I don’t have a second valid ID – an identification card with my picture and signature. I can’t open a payroll account with this deficiency. Even though I presented several proofs that I am Jonas Fabian Roque such as an old university ID, credit cards, NBI clearance, barangay clearance, (for which the latter two are considered valid supporting documents), this BPI branch at the Kabihasnan Sucat wouldn’t allow me. I came back and forth to the said but no success. Unfortunately, my company cannot release my ID with their logo and so because the machine is not operational. So the task is to apply for a second ID instead.

SSS. Since the start of this year, the government agency decided not to issue ID cards. Issuance will resume probably on August, some months after I supposed to earn my first salary.

BIR Tin. I already have my TIN number which I got effortlessly from my previous employer. What I need now is the laminated ID card. I went to the branch which is nearest to my home address assuming that it’s the same process before. Misfortune again and I should pick up the ID at branch where my previous employer is located. So I went to Atrium at Makati where BIR is located, but the only step I successfully finished is obtaining a claim stub. I have to wait again for a week!

Passport. Not good idea. The prerequisite is also to bring two valid ID’s. Furthermore, the processing will take one month at the earliest.

Postal ID. The bank recommended to apply for this one since amongst others, the process is quickest. I am currently staying in the staff house somewhere at Manila so I have to come back home to have my postal ID. Early next morning, I went to the municipal hall and learned that I have to bring barangay clearance, pictures and birth certificate. I went back to barangay hall and obtain barangay clearance. When I submitted such documents, another form was handed over to me asking our barangay captain to witness that I really reside at the said postal address. So I travelled back to the barangay hall ill-headed and secured the captain’s signature. I returned the postal ID form and paid the fee of P275 and P25 worth of postal stamps when the cashier couldn’t give me the latter amount as change. By the way, I needed to convince them that I am that person in the Polaroid picture with long hair. ‘I got my hair trimmed a week ago!’

Finally, I have my second ID. I was smiling while submitting the requirements to the bank because I was confident that time that I can open an account. Yeah, I got my new payroll account. Of course, that’s after some minutes of discussion between the teller and the branch manager.

The teller went back and informed me that I can have my ATM card once I presented the company ID.

B*S*! Fuc*!