PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA)--The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) encouraged the public requesting civil registry documents to utilize the online appointment system that could help speed up their transactions.
May Ann Bersabal, Civil Registration System Outlet Supervisor, said that this appointment system has reduced the waiting time for each client of PSA for any civil registry document.
“Sumusunod kami sa citizen charter ng PSA, sa isang tao ay isang oras ang allowed na siya ay maghihintay upon payment, upon kumuha siya ng official receipt. Dahil sa bagong system, maraming magagandang feedback ang nakukuha natin from our client, usually seven to 10 minutes lalong-lalo na kung medyo maaga kayo makakapunta,” she said.
The transactions that have been fast-tracked include the processing and issuance of a Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR), which speeds up from three days to one.
PSA can also assist at their office to set an online appointment for those who will not be able to do so on their own. Its provincial outlet has standby personnel to help with transactions, particularly those who have traveled from towns in Palawan.
To avoid spending time traveling, locals may also seek assistance from their municipal civil registry office for transactions they need. Bersabal advised the public to inquire about the date of release, as documents will still come from the provincial office.
However, the mandate of PSA is limited to a repository of civil registry documents and can only do some corrections under RA 9048. The law authorizes the city or municipal civil registrar or the consul general to correct a clerical or typographical error in an entry and/or change the first name or nickname in the civil register without the need for a judicial order.
RA 9048 amended Articles 376 and 412 of the Civil Code of the Philippines, which prohibit the change of name or surname of a person or any correction or change of entry in a civil register without a judicial order.
PSA explained that the correction includes clerical or typographical errors in any entry in civil registry documents, except corrections involving the change in sex, age, nationality, and status of a person. A change of a person’s first name in his or her civil registry document is also allowed under certain grounds specified under the law through administrative process.
Chief Statistical Specialist Maria Lalaine Rodriguez said that corrections can be done at the level of the civil registrar. The month and day of birth can also be changed or corrected, except the year, as it needs court proceedings. (RG/PIA Mimaropa-Palawan)
