The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Thursday clarified its role in civil registration and its limited oversight of local civil registry offices (LCROs) amid reports of fraudulent birth registrations nationwide.
“In response to recent developments, the PSA has taken steps to protect and strengthen the civil registration system. We seek support from lawmakers and law enforcement to safeguard this process,” the agency said in a statement.
It said that under Republic Act No. 10625, the Philippine Statistical Act, the PSA is the central repository for all registered vital documents submitted by LCROs. This includes receiving documents related to births, deaths, and marriages, storing them in a national database, and issuing certified copies.
The PSA also provides technical supervision to LCROs as mandated by Act No. 3753, the Law on Registry of Civil Status. This role is limited to setting policies, guidelines, and standards for civil registration nationwide, it said.
It said the general administration and supervision of LCROs falls under local government units, headed by their chief executives. These officials have the authority to hire, transfer, discipline or dismiss LCRO employees, including local civil registrars.
“The PSA cannot discipline LCRO employees. We can only recommend administrative action through the local chief executive or the Civil Service Commission,” the agency said.
The PSA and LCROs have distinct but interconnected roles in verifying identities. While the PSA manages the central database, LCROs handle the actual registration process.
The PSA said it relies on LCROs to ensure the accuracy and integrity of all civil registry documents.
