(Infographic courtesy of PSA) MANILA - Applicants for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) are reminded anew to refrain from transacting with illegal fixers offering registration services with fees. In an advisory on Thursday, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has cautioned the public that access to the Step 1 registration process through the online portal www.philsys.gov.ph as well as the delivery of Philippine Identification (PhilID) cards remains free of charge. The PSA encouraged the public to personally sign up for the PhilSys project online to avoid falling prey to phishing scams. "Humingi lamang ng tulong sa mga kamag-anak at mga pinagkakatiwalaang kakilala sa pagre-register online upang makaiwas sa scam at maling paggamit ng inyong personal na impormasyon (Seek only for the help of relatives and trusted acquaintances in registering online to avoid scams and misuse of your personal information)," it added. Step 2 biometrics process will follow after the entry of demographic information is done. Step 3 is the delivery of physical ID cards through the Philippine Post Corporation, the PSA's official courier partner. The PSA, in coordination with the authorities, is adamant in cracking down on these illegal fixers. The public is urged to report any fixer and fake registration websites by contacting its PhilSys hotline number through 1388 or by sending report messages to its official Facebook page via m.me/PSAPhilSysOfficial, and email address: info@philsys.gov.ph. Official information about the national ID should only be obtained from the PhilSys website (www.psa.gov.ph/philsys) or Facebook page. The public is also encouraged to be vigilant against scams and report unauthorized PhilSys transactions. Signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens. The national ID shall be a valid proof of identity that shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrollment in schools, and opening of bank accounts. It will also boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services where people will only need to present one ID during transactions. (PNA) }