The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is urging residents to check their civil registry documents for errors to avoid future complications in government transactions, employment, and legal processes.

PSA Aurora Registration Officer Sonia Dulay said common issues such as misspelled names, incorrect birth dates, or sex entries can be corrected administratively—without going to court—under Republic Acts 9048 and 10172.

“These corrections can be processed at your local civil registry office, as long as they don’t involve changes to nationality, age, or civil status,” Dulay explained.

Filing fees are ₱1,000 for clerical errors and ₱3,000 for changes to first names or sex entries, with additional fees for migrant petitioners based on local ordinances.

Changing a first name is allowed under specific grounds, such as if the name is hard to pronounce, causes confusion, or if the person has habitually used another name.

To file a petition, applicants must submit their PSA-issued birth certificate and at least two supporting documents, such as school or medical records. The request may be filed by the document owner or a direct relative with legal interest.

Dulay emphasized the importance of carefully reviewing civil documents, as only one petition per entry is allowed. Any missed error would require a court order for correction.

The PSA also reminded parents to register and legitimize their children to safeguard their legal rights and overall well-being.

Accurate records, the agency stressed, are vital for accessing public services and protecting one’s legal identity.