Below is a practitioner-style reference that gathers everything a Philippine lawyer or paralegal normally needs to know when a child’s PSA-issued birth certificate states “UNKNOWN” (or leaves a blank) for the father and the child is applying for a Philippine passport.
1. Statutory and Regulatory Framework
| Source | Key Provisions Relevant to This Scenario |
|---|---|
| Republic Act No. 8239 (Philippine Passport Act of 1996), as amended by R.A. 10928 | §4 declares the passport a document of identity and nationality; §5 vests the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) with rule-making power; §11(c) requires a minor applicant to be “accompanied by a parent” or by an authorized adult with written authority. |
| 2019 DFA Passport Manual (latest publicly issued version) | Part II, Ch. 5 lays out Minor Applicants procedures; ¶5.1.3(c) treats illegitimate children as having sole parental authority vested in the mother unless legally adopted or legitimated. |
| Family Code of the Philippines | Art. 176 (now superseded in part by R.A. 9255) speaks to parental authority over illegitimate children: the mother exercises sole authority. |
| R.A. 9255 (use of father’s surname) & R.A. 9858 (voluntary legitimation) | Useful only if the father later acknowledges paternity; until then the child is treated as illegitimate/with unknown father. |
| R.A. 11861 (Expanded Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2022) | May entitle the mother to a Solo Parent ID, easing access to some supporting documents, but not strictly required by the DFA. |
| DSWD Administrative Order 12-Series 2017 | Governs travel clearance for minors travelling abroad without either parent; father’s absence is irrelevant if the child is travelling with the mother. |
2. Legal Status of the Child and Parental Authority
“Unknown” father = Illegitimate child Where the PSA birth certificate indicates the father as “Unknown” or leaves the field blank, the child is automatically classified as illegitimate.
Sole parental authority of the mother Under Art. 176 of the Family Code (as refined by jurisprudence such as Briones v. Miguel, G.R. 181092, June 18 2013), only the mother may:
- Sign passport application Form No. PCG-MFA (for minors);
- Execute affidavits (e.g., Affidavit of Support & Consent);
- Apply for or waive DSWD Travel Clearance on the child’s behalf.
No need for father-related documents The DFA will not require:
- Father’s written consent;
- Father’s passport/ID;
- Special Power of Attorney from the father. Attempting to supply such documents is pointless unless the father has already acknowledged paternity and the birth record has been amended.
3. Documentary Requirements (First-Time Minor Applicant, Regular 10-year e-Passport)
| Document | Notes when Father is “Unknown” |
|---|---|
| Original PSA Birth Certificate (security paper, no erasures) | This is the foundational proof of identity; check that the father’s entry reads “unknown/—/blank.” |
| Mother’s Valid Government-Issued ID or Philippine Passport | Any of the DFA’s accepted IDs (PhilSys, UMID, PRC, Driver’s Lic., etc.). Photocopy front-and-back. |
| Personal Appearance of the Mother | The DFA strictly requires the parent with authority to personally appear and sign the application in front of the processor. |
| Accomplished Application Form for Minor (Form No. PCG-MFA) | Tick “Mother” under “Accompanying Parent.” |
| DSWD Travel Clearance | Only if the child will subsequently travel abroad without the mother; not needed for the passport itself. |
| Affidavit of Explanation / Illegitimacy (optional) | Some DFA consular offices still like a one-page sworn statement confirming that the child’s father is unknown and that the mother has sole authority. Prepare it to avoid delays. |
| Proof of Mother’s Philippine Citizenship (in rare edge cases) | Only if the mother’s ID is foreign. A Certificate of Re-acquisition / Retention of Philippine Citizenship under R.A. 9225 will suffice. |
Tip: Bring original & one set of photocopies of everything—even though DFA scanners capture originals, photocopies help during pre-screening.
4. Step-by-Step Procedure at the DFA
Secure an online appointment at passport.gov.ph; choose “First-Time Minor,” input the mother’s details as the “Appointing Person” if the child has no email.
Appear at the consular office at least 30 minutes early; mother must accompany the child.
Pre-screening & queue number
- Screener verifies that the father field is blank/“unknown.”
- Affidavit (if any) is received and stamped.
Payment
- ₱ 950.00 (regular 12-working-day release) or ₱ 1,200.00 (expedite, 6 working days in Metro Manila).
Biometrics & Data Capturing
- Child’s photo, thumbprints (if 7 years or older), and mother’s signature.
- The system tags the application as ILLEGITIMATE–MOTHER-SOLE AUTHORITY.
Official Receipt & Claim Stub
- Keep both; delivery option via courier is available.
Release/Delivery
- Mother (or authorized adult with release authorization) may claim the passport; the child need not reappear.
5. Special Situations
| Scenario | Additional Requirement or Note |
|---|---|
| Mother is abroad / incapacitated | Execute a Special Power of Attorney authenticated/consularized by the nearest Philippine Embassy designating a relative (up to 4th civil degree). Attach mother’s passport copy and Solo Parent ID (if any). |
| Child is already using the father’s surname despite “Unknown” entry | This indicates the birth record was amended under R.A. 9255; DFA will require a Court Decree or AUSF (Affidavit to Use the Surname of the Father) plus the amended birth certificate. |
| Pending adoption proceedings | Until a Decree of Adoption and amended birth certificate are issued, treat the child as illegitimate; adoptive parents cannot yet sign. |
| Simulated birth rectification (R.A. 11222) | Present the Order granting petition and the new PSA-issued rectified birth certificate; parental authority shifts to the adoptive parents. |
| Minor will travel abroad without mother after passport issuance | Obtain a DSWD Travel Clearance signed solely by the mother (no father’s consent needed). |
6. Common Misconceptions Cleared Up
“The DFA will ask where the father is.” Not applicable. DFA staff only ensure that documentary authority is complete; they are not concerned with locating the father.
“A Solo Parent ID is compulsory.” No. It can substitute for one government ID where the mother lacks others, but it is not listed as a mandatory core document.
“A court order is required because the father is unknown.” Incorrect. Court intervention is needed only when amending civil registry entries or resolving custody disputes.
“Grandparents may sign if the mother is unavailable.” Only with a notarized SPA from the mother. The absence of the father does not automatically empower grandparents.
7. Practical Tips for Streamlining Approval
| Tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Have the mother’s signature on all photocopies | Saves time when DFA countersignatures are required. |
| Bring digital copies of documents | Some consular offices allow USB or email submission if scanners malfunction. |
| Schedule morning appointments | Walk-in priority lanes (infants, PWD companions) fill up quickly; early slots mean shorter queues. |
| Check PSA birth certificate entries against typographical errors (e.g., “UNKOWN”) | Even minor misspellings can trigger “delayed release pending manual verification.” Correct via a Civil Registry Form 3 before appointment if possible. |
8. Fees Snapshot (as of July 2025)
| Item | Regular | Expedite |
|---|---|---|
| Passport fee | ₱ 950 | ₱ 1,200 |
| Courier delivery (optional) | ₱ 180 | same |
| Notarial cost for Affidavit | ~₱ 200–₱ 400 | same |
| DSWD Travel Clearance (if needed) | ₱ 500 (1-year) / ₱ 700 (2-year) | N/A |
9. Remedies for Denial or Delays
- Document Deficiency Notice (DDN) – Issued for missing IDs or improper affidavits; applicant given 90 days to comply.
- Passport Watchlist Order – Rare for minors, but if the child is subject to a Hold-Departure Order, the mother must petition the issuing court for leave to travel.
- Appeal to Passport Directors’ Office (PDO) – File a letter-appeal within 15 days of denial; attach supplementary evidence (e.g., certified solo-parent documents).
- Judicial Relief (Rule 65 Certiorari/Prohibition) – If the DFA acts with grave abuse of discretion; invoked only in exceptional cases.
10. Checklist for Counsel or Paralegal
- Verify PSA birth certificate: father entry “Unknown/—/N.A.”
- Confirm client-mother’s valid ID/passport.
- Draft optional Affidavit of Sole Parental Authority & Support.
- Pre-book DFA appointment under Minor, 1st-Time.
- Prepare photocopies + soft copies.
- Review if travel clearance will be required post-issuance.
- Advise client on release schedules and possible DDN compliance.
Final Note
This article consolidates statutes, DFA manuals, and prevailing administrative practice as of 10 July 2025. It is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always confirm whether new DFA circulars or amendments to the Philippine Passport Act have been released before filing.