BY PERSIDA ACOSTA

Dear PAO,
I would like to seek your advice regarding change of surname. My surname is kind of embarrassing. Is it possible to ask assistance from your office? How long does it take and how much does it cost?
RDT

Dear RDT,
If your surname is innately embarrassing, you may file a Petition for Change of Name before the Regional Trial Court in the province where you reside. The petition must set forth the following information: (1) that you have been a bona fide resident of the province where the petition is filed for at least three years prior to the date of such filing, (2) the cause for which the change of your surname is sought, and (3) the surname asked for.

If the petition is found to be sufficient in form and substance, the court shall issue an order fixing the date and place of hearing of the petition and shall direct that a copy of the order be published before the hearing at least once a week for three successive weeks in some newspaper of general circulation published in the province. The publication of the order is required strictly as it is a jurisdictional requirement. Interested parties, who may appear and oppose the petition, must be informed as well as the Solicitor General who shall appear in behalf of the government. The court will hear the petition and it will issue a judgment either granting the petition or denying the same.

Should the petition be granted and after the issuance of judgment by the court, the civil registrar of the municipality or city where the court issuing the same is situated shall be furnished with a copy of such judgment and shall be ordered to enter the change of name in the civil register.

Insofar as your desire to avail of the regular services of our office, you may visit the district office of the Public Attorney’s Office near your residence. It is usually located at the Hall of Justice in the Municipal or City Hall. Please be reminded that you have to present a proof of indigency, which may either be a Certificate of Indigency issued in your favor which you may obtain from your Barangay or from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in your area, or you can present your latest Income Tax Return.

We hope that we were able to answer your queries. Please be reminded that this advice is based solely on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated.

Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public Attorney’s Office. Questions for Chief Acosta may be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .