Due to the high occurrence of fake and forged documents in the Philippines, the Embassy verifies documents (such as Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, CENOMAR, CEMAR, Death Certificates and Court Decisions) issued by Philippine authorities.
Quite often, irregularities are found. Irregularities do not necessarily mean that the document is fake or forged. It could be an erroneous registration made by e.g. a parent, or the Registrar. However, irregularities could lead to delays or rejections.
It is therefore very important that applicants check with the NSO (National Statistics Office) that the information registered on them is correct before submitting an application at the Embassy. The easiest way to check this may be to request issuance of a new certificate. All data in the certificate should be checked carefully.
If irregularities, discrepancies or errors are found, applicants should contact their Local Civil Registry or the NSO main office in Quezon City, Metro Manila (http://www.census.gov.ph/). Irregularities in Court Decisions should be referred to the relevant Court.
Applications containing fake or forged documents will be rejected.
Annulments
Aplicants that have an anulled marriage must, ensure that their marital status in the NSO has been updated. A new marriage Certificate (issued by the NSO) with an annotation stating the the marriage has been annulled should be submitted along with the Court Decision.
Divorce abroad
Applicants that have obtained a divorce abroad (with a foreign spouse), must ensure that their marital status in the NSO has been updated. A new marriage Certificate (issued by the NSO) with an annotation stating the the applicant has been divorced should be submitted along with the Court Decision.
For information regarding annulment of marriage, presumptive death and / or absence of spouse and divorce decrees, please contact the nearest Regional Trial Court or the National Statistics Office (NSO).
For information about child custody issues please visit: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD - http://www.dswd.gov.ph/), the nearest Regional Trial Court or the National Statistics Office (NSO - http://www.census.gov.ph/).