RACCO reminds public of amnesty period for legal adoption, birth record correction

Local

CORRECTING a child’s birth record and legalizing adoption can now be simpler and penalty-free — but families need to act within the amnesty period.

The Regional Alternative Child Care Office-Central Visayas (RACCO-7) reminded the public that Republic Act 11222, or the Simulated Birth Rectification Act (SIBRA) allows individuals who simulated a child’s birth record to file for adoption and rectification without facing penalties.

Families have just over three years left in the 10-year amnesty period.

RACCO-7 has been guiding families through the administrative process, which replaced the previous judicial procedure for adoption and rectification.

The law only applies to simulated birth records registered before RA 11222 took effect in 2019.

It does not cover cases intended solely to slowly correct a record, or cases where individuals act as parents but are not named in the certificate.

Adoptive parents must have had custody of the child for at least three years.

A simulated birth record is a falsified certificate claiming a child was born to people who are not the biological parents, often by tampering with civil registry documents.

Those found guilty of creating such records may face six to 12 years in prison and/or a fine of at least P200,000, particularly if they coerce consent, bypass legal safeguards, or expose the child to danger.

“Usa ka (one of the) programs at our office is the adoption through the rectification of simulated birth records. This is possible because we have a law known as Republic Act 11222 for the Simulated Birth Rectification Act," RACCO-7 Information Officer Cheina Maderazo said.

Families are encouraged to coordinate closely with RACCO-7 to ensure all documents are complete and consistent before filing.

Applicants can visit the office in Mandaue City or consult first through its social media accounts if they live far away.

RACCO 7 Social Welfare Officer Gypsy Labuan reported that 19 Orders of Adoption have already been issued in Central Visayas, while three of 22 petitions remain pending.

Labuan said the process typically takes six to nine months when all requirements are complete.

She also clarified that RACCO-7 does not charge processing fees, though applicants may still need to pay for documents, notarization, and other requirements.

RACCO-7 reminded the public that new cases of falsified birth records are not covered by the amnesty and may lead to criminal charges.

"If you really want to adopt, please do it legally," Maderazo added.(MyTVCebu)