Quezon city: An official of the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), urged individuals who previously simulated the birth records of children under their care to avail of the rectification process under Republic Act 11222, or the Simulated Birth Rectification Act of 2019.
According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Rowena Macalintal of the NACC's operations and services, stated that RA 11222 provides an amnesty mechanism for those who committed simulations of birth certificates before 2019. This allows them to correct records and undergo proper legal adoption without penalty, subject to compliance with the law's requirements.
Macalintal explained that simulating birth records is a criminal offense under the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act 1164, resulting in illegal adoption. She emphasized the serious consequences of such acts, noting a penalty of 8 to 10 years imprisonment, along with civil and administrative liabilities, especially for government employees. However, those who committed these acts before 2019 and have cared for the child as their own are eligible for benefits under the Simulated Birth Rectification Act.
In response to media inquiries, Macalintal outlined the filing process, highlighting a sunset provision in RA 11222 that limits amnesty availability until 2029. Petitions must be filed with the Local Social Welfare and Development Office to rectify simulated birth certificates. Once an adoption decree is issued, the birth certificate can be amended to reflect the legal parentage without penalty.
Macalintal also mentioned that medical personnel, like nurses, midwives, and doctors, involved in the simulation until 2019 could avail themselves of the amnesty provided by the law. She urged affected individuals to engage with appropriate authorities while the amnesty provision remains active.
Additionally, Macalintal appealed to mothers in crisis not to abandon their children in unsafe environments, emphasizing existing support mechanisms. She encouraged them to surrender their children to DSWD residential care facilities, child caring agencies, social workers, safe havens, hospitals, or churches, ensuring the children's safety and well-being.
Macalintal assured that individuals surrendering children would not face abandonment charges but would receive counseling and other interventions. The DSWD and NACC remain committed to raising public awareness about lawful adoption and child protection, ensuring children's rights are protected in line with existing laws.
