BACOLOD City – Qualified indigent residents of this city may now correct entries in their birth certificates without paying fees, under Executive Order (EO) No. 020.
The EO, signed by Mayor Greg Gasataya, establishes a free legal service program for indigent individuals seeking administrative corrections in their civil registry records. Covered entries include names or nicknames, day and month of birth, or sex, as allowed under Republic Act (RA) 9048 as amended by RA 10172.
City Civil Registrar Atty. Hermilo Pa-oyon said that while the law already exempts indigents from filing fees, they still shoulder expenses such as publication fees and documentary stamp taxes. The city’s program now removes even the processing fees, making the service fully accessible to those who cannot afford the costs.
“Normally, a petitioner spends an average of P2,000 if not classified as indigent. With this program, qualified residents can now process corrections without that financial burden,” Pa-oyon said.
Mayor Gasataya emphasized that the initiative supplements the benefits provided under RA No. 11261 or the First-Time Jobseekers Assistance Act.
“We recognize the unique challenges faced by first-time jobseekers, especially those whose birth certificates need correction. This program ensures that financial constraints will not prevent them from accessing opportunities,” the mayor said.
To ensure fair and consistent implementation, the EO mandates the establishment of clear guidelines and procedures, promoting transparency and accessibility for all eligible constituents.
Under the EO, an indigent is defined as a person with no visible means of income or whose income is insufficient for the subsistence of their family, as identified by the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR).
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to avail of the program. Minors, meanwhile, must be accompanied by parents, legal guardians, siblings, grandparents, or duly authorized representatives to ensure proper representation and decision-making in their best interest.
The city government reiterated that the program is part of its effort to make public services more inclusive and responsive to the needs of marginalized residents./PN
