Practice question
A petitioner seeking a judicial surname change proves a genuine reason and has lived in the filing province for only two years. Counsel argues that three newspaper publications cure the missing year of residence. On the facts stated, which is sound?
- Publication automatically supplies residence.
- A genuine reason eliminates every procedural requirement.
- Residence matters only to the civil registrar.
- Publication and the required bona fide residence are distinct; publishing does not supply the missing residence requirement.
- Two years becomes three if relatives consent.
Legal references
- https://lawphil.net/courts/rules/rc_72-109_proceedings.html — Rule 103 sections 1–6: verified petition, residence, publication, hearing and judgment.
- https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2010/dec2010/gr_186027_2010.html — Republic v. Mercadera, G.R. 186027, December 8, 2010, main opinion: administrative primacy for first-name changes.
- https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2001/ra_9048_2001.html — sections 1, 4 and 7: first-name changes and recourse after administrative denial.
Answer this question in flashcards to review your response and continue practicing.