Requiring The Registration Of Births And Deaths In The Philippines Which Occured From January 1, 1974 And Thereafter

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Presidential Decree No. 651

Registration of Births
- All births from January 1, 1974 to the effective date of the decree, irrespective of nationality, race, culture, religion, or belief of parents, whether the mother is a resident or transient, must be reported for registration at the local civil registrar's office by the attending physician, nurse, midwife, hilot, hospital/clinic administrator, or either parent/responsible family member/relative. (Section 1)
- The report must be accompanied by an affidavit describing the circumstances of delayed registration. (Section 1)
- Births must be registered within 60 days from the decree's effective date without fee. (Section 2)
- Births after the effective date must be registered within 30 days by the attendant or, in default, by either parent/responsible family member. (Section 2)
- Parents/responsible family members and attendants are jointly liable for failure to register. (Section 2)

Proof of Birth Registration
- Starting in 1975, a birth certificate is a prerequisite for first grade enrollment in public and private schools, and for claiming tax exemption for dependents under the National Internal Revenue Code. (Section 3)

Registration of Deaths
- All deaths from January 1, 1974 to the effective date, irrespective of nationality, race, culture, religion, or belief, whether a resident or transient, must be reported for registration through the local health officer to the local civil registrar by the attending physician or, in default, by the nearest responsible relative/person with knowledge of the death. (Section 4)
- The report must be accompanied by an affidavit describing the circumstances of delayed registration. (Section 4)
- Deaths must be registered within 60 days from the decree's effective date without fee. (Section 5)
- Deaths after the effective date must be reported within 48 hours to the local health officer, who will issue a death certificate and order registration within 30 days. If attended by a physician, the physician must issue the death certificate within 48 hours and submit it to the local health officer for registration within 30 days. (Section 5)

No Registration Fees
- No fees shall be imposed for birth or death registration within the prescribed period. Fees shall be collected for issuance of certified copies or transcripts upon request. (Section 6)

Assistance from Local Officials
- Barrio captains and barangay chairmen are responsible for disseminating the decree and assisting in birth and death registration within their jurisdictions. (Section 7)

Implementation and Penalties
- The Civil Registrar General is authorized to issue rules, regulations, orders, or circulars to implement the decree. (Section 8)
- Failure to report for registration, making false statements, or violating rules is punishable by a fine of P500 to P1,000 or imprisonment of 3 to 6 months, or both. Local public health officers who fail to perform duties are subject to the same penalties. (Section 9)
- Inconsistent laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations are repealed or modified accordingly. (Section 10)
- The decree takes effect 45 days after approval. (Section 11)