print the NIDAS confirmation.
When conducting CDD using the National ID or the NIDAS facility, the presentation of a physical ID may already be dispensed with.
Covered persons are likewise encouraged to use the NIDAS to assist in the conduct of its CDD in addition to existing processes related to beneficial ownership verification, determination of the purpose of relationship, and ongoing monitoring process.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, covered persons are reminded that should a customer’s level of risk is high during the initial profiling or becomes high during the ongoing monitoring process, enhanced due diligence is warranted. In which case, the covered persons are expected to conduct additional due diligence measures and should not rely solely on the PSN, National ID, or NIDAS facility.
Please be guided accordingly.
Posted: 4 March 2026
