NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC )
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 2051
Cjll Senate
ftr of t!je
23 mar 30 P3:40
RECEIVED BV:__C'\
\J
Introduced by: Senator Raffy T. Tulfo
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE RIGHT OF MARRIED WOMEN TO RETAIN 
THEIR MAIDEN SURNAMES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE ARTICLE 370 
OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 386, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
NEW CIVIL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
Explanatory Note
In accordance with Section 14, of Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution 
of the Philippines, the State recognizes the role of women in nation-building and 
ensures the fundamental equality of both women and men.
The proposed measure proposes to amend Article 370 of Republic Act No. 386 
where married women are given the choice to be able to retain their maiden name in 
addition to being able to retain their maiden name and add their husband's surname, 
keep their maiden first name and their husband's surname, or have their husband's 
full name but prefixing a word indicating she is his wife, like "Mrs."
In light of this, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
Raffy
Senator


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC )
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
senate
S.B. No. <JUOl
jj..0M ^t'uate
0( tlje
23 MAR 30 P3-40
RECEIVED BV;
Introduced by: Senator Raffy T. Tulfo
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE RIGHT OF MARRIED WOMEN TO RETAIN 
THEIR MAIDEN SURNAMES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE ARTICLE 370 
OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 386, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
NEW CIVIL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress Assembled:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Section 1. Title, -This Act shall be known as the "Right to Maintain Maiden 
Name Act".
Sec, 2, Declaration of Policy, - It is the policy of the State to value the 
independence of women and guarantee them full respect for their freedom of choice 
of surname. Therefore, the State shall provide a mechanism for women who wish to 
retain their maiden name.
Sec, 3, Surname of Married Woman, - Article 370, Title XIII, Book III of 
the Republic Act No. 386, as amended, otherwise known as the New Civil Code of the 
Philippines, is hereby amended to read as follows: "Article 370. A married woman may 
use:
[(1) Hor moidon first nomc and surnomc ond odd her.■husband's
surnamo or
(2) Her maiden first name and her husband's surname or
(3) Hor husband's full namey-but prefixing a word indicating that she
is his wife, such as "Mrs."]
1


/
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18 
19
(1) 
HER MAIDEN FIRST NAME AND SURNAME;
(2) 
HER MAIDEN FIRST NAME AND SURNAME AND ADD HER 
HUSBAND'S NAME;
(3) 
HER MAIDEN FIRST NAME AND HER HUSBAND'S 
SURNAME; OR
(4) 
HER HUSBAND'S FULL NAME, BUT PREFIXING A WORD 
INDICATING THAT SHE IS HIS WIFE, SUCH AS "MRS".
Sec. 5. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other portions or provisions hereof, which are 
not affected, shall continue to be in full force and effect.
Sec. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, rules, and regulations 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended 
accordingly.
Sec. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,