TINGOG Rep. Jude Acidre in a media forum on Friday in Novotel Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City, emphasized the importance of a responsive, free, and accessible delayed birth registration system for marginalized Filipinos, pushing for the swift passage of the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Bill in Congress or 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,” the lawmaker said on his keynote speech.
“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,” he added.
Tingog Party-list, with House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, had been consistently advocating the importance of the said bill. The party-list affirms that civil registration is an important part for an individual to establish legal identity, civil status, and family relations.
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 19th Congress, with Speaker Romualdez’s leadership, hopes to pass the bill before congress ends in May 2025. Through a legislative provision, it is collaborating with the PSA to strengthen the agency’s mandate and make it a more capable and effective pillar of the state, bridging the gaps in the civil registration system.
“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,” Rep. Acidre said.
“A comprehensive Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system in the Philippines will ensure that every Filipino is recorded and documented. This system will be a cornerstone in our efforts to promote inclusive development and social equity,” he furthered. “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.”
The solon also urged media practitioners to use their platforms in bringing light to the issue, emphasizing the human aspect of it. He added that journalism and media play a huge role in shaping the public opinion and influencing policy decisions.
“Through your reporting, you can humanize the statistics and show the real-life impact of being undocumented. What does it mean to be born in a remote area with no access to registration services? What challenges does a child with disabilities face when their birth is not recorded? How does cultural sensitivity affect the registration of indigenous peoples?” Rep. Acidre said.
“By highlighting the gaps in our current registration system and the impact on individuals, you can advocate for the urgent passage of the Comprehensive Registration and Vital Statistics Bill. Your stories can inform the public, mobilize support, and hold policymakers accountable,” he added.
The Comprehensive Registration and Vital Statistics Bill is more than just a legislative measure; it is a commitment to ensuring that every Filipino is seen, recognized, and valued, Rep. Acidre concluded.
