By Junex Doronio
MANILA — With 3.5 million Filipinos lacking birth certificates, Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre is pushing for the swift passage of the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Bill, also known as House Bill 9572.
“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,” Acidre emphasized.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), 3.5 million Filipinos lack birth certificates, many of whom are from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“We must recognize that many unregistered individuals come from marginalized communities. They often face challenges such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and disability. By making the birth registration process responsive and accessible, we can address these disparities and ensure that no one is left behind,” Acidre noted.
He explained that a comprehensive Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system in the Philippines will ensure that every Filipino is recorded and documented.
“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,” Acidre said.
(el Amigo/mnm)
