Valenzuela City, a chartered city located on the island of Luzon, has launched Val-ID, a new digital verification portal designed to help businesses authenticate identification cards issued to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The system aims to prevent identity fraud and protect the rightful access of cardholders to benefits and discounts. The portal, accessible via desktop and mobile devices, went live this week and is available at valid.valenzuela.gov.ph.
Enhanced Security Measures and Ordinance Backing
The initiative is backed by Ordinance No. 1231, Series of 2024, which authorizes establishments to verify ID authenticity through the Val-ID system and mandates the confiscation of any suspected fraudulent IDs. Confiscated IDs must be turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) within three business days, along with a report detailing the circumstances of the confiscation.
New ID cards issued by the city now feature enhanced security elements, including holographic seals, to help prevent tampering. The system complies with the Data Privacy Act by limiting access to personal data to authorized personnel only. Violations—whether presenting a fake ID or mishandling verification procedures—can result in administrative and criminal penalties under the ordinance.
The ordinance applies exclusively within Valenzuela City, and only IDs issued by the Valenzuela government are currently verifiable through the portal. City officials have voiced support for future development of a national ID verification system to facilitate broader inter-city authentication.
Community Support and Implementation Details
During the official launch, attended by Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, city councilors, representatives from senior and PWD federations, and local businesses, officials highlighted the system’s role in ensuring secure and efficient service delivery. The city has emphasized its position with the message, “Bawal ang pekeng ID” (“Fake IDs are not allowed”).
In parallel with the digital rollout, the city is requiring mandatory renewal of certain PWD IDs. Specifically, red ID cards issued between 2020 and 2022 must be renewed to ensure proper registration in the Department of Health’s national database. This step is intended to standardize and validate all active IDs in the city’s system.
While the system enables establishments to take action against fraudulent ID use, it also includes safeguards to prevent misuse. Businesses that confiscate IDs without proper cause may be subject to sanctions. The ordinance is designed to balance enforcement with accountability for both residents and establishments.
Sources: Manila Bulletin, Valenzuela City Government
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May 21, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team
