1. Inclosed is a copy of the letter of Mr. Tomas P. Africa, Civil Registrar General, Office of the Civil Registrar General, National Statistics Office, Sta. Mesa, Manila, requesting the assistance of this office in implementing Section 3 of P.D. 651 relative to the submission of birth certificate as a prerequisite for enrolment in the first grade in all public and private schools in the country and allowance of tax exemption for dependents under the National Internal Revenue Code.

2. For information, guidance and compliance of all concerned.

Adopted: 5 Feb. 1998

(SGD.) ERLINDA C. PEFIANCO
Acting Secretary

OFFICE OF THE CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL
National Statistics Office

Hon. Ricardo T. Gloria
Secretary, DECS
University of Life Complex
Meralco Avenue, Pasig City

Dear Sir:

There are people coming to our Office complaining that their names in their Certificates of Live Birth (COLB) are different from their school records. To correct this inconsistent use of names, we can only advise them either to go to DECS and ask for correction of their names in all their school records, or to file petition in court for a change of name. Both remedies are time-consuming and expensive on the part of the concerned parties. It may also be possible that because of this problem, the concerned parties may lose their chances of being employed, here or abroad.

To avoid this problem, may we seek your assistance in implementing Section 3 of Presidential Decree No. 651 which provides:

SECTION 3.   Proof of birth registration a pre-requisite to school enrolment and allowance of tax exemption — Henceforth, starting with the year 1975, the presentation of a birth certificate shall be a pre-requisite to enrolment in the first grade in all public and private schools in the country and allowance of tax exemption for dependents under the National Internal Revenue Code.

May we request that this matter be circularized to all the public and private schools.

Adopted: 10 Dec. 1997

(SGD.) TOMAS P. AFRICA
Civil Registrar General