A House leader on Friday pushed for the passage of a measure providing for a comprehensive and responsive civil registration and vital statistics system in the country.
In a media forum, Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre highlighted the importance of a responsive, free, and accessible delayed birth registration system for marginalized Filipinos.
Acidre said many unregistered individuals come from marginalized communities, as they face challenges such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and disability, among others.
He said House Bill 9572 or the proposed Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Act would make the registration process responsive and accessible, thereby addressing disparities and ensuring that "no one is left behind".
“This bill is especially crucial for Filipinos who, due to various circumstances, were not registered at birth. Delayed birth registration must be accessible to all, free from bureaucratic hurdles and financial burden,” the lawmaker said on his keynote speech.
He said civil registration is an important part for an individual to establish legal identity, civil status, and family relations.
“Birth certificates are not merely pieces of paper; they are the enduring and official documentation of a person's existence. They are intricately linked to the rights of identity, nationality, and legal recognition. Without a birth certificate, an individual faces significant barriers in accessing social services, healthcare, employment, and education,” Acidre said.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), 3.5 million Filipinos have no birth certificates, a chunk of them coming from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The House of Representatives is targeting to pass the bill before the 19th Congress ends in May 2025.
Acidre said the chamber is collaborating with the PSA to strengthen the agency's mandate and make it a more capable and effective pillar of the state in bridging the gaps in the civil registration system.
Acidre said the proposal would ensure that every Filipino is recorded and documented, noting that the CRVS system will be a cornerstone in the government's efforts to promote "inclusive development and social equity".
“By ensuring that every birth is registered, we are laying the foundation for a society where everyone can exercise their rights and access essential services," he said.
Aside from Acidre, other authors of the bill are 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.
Comments