Philippine House Proposes Bill for Inclusive Civil Registration System

MANILA – A new House bill aimed at overhauling the Philippines’ civil registration system to make it more responsive and accessible, especially for marginalized communities, was advocated for passage by Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, House Bill 9572, also known as the proposed Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Act, seeks to address the critical issue of unregistered births, particularly among marginalized Filipinos who face challenges such as poverty and lack of access to healthcare. The bill aims to remove bureaucratic and financial barriers to obtaining birth certificates, which are essential for legal identity, civil status, and family relations.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reports that approximately 3.5 million Filipinos lack birth certificates, many residing in geographically isolated areas and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The CRVS Act intends to ensure that no individual is left behind by making the registration process more accessible and free of charge.

The bill is part of broader efforts by the House of Representatives to enhance the functionality and effectiveness of the PSA, thereby closing gaps within the current civil registration system. With an aim to pass the bill before the 19th Congress concludes in May 2025, Acidre emphasized the legislation’s significance in promoting inclusive development and social equity.

The initiative has garnered support from various lawmakers, including Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Presidential son and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, and BHW party-list Rep. Angelica Natasha Co. Together, they advocate for a robust CRVS system that records every Filipino, ultimately laying the groundwork for improved access to social services and fundamental rights.