It’s now easier to ask for corrections in first names and typographical errors under Republic Act No. 9048, which took effect on 22 April 2001. Under this law, the city or municipal civil registrar (or the consul general) may correct a clerical or typographical error in an entry, or change the first name or nickname in the civil register without need of a court order. The law characterizes “clerical or typographical error” as:
xxx a mistake committed in the performance of clerical work in writing, copying, transcribing or typing an entry in the civil register that is harmless and innocuous, such as misspelled name or misspelled place of birth or the like, which is visible to the eyes or obvious to the understanding, and can be corrected or changed only by reference to other existing record or records: Provided, however, That no correction must involve the change of nationality, age, status or sex of the petitioner.
Based on this characterization, there’s a wide discretion in interpreting what constitutes a clerical or typographical error. There’s no definite list and an applicant may show through documents that a particular entry – except nationality, age, status or sex – is erroneous. In one case, the SC noted that the changes sought (surname of the son, the date of the parents’ wedding and the informant’s name) are substantial changes an not merely clerical errors.
Update: Thank you to some who took time to answer some of the questions. Considering that there are unanswered questions and because I don’t have the luxury of time, we shall try to address the issues through the Q&A here. This will be updated from time to time to address new issues. Please go through the questions before posting a query (and please remember that this is a discussion, so feel free to address the issues).
Does this law cover other errors?
Many have errors in the surname, gender (i.e., male or female), birth date, age, nationality (e.g., Filipino), status (single, married) reflected in the entries appearing at the civil registrar. These substantial matters are not covered by this law. Corrections covering these matters require a petition to be filed in court.
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Tinkering with internet tools comes with the bonus of better understanding how existing laws apply to the third wave - that of technology, particularly the internet. This is also a great medium to disseminate and discuss ideas across borders, time, color or creed. 
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hi sir/mam:
I’m applying for a passport, and i was married two years ago. The problem is, I’ve only noticed till now that my mother’s name in my marriage certificate(both NSO and municipal registrars office) was AURORA J. VENTURA instead of MA. AURORA S.J. VENTURA. What will i do to correct this? Is it still okey, to use this for my passport application? Please advice. Thanks.
hi maam/sir
my problem is that it appears on the nso birth certificate of mine was BABY BOY L. ABELIDO instead of LOREN BRYAN L. ABELIDO. What should i do for this is my requirement for graduation. please advice me. thank you
How much will I pay to correct my name from Maria Andrade Liongson to Maria Theresa Andrade Liongson? What are the requirements/documents needed? How long it will take for to grant my request? Do I need a court hearing? I have a problem also with my baptismal certificate , my name there is Maria Teresa Andrade Liongson but ever since I am using the name Maria Theresa Andrade Liongson. Now I am married. Please help me. Thanks in advance..
My true and correct name should be Ernesto Toriado ORCINE, Jr. which I used and still using, but in my certificate of live birth, it appears to be Ernesto Toriado ORCENE, Jr. Should this be covered by RA 9048? If not, what legal action should I do? Please advise. Thank you!
Hi.sir and mam: i want to change my name..there is no correction of this. The only reason is I don’t like my first name is it possible to change my first name? Tnx pls..
Sir;mam: pwd ko pa po b palitan ang first name ko kht my record npo ang pangalan ko sa ibang bansa..pno po kya ako magsisimula? Gsto ko lng po sana I delete un Baby sa first name ko… Pls help me po tnx..
Hi,
Just want to change my first name from Ana Marie Estrella Tan to Imelda Estrella Tan. My baptismal cert, school records, marriage contract, sss, driver’s license is all under Imelda E. Tan…
What are the requirements needed and how much will it cost me? Do i need to hire a lawyer to do this? Please reply
Thanks
Gud pm po sir & madam,since before I’m using Leonila C. Miranda, but eventually after I got my NSO Birth Certificate it appear Leonela C. Miranda. I need to get my passport but I have more problems,all my documents such; SSS,School Diploma, NBI Clearance and Bank account, I used my old name.. please help me…
Dear Leonela, visit the local civil registrar where your birth certificate is located. I’m sure they will be very helpful to you in filling up the right forms. Good luck and God bless.
Thnk you so much atty…
asked ko lang po sana nung una change ko daw sa high school name ko gawin ko daw cristian ok na pagbalik ko yung birth na nakuha ko sa nso noong 2001 may christian mali din kaya pinapaayos kunin ko daw yung lokal civil registry ko at nso bago, nakita nila cristian nakalagay lahat record ko cristian na pinagpapaliwanag ako, bakit daw mali yung dalawang nso magkaiba 2001 ako kumuha bago lang po ako d2 manila noon nun nung kunin ko yun nagpunta ako nso noon 2001 nadali po ako nang fixer sa nso nagpakilala taga nso… ngaun ang problema ko high school ko lahat credentilas pinasa ko sa pup christian lahat credentilas ko now is cristian na….