APPLICATIONS for Postal ID application continue to be suspended until further announcement, an official of the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) of East Mindanao revealed.
Rey N. Basilan, PhilPost EastMin marketing section chief, told TIMES that PhilPost Central Office suspended the Postal ID applications nationwide through Post Office Operational Updates 007-2023 issued last Sept. 12.
Basilan said the delay in the issuance of IDs prompted the suspension, in light of the fire incident at the Manila Central Post Office on May 22 affecting the printing. While they will replace those damaged by fire, he admitted that it may take some time.
However, applicants can choose whether they will have it replaced or opt to cancel their application and get a refund. They can visit the office where they applied and present their original copy of the receipt to the postmaster to avail of the refund voucher.
Only those affected with the fire incident can avail the refund. “Wala tay laing irefund nga lain, ang affected lang because of the sunog kay prior sa sunog, na- release man pud tanang ID,” Basilan added.
The official also cited the possibility of revising the Postal ID format once distribution goes back to normal. The proposed postal card will have additional financial functions that can be used as an ATM Card.
“Si postal ID nato karon wala pay microchip, more on identity lang address, security features, kaning si postal card, kung madayon, naa na syay partner and pwede sya mahimong savings,” Basilan said.
The PhilPost Central Office has yet to iron out the partners for the proposed improved postal card. But he said they will announce it to the public for transparency.
PhilPost launched the high-tech postal card last May 2022 with improved functions including money withdrawal, international and domestic money remittance, and bill payments through its Europay, Mastercard, at Visa (EMV) chip that is connected to Bancnet.
