MANILA, Philippines — The National Authority for Child Care (NACC) has issued a final call to families who “simulated” or faked birth records, reminding them that they only have three years left to avail of the legal amnesty provided under Republic Act No. 11222 or the Simulated Birth Rectification Act.
During a media forum on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Assistant Secretary Rowena Macalintal warned that the window for rectification and amnesty will officially close on March 28, 2029.
The Risk of Inaction Families who do not rectify fake birth records before the deadline face severe consequences under the Revised Penal Code and RA 1164:
- Criminal Liability: Simulation of birth is a criminal offense carrying a penalty of 8 to 10 years of imprisonment.
- Administrative Liability: Government employees involved in faking records could face dismissal and other administrative sanctions.
- Civil Liability: Parents could lose legal custody of the child if the records are contested or discovered through other means.
How the Amnesty Works RA 11222, signed in 2019, allows parents to correct simulated birth records through a simplified administrative adoption process rather than expensive and lengthy court proceedings.
- Who Qualifies: The amnesty applies to simulations done before March 2019, provided the act was done in the “best interest of the child” and the child has lived with the petitioner for at least three years prior to the law’s effectivity.
- Legal Immunity: Once the process is successfully completed, the petitioners—as well as any participating nurses, midwives, or doctors—shall not be held criminally, civilly, or administratively liable for the simulation.
- Confidentiality: All records and proceedings remain strictly confidential under the Data Privacy Act.
The Rectification Process To avail of the amnesty, petitioners should coordinate with their Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO). The process involves:
- Filing a Petition: Done at the LGU where the child resides.
- Social Case Study: A social worker evaluates the home environment and the child’s welfare.
- Approval: The DSWD Secretary issues an administrative order of adoption.
- New Birth Certificate: The simulated record is canceled, and a new, legitimate birth certificate is issued naming the petitioners as the legal parents.
A Call for Safe Surrender The NACC also appealed to mothers in crisis not to abandon children in unsafe locations. Macalintal noted that there are currently 148 prospective adoptive parents on the NACC roster waiting to match with infants. Mothers who surrender their children to “safe havens” like hospitals, churches, or DSWD facilities will receive counseling and will not face abandonment charges.
With the 2029 deadline approaching, the NACC urges the public to share this information with relatives or acquaintances who may be living with the legal uncertainty of a simulated birth record. “This is a chance to make things right for the child’s identity and your family’s peace of mind,” Macalintal emphasized.