PHILIPPINES: Filipinos with problems in the first name shown on their birth certificate may file a petition for change of first name under Republic Act 9048, according to information shared by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
This applies to cases where the first name is wrong, hard to use, or different from the name a person has long used.
It may also cover records with no first name, wrong spelling, or entries such as “Baby Boy,” “Baby Girl,” “Baby,” “Boy,” or “Girl.”
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When a Name Change May Be Allowed
Under R.A. 9048, a person may file a petition if the first name causes confusion, is difficult to pronounce or write, or appears funny or embarrassing.
A petition may also be filed if the person has long been using another first name in daily life, school, work, or official records.
For blurred records, PSA said the local civil registrar may be asked to endorse a clearer copy of the birth certificate to PSA.
If both PSA and civil registry records are blurred, a petition for correction of clerical error may be filed.
Who May File the Petition
The owner of the birth record may file the petition.
It may also be filed by the owner’s spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, guardian, or authorized representative.
If the owner is a minor or physically or mentally unable to file, a qualified family member, guardian, or person allowed by law may file on their behalf.
Where Applicants Should File
If the person was born in the Philippines, the petition should be filed with the Local Civil Registry Office where the birth was registered.
If the person already moved and returning to the place of birth is not practical, the petition may be filed with the LCRO where the person currently lives.
If the person was born abroad, the petition should be filed with the Philippine Consulate where the birth was reported.
Documents and Fees to Prepare
Applicants may need to submit a certified copy of the birth record and at least two supporting documents.
These may include baptismal records, voter records, employment records, GSIS or SSS records, medical records, school records, driver’s license, insurance papers, land titles, bank passbook, and civil registry records.
Other requirements include Notice or Certificate of Posting, proof of publication, NBI or police clearance, and documents that may be requested by the civil registrar.
Based on the PSA reminder, the filing fee for petitions filed in the Philippines should not exceed ₱3,000.
For petitions filed abroad, the fee is USD 150 or its equivalent in local currency.
Approval Is Not Automatic
PSA reminded applicants that filing a petition does not mean automatic approval.
The Civil Registrar will review the request based on the law and the documents submitted.
For proper guidance, applicants may contact their Local Civil Registry Office or PSA Legal Service before filing. This story follows DubaiOFW’s action-focused news standard for giving readers clear next steps.
