Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

2255
HOUSE BILLNO.

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE XAVIER JESUS “XJ” D. ROMUALDO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The late Representative Pedro P, Romualdo originally filed this proposed measure in the
previous Congress. The Explanatory Note of the late Representative Romualdo is herein
reproduced and adopted as the expianation for the filing of this bill:

This bill proposes to extend the period to rectify the simulation of births
committed by persons who have custody over children that are not their own
but treat such children as if they their own.

It is presumed that in the registration of births, the parents or their next of
kin act in good faith and have provided the Office of the Local Civil Registrar
with accurate information about the personal details of the child. However, it
is common in our society to hear news about couples that are childless or can
afford to raise an additional child who resort to simulation of birth to avoid
the proper legal proceedings. It is for this reason that we are proposing the
extension of the period provided originally under Republic Act No. 8552 to
give persons who have simulated the births of their supposed child or
children to avail of this new window of opportunity and provide the child
with the full protection of the laws, such as the right of succession and legal
use of the surname of their adoptive parents.

The original period to file expired in 2003 and many stakeholders believe
that only a few applicants availed of this incentive. The applicants for
correction of birth registration with this proposed legislative measure will
have another window of opportunity and substantial time to avail of this
incentive and correct the simulation of births of their child or children. After
this non-extendible period, no application for rectification will be entertained
by the respective Office of the Local Civil Registrar.

In view of the foregoing, the support of the Members of Congress for the timely passage

of this measure is earnestly requested.

XAVIER JESUS “XJ” D. ROMUALDO



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
2255

HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE XAVIER JESUS “XJ” D. ROMUALDO

AN ACT EXTENDING THE PERIOD FOR THE RECTIFICATION OF
SIMULATED BIRTHS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT
NO. 8552, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE DOMESTIC ADOOPTION ACT OF
1998.

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

Section 1. Section 22 of Republic Act No. 8552 is hereby amended to read as follows:

SEC. 22. Rectification of Simulated Births. — A person who has [;-prier-te-the
effeetivity-ef this Act] simulated the birth of a child shall not be punished for
such act: Provided, That the simulation of birth was made for the best
interest of the child and that SUCH CHILD [he/she] has been consistently
considered and treated by that person as his/her own son/daughter:
Provided, further, That the application for correction of the birth registration
and petition for adoption shall be

er] ON OR BEFORE
DECEMBER 31, 2018: Provided, finally, That such person complies with the
procedure as specified in Article IV of this Act and other requirements as
determined by the Department.

Section 2. All simulations of birth done after the effectivity of this Act shall no longer be
allowed to be rectified under Section 22 of Republic Act No. 8552, as herein amended.

Section 3. The Department of Social Welfare and Development shall coordinate with
local government units and other concerned agencies for the proper dissemination of
information on the amendment introduced by this Act on Section 22 of Republic Act No.
8552.

Section 4. All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, rules and regulations and
other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2)
newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.