Here we go again. The recent relaunch of the Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost) ID a few days ago is another example of a poorly conceived government initiative that adds minimal value to the public. In a country where citizens already grapple with a maze of government-issued IDs—such as the Unified Multi-Purpose ID, driver’s license, voter’s ID, passport, and the yet-to-be-fully-implemented National ID—the new Philpost ID only adds confusion and unnecessary burden. For a government that often touts efficiency and digital transformation, adding another ID card to the list appears like a hollow and meaningless accomplishment rather than a meaningful reform.
The push for a National ID, which was supposed to unify identification systems across all sectors, has completely derailed, creating a gap the government has failed to address. The National ID system promised as a single, reliable identification for all citizens, remains marred by delays and operational failures, with millions still waiting for their cards. Meanwhile, introducing an additional ID like the Philpost ID dilutes the original purpose of a unified system and demonstrates the government’s lack of strategic direction in simplifying bureaucratic processes.
Instead of devoting resources to producing another redundant ID, Philpost would be better off channeling its budget toward modernization. Private courier companies dominate the logistics sector today, leaving Philpost to play catch-up. If Philpost redirected its funds towards upgrading its infrastructure, improving logistics tracking, and enhancing digital services, it could better serve the Filipino people in a rapidly evolving digital economy. Decades upon decades of stagnation have left Philpost ineffective, with its services often described as slow, outdated, and uncompetitive. In an era where Filipinos rely on private courier companies for swift and reliable delivery, Philpost’s role seems largely irrelevant. Without significant innovation, the organization risks becoming entirely obsolete. It’s sad to see that even the Philpost’s main office somehow looks like one of those offices that got stuck in 1945, and most of its branches across the country look outdated.
The government’s fixation on introducing new IDs without addressing the inefficiencies of the existing systems only highlights its misplaced priorities. A single, comprehensive National ID system would relieve Filipinos of the hassle of juggling multiple IDs while providing a more effective way to verify identity across various transactions. Rather than proliferating IDs, the government should concentrate on delivering the promises it made with the National ID—one ID that can truly encompass all citizen interactions with the state.
Moreover, a reformed National ID system would reduce administrative costs and allow government agencies to allocate resources more effectively. A single identification card, integrated across all platforms, would simplify data processing, enhance security, and make public services more accessible. Citizens and businesses alike would benefit from streamlined access, improved government services, and reduced bureaucratic overhead.
In conclusion, the relaunch of the Philpost ID is yet another wasteful endeavor that underscores the government’s failure to prioritize solutions that simplify and streamline services. Philpost, as an organization, is in urgent need of a comprehensive overhaul to modernize its services, or it risks being rendered redundant in a market increasingly dominated by efficient private couriers. The Philippine government needs to re-evaluate the role of Philpost, potentially reforming it to meet contemporary demands or, if necessary, consider disbanding it.
To the top leaders of the country, the call is clear: focus on what truly benefits the people or risk the public’s continued frustration with outdated, inefficient systems. Stop endlessly pursuing useless things and focus on the ones that truly matter.
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Rafael “Raffy” Gutierrez is a veteran Technology Trainer with over 25 years of experience in networking, systems design, and diverse computer technologies.
