Title VI — Paternity and Filiation
Article 172
ELI5— what this means for you
Legitimate filiation is established by: (1) the record of birth in the civil register; (2) a final judgment; or (3) an admission of legitimate filiation in a public document or private handwritten instrument signed by the parent. Of these, a birth certificate in the civil registry is the most common and most powerful proof.
Key point
Birth certificate + civil registry = strongest proof of filiation in Philippine law.
Official text — EO 209
The filiation of legitimate children is established by any of the following:
(1) The record of birth appearing in the civil register or a final judgment; or
(2) An admission of legitimate filiation in a public document or a private handwritten instrument and signed by the parent concerned.
In the absence of the foregoing evidence, the legitimate filiation shall be proved by:
(1) The open and continuous possession of the status of a legitimate child; or
(2) Any other means allowed by the Rules of Court and special laws. (265a, 266a, 267a)
Source: lawphil.net (EO 209 as amended)
Related
RELATED RIGHTS
Family Law
Permanent Validity of PSA Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates Philippines 2022 — BatasKo ELI5
Family Law
Muslim and Indigenous Marriages Philippines — BatasKo ELI5
Family Law
Muslim Divorce Philippines — BatasKo ELI5
Family Law
Muslim and Non-Christian Marriage Law Philippines — BatasKo ELI5
Legal disclaimer: BatasKo provides general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on marriage, annulment, property relations, custody, or support, consult a licensed Filipino lawyer or the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) at pao.gov.ph.