How can you correct the middle and last name of your parent on your PSA birth certificate?

Errors on a PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority) birth certificate, such as an incorrect middle or last name of a parent, must be corrected to avoid issues with legal documents, such as applying for a passport. The process of correcting these errors is governed by specific laws and procedures to ensure accuracy in the civil registry.

Step 1: Determine the Type of Correction Needed

The first step is identifying the nature of the error. The correction of names in the birth certificate can either fall under:

Clerical or Typographical Errors – These refer to mistakes in spelling, typographical errors, or incorrect entries that are harmless and easily verifiable through existing documents.
Substantial Changes – This applies to more significant errors such as the correction of an incorrect name or a change that alters the essential details of an individual's identity.

In the case of incorrect middle or last names, if the error was a simple typographical mistake, it is likely considered a clerical error. However, if the name entered does not reflect legal documents, it could be treated as a substantial correction.

Step 2: Filing a Petition for Correction

To correct these errors, you need to file a Petition for Correction of Entry in the local civil registry where the birth was registered. For minor clerical errors, this can be done under Republic Act No. 9048, which allows civil registrars to correct typographical errors without the need for a court order.

However, if the error involves a substantial correction, such as a complete name change or modification of essential details like the father's name, a court order may be necessary. This would fall under Republic Act No. 10172, which allows for administrative corrections but requires more detailed documentation.

Step 3: Submission of Required Documents

You will need to submit several documents to support your petition:

Duly accomplished petition form from the local civil registry office.
Certified true copy of the PSA birth certificate with the erroneous details.
Supporting documents to prove the correct name, such as a marriage certificate of the parents, valid government-issued IDs, and other relevant records like school or employment records.

If the correction involves a court order, legal representation and additional documentation will be necessary, such as affidavits and other evidence of the correct names.

Step 4: Payment of Fees

Correcting clerical errors under Republic Act No. 9048 generally involves minimal fees, which cover administrative processing. However, if a court order is required for more substantial changes, the cost may be higher due to legal fees and court costs.

Step 5: Processing and Publication

Once the petition and documents are submitted, the civil registry office will process your request. For more substantial changes, publication of the correction may be required in a local newspaper, especially if a court order is involved. This ensures that the public is informed of the name change and prevents potential fraud.

The processing time for corrections varies depending on the complexity of the case. Clerical corrections usually take a few weeks, while corrections requiring court intervention may take several months.

Step 6: Updating the PSA Record

Once the correction has been approved, the local civil registry will forward the corrected information to the PSA. The PSA will then issue a new birth certificate with the correct names. You may request a new copy of your birth certificate to confirm that the corrections have been properly made.

Conclusion

Correcting errors on a PSA birth certificate, especially regarding the middle or last name of a parent, is crucial for maintaining accurate legal records. By following the prescribed legal procedures under Republic Act No. 9048 and Republic Act No. 10172, these errors can be corrected efficiently. Proper documentation and adherence to the steps outlined by the civil registry ensure the process is completed without complications.