REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

Province of Nueva Ecija
CITY OF CABANATUAN

RESOLUTION

The petitioner PETER SICAT CULANGOT, JR. filed a petition for

change of first name under RA 9048 on the ground of being ridiculous for
being a laughstock in their school.

In support of his petition, the herein petitioner attached the following

documents;

1. Certificate of Live Birth – NSO

2. Certificate of Live Birth – Local
3. NBI and PNP Clearance
4. Certificate of Publication
5. Other evidences to support that the name seeking to change is
ridiculous and became a laughingstock in school

Statement of Facts

Based on the verified petition submitted, the facts of the case are
stated hereunder:

That on February 14, 1997, the petitioner was born and his father
Peter Sicat Culangot in puruit of immorality named his one and only son as
PETER SICAT CULANGOT JR. while his mother Thelma Sicat Culangot
just concur.

The petitioner’s whole childhood became a laughstock in school and

neighborhood due to his name, he experienced being bullied by gin his
name, vandalism on the wall of comfort rooms and other premises and even
his long time crush laugh in his name when he confess his feelings and he
felt so embarrassed and tired of being the subject of laughter.

The petitioner then learned that he can change his name. Hence the
petition.

Analyses/Findings and Recommendations

A person’s name is a word or combination of words by which he is

known and identified, and distinguished from others, for the convenience of
the world at large in addressing him, or in speaking of or dealing with him. It
is both of personal as well as public interest that every person must have a
name. The State has an interest in the names borne by individuals and entities
for purposes of identification. A change of name is a privilege, not a right.

Petitions for change of name are controlled by statutes. By Article 408

of the Civil Code, a person’s birth must be entered in the civil register. The
official name of a person is that given him in the civil register. That is his
name in the eyes of the law. And once the name of a person is officially
entered in the civil register, Article 376 of the Civil Code seals that identity
with its precise mandate: no person can change his name or surname without
judicial authority. In other words, the proper petition must be filed in court
before the person can legally use a different surname.

The petitioner must show proper and reasonable cause or any

convincing reason which may justify such change. Jurisprudence has
recognized, among others, the following grounds as being sufficient to
warrant a change of name: (a) when the name is ridiculous, dishonorable or
extremely difficult to write or pronounce; (b) when the change results as a
legal consequence of legitimation or adoption; (c) when the change will avoid
confusion; (d) when one has continuously used and been known since
childhood by a Filipino name and was unaware of alien parentage; (e) when
the change is based on a sincere desire to adopt a Filipino name to erase signs
of former alienage, all in good faith and without prejudice to anybody; and (f)
when the surname causes embarrassment and there is no showing that the
desired change of name was for a fraudulent purpose or that the change of
name would prejudice public interest.

In 22 March 2001, however, Republic Act No. 9048 was passed,

providing for an exception: for clerical or typographical errors and change of
first name or nickname which can be corrected or changed by the concerned
city or municipal civil registrar or consul general in accordance with the
provisions of said law and its implementing rules and regulations

Based on the facts aforementioned there is no showing that either any

of those reasonable grounds was not sufficiently established. And there is no
evidence that prove the name “PETER” sought to be changed to
“CHANNING” is ridiculous.

WHEREFORE, IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, it is most

respectfully recommended that the petition of PETER SICAT CULANGOT,
JR. be DENIED.

Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

XXXXXX
City Registrar