Can a surname on a diploma and transcript of records (TOR) be changed in the Philippines?

Changing the surname on a diploma and transcript of records (TOR) in the Philippines is a legal process that requires certain steps, particularly when the change is due to marriage, legal adoption, or court-approved name change.

Grounds for Changing the Surname

Marriage: A woman who marries may opt to change her surname to that of her husband. If she wants this change reflected on her diploma and TOR, she must submit a request to the issuing school, along with a certified true copy of her marriage certificate.
Legal Adoption: When a person is legally adopted, they may assume the surname of the adoptive parents. This change, if desired to be reflected in academic records, requires presenting the adoption decree to the educational institution.
Court-Ordered Change: If a court grants a petition for change of name, the individual can request the change be reflected on their academic documents by presenting the court order to the school.

Procedure for Requesting a Change

Submission of Documents: The individual must submit a formal request to the registrar's office of the educational institution. This request should be accompanied by the necessary legal documents, such as a marriage certificate, adoption papers, or court order.
Verification Process: The school will verify the authenticity of the documents and the validity of the request. This may involve checking with relevant government agencies or the courts.
Issuance of Amended Documents: Once the request is approved, the school will issue amended copies of the diploma and TOR reflecting the new surname. The original records will usually be archived, and the new records will be issued with a notation that the name was changed based on legal grounds.

Limitations and Considerations

Consistency Across Documents: It is important that the surname change is consistent across all legal documents, including the birth certificate, to avoid complications.
Fees: Schools may charge processing fees for the issuance of amended documents.
Processing Time: The time required to process such requests may vary depending on the institution's policies and the complexity of the verification process.

Conclusion

Changing the surname on a diploma and TOR is possible in the Philippines, provided there are valid legal grounds and the proper procedures are followed. It is advisable to check with the specific educational institution for detailed requirements and procedures.