I. Introduction

In Philippine passport applications, one of the most common causes of delay is a discrepancy in the applicant’s name, date of birth, place of birth, civil status, or other identifying information appearing in official records. These inconsistencies often arise from clerical errors, differences in spelling, missing middle names, use of nicknames, typographical mistakes, inconsistent spacing or punctuation, or variations between records issued by different government agencies.

An Affidavit of Discrepancy is a written, sworn statement used to explain that two or more different entries, names, spellings, or details refer to one and the same person. In the context of a Philippine passport application, it may be submitted to help clarify minor inconsistencies in the applicant’s supporting documents.

However, an Affidavit of Discrepancy does not automatically cure every defect in a record. It is generally useful for explaining minor inconsistencies, but it cannot replace a formal correction of civil registry records when the discrepancy concerns material facts such as the applicant’s birth date, legal name, parentage, sex, legitimacy, or citizenship.

II. What Is an Affidavit of Discrepancy?

An Affidavit of Discrepancy is a notarized document executed by a person who states under oath that certain inconsistent entries in documents are erroneous, incomplete, or variant forms of the same information.

For passport purposes, the affidavit commonly explains discrepancies such as:

A different spelling of the applicant’s first name, middle name, or surname.
The absence or presence of a middle initial.
Use of a nickname or shortened name in school, employment, or government records.
A typographical error in one document.
A difference in spacing, hyphenation, or punctuation.
Inconsistent order of names.
Variation between maiden name and married name.
Difference between civil registry records and secondary identification documents.

The affidavit usually contains a statement that the names or details appearing in different records refer to one and the same person.

III. Legal Nature of an Affidavit of Discrepancy

An Affidavit of Discrepancy is an evidentiary document. It is not, by itself, a court order, civil registry correction, or administrative amendment of a public record.

Its legal function is explanatory. It helps the Department of Foreign Affairs, or any receiving officer, understand why supporting documents contain inconsistent details.

Because it is sworn before a notary public, the affiant formally declares the truth of the statements in the affidavit. False statements may expose the affiant to legal consequences, including possible liability for perjury, falsification, or misrepresentation.

The affidavit does not amend the birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, or other official civil registry record. It merely explains the discrepancy.

IV. Why Discrepancies Matter in Passport Applications

A Philippine passport is a travel and identity document. The Department of Foreign Affairs relies heavily on the applicant’s official civil registry documents, particularly the Philippine Statistics Authority-issued birth certificate and, when relevant, marriage certificate or court orders.

Discrepancies matter because they may affect identity, citizenship, legitimacy of supporting documents, and consistency of records. A passport officer must determine whether the applicant is the same person reflected in the civil registry record and whether the information to be printed on the passport is legally supported.

Even a small inconsistency may result in additional documentary requirements. A major inconsistency may require correction before a passport can be issued.

V. Common Passport-Related Discrepancies

A. Discrepancy in First Name

This occurs when the applicant’s first name appears differently across documents.

Examples:

PSA Birth Certificate	Other Document
Maria Cristina	Ma. Cristina
Jonalyn	Johnalyn
Ana Marie	Anna Marie
Jose	Joseph

An affidavit may help if the variation is minor and the PSA birth certificate clearly establishes the legal name. However, if the applicant wants the passport to reflect a name different from the birth certificate, a formal correction or legal basis may be required.

B. Discrepancy in Middle Name

Middle name discrepancies are common in the Philippines because the middle name is usually the mother’s maiden surname.

Examples include:

PSA Birth Certificate	Other Document
Reyes	Reyez
Santos	S.
No middle name shown	Middle name appears in school or employment records

An affidavit may explain that both versions refer to the same person. But if the PSA record itself is wrong, the applicant may need to correct the civil registry entry.

C. Discrepancy in Surname

Surname discrepancies are usually treated more seriously because the surname may affect family identity, legitimacy, marriage status, or citizenship.

Examples:

PSA Birth Certificate	Other Document
Dela Cruz	De la Cruz
Lim	Sy-Lim
Garcia	Garcial
Santos	Santos-Reyes

Minor spelling or spacing differences may be explained by affidavit. A change of surname, use of a married surname, or correction of a legally significant surname may require additional documents, such as a marriage certificate, annotated birth certificate, court order, or civil registry correction.

D. Discrepancy in Date of Birth

A date of birth discrepancy is usually material.

Example:

PSA Birth Certificate	Other Document
January 5, 1998	January 15, 1998

An Affidavit of Discrepancy may explain the inconsistency in secondary documents, but it will not usually be enough if the birth certificate itself contains the wrong birth date or if the applicant seeks to use a birth date different from the PSA record.

Birth date corrections generally require formal correction through the local civil registrar, administrative correction, or court process, depending on the nature of the error.

E. Discrepancy in Place of Birth

A discrepancy in place of birth can also be material.

Example:

PSA Birth Certificate	Other Document
Manila	Quezon City

An affidavit may be accepted to explain errors in school or employment records. But if the PSA birth certificate contains an incorrect place of birth, formal correction may be necessary.

F. Discrepancy in Sex or Gender Marker

A discrepancy involving sex as stated in the birth certificate is highly material. An affidavit alone is generally not sufficient to change or correct the sex entry in a civil registry record. Formal legal or administrative procedures may be required, depending on the facts.

G. Discrepancy in Civil Status

Civil status issues often arise when the applicant is married, annulled, widowed, divorced abroad, or using a married surname.

Examples:

Record A	Record B
Single	Married
Married surname used	Birth certificate shows maiden surname
Marriage certificate has name spelling error	Birth certificate has different name format

An affidavit may explain minor inconsistencies, but the applicant may need to submit a PSA marriage certificate, annotated marriage certificate, court decision, certificate of finality, recognition of foreign divorce, or other supporting documents.

H. Discrepancy in Parents’ Names

Discrepancies involving the names of parents may affect identity, filiation, legitimacy, or citizenship.

Examples:

PSA Birth Certificate	Other Document
Mother: Maria Santos	Mother: Ma. Santos
Father: Juan Reyes	Father: John Reyes
Mother’s maiden name misspelled	Correct spelling appears elsewhere

Minor abbreviations may be explained. Major discrepancies may require correction of the birth record.

VI. When an Affidavit of Discrepancy May Be Useful

An Affidavit of Discrepancy is most useful when the inconsistency is minor, explainable, and does not require alteration of the official civil registry record.

It may be useful in the following cases:

The applicant’s school records use a shortened version of the name.
The applicant’s employment records contain a typographical error.
The applicant’s government ID has a minor spelling discrepancy.
The applicant used a nickname in one document.
The applicant’s middle initial appears instead of the full middle name.
The applicant’s surname has a minor spacing or punctuation variation.
The applicant’s married name appears in some records and maiden name in others.
The applicant has old records issued before a correction was made.
The applicant’s supporting documents show inconsistent abbreviations.
The discrepancy is not in the PSA birth certificate itself but in secondary documents.

In these situations, the affidavit helps create a sworn explanation connecting the documents to the same applicant.

VII. When an Affidavit of Discrepancy Is Usually Not Enough

An affidavit is generally insufficient when the discrepancy concerns a material error in the applicant’s primary civil registry record.

It is usually not enough for:

Changing the applicant’s legal name.
Correcting a wrong date of birth on the PSA birth certificate.
Correcting a wrong sex entry.
Correcting citizenship or nationality issues.
Changing the surname due to legitimacy, adoption, or paternity.
Correcting substantial errors in parentage.
Resolving multiple conflicting identities.
Substituting for a court order.
Substituting for an annotated birth certificate.
Supporting a passport application where the applicant’s claimed identity is not clearly established.

In such cases, the applicant may need civil registry correction, supplemental report, administrative correction, or judicial proceedings.

VIII. Relationship with the PSA Birth Certificate

For first-time adult passport applicants in the Philippines, the PSA-issued birth certificate is usually the core identity document. The passport generally follows the applicant’s legal name, date of birth, sex, and place of birth as reflected in the PSA birth certificate.

If other IDs differ from the PSA birth certificate, an Affidavit of Discrepancy may explain why those other documents are inconsistent.

If the PSA birth certificate itself contains an error, the affidavit alone usually does not correct the problem. The proper remedy is to correct the civil registry record, then obtain an updated PSA copy with annotation or corrected information.

IX. Civil Registry Correction vs. Affidavit of Discrepancy

It is important to distinguish between explaining a discrepancy and correcting a record.

Issue	Affidavit of Discrepancy	Civil Registry Correction
Purpose	Explains inconsistency	Corrects official record
Effect	Evidentiary only	Amends or annotates civil registry record
Used for	Minor differences in documents	Errors in birth, marriage, or death records
Issued by	Affiant, notarized by notary public	Local civil registrar, court, or competent authority
Binding effect	Limited	Official record correction
Passport value	Supporting document	Primary legal basis

An affidavit is not a substitute for an official correction when the record itself is wrong.

X. Types of Discrepancies and Likely Remedies

1. Minor spelling difference in a school record

An affidavit may be sufficient if the PSA birth certificate and primary IDs are consistent.

2. Typographical error in a government ID

The applicant may submit an affidavit, but it is often better to correct the ID if possible.

3. Wrong first name in the birth certificate

The applicant may need correction under applicable civil registry correction procedures.

4. Wrong birthday in the birth certificate

Formal correction is usually required.

5. Different surname because of marriage

The applicant should present the PSA marriage certificate. An affidavit may be used only to explain supporting records.

6. Difference between “Maria” and “Ma.”

An affidavit may help, especially when the other identifying details match.

7. Use of nickname in employment records

An affidavit may be useful.

8. Wrong parent’s name in birth certificate

Formal correction may be needed, especially if the discrepancy is substantial.

9. Adoption-related name discrepancy

The applicant may need adoption records, amended birth certificate, or court documents.

10. Legitimation-related discrepancy

The applicant may need an annotated birth certificate or documents showing legitimation.

XI. Who Should Execute the Affidavit?

The affidavit is usually executed by the passport applicant.

If the applicant is a minor, the affidavit may be executed by a parent, guardian, or person authorized to act on behalf of the minor, depending on the discrepancy and the supporting facts.

For deceased persons, historical records, or family-based corrections, the affiant may be a person with personal knowledge of the facts. However, for passport applications, the most relevant affiant is normally the applicant or the parent or guardian of a minor applicant.

XII. Contents of an Affidavit of Discrepancy

A well-drafted Affidavit of Discrepancy should contain:

The full legal name of the affiant.
The affiant’s age, civil status, citizenship, and address.
A statement that the affiant is applying for or supporting a Philippine passport application.
A list of the documents containing inconsistent information.
The exact discrepancy.
The correct information according to the PSA birth certificate or other controlling document.
An explanation of how the discrepancy occurred, if known.
A declaration that the inconsistent entries refer to one and the same person.
A statement that the affidavit is executed for passport application purposes.
A statement that the facts are true and correct.
The affiant’s signature.
Notarial acknowledgment or jurat.

The affidavit should be clear, specific, and consistent with the documents attached.

XIII. Sample Structure of an Affidavit of Discrepancy

A typical affidavit may be structured as follows:

Republic of the Philippines Province/City of ________ S.S.

Affidavit of Discrepancy

I, [Full Name], of legal age, Filipino, single/married, and residing at [address], after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state:

That I am the applicant for a Philippine passport;
That in my PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth, my name appears as [correct name];
That in my [name of document], my name appears as [variant name];
That the discrepancy consists of [describe discrepancy];
That the names [correct name] and [variant name] refer to one and the same person, namely myself;
That the correct name to be used for my passport application is [correct name], as reflected in my PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth;
That the discrepancy was due to [clerical error / abbreviation / inadvertence / common usage / other explanation];
That I am executing this affidavit to attest to the truth of the foregoing facts and for whatever legal purpose it may serve, particularly in connection with my Philippine passport application.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ___ day of ______ 20___ at __________, Philippines.

[Signature] [Affiant’s Name]

Subscribed and sworn to before me this ___ day of ______ 20___, affiant exhibiting competent evidence of identity consisting of [ID details].

Notary Public

This sample should be adapted to the actual facts and documents involved.

XIV. Supporting Documents Commonly Attached

An Affidavit of Discrepancy is stronger when accompanied by supporting records. Depending on the issue, the applicant may attach or present:

PSA birth certificate.
PSA marriage certificate.
Valid government-issued IDs.
School records.
Employment records.
Baptismal certificate.
Voter’s certification or registration record.
NBI clearance.
Police clearance.
PhilHealth, SSS, GSIS, or Pag-IBIG records.
Driver’s license.
UMID or national ID.
Old passport, if any.
Court order, when applicable.
Annotated civil registry record, when applicable.
Local civil registrar certification, when applicable.

The applicant should bring originals and photocopies where required.

XV. Notarization Requirements

An Affidavit of Discrepancy should be notarized by a duly commissioned notary public. Notarization converts the private document into a public document for evidentiary purposes.

The affiant must personally appear before the notary public, present competent evidence of identity, and swear to the truth of the affidavit.

The notary public should not notarize the affidavit if the affiant is absent, unidentified, or unable to understand the contents.

Improper notarization can weaken or invalidate the affidavit’s usefulness.

XVI. Affidavit Executed Abroad

If the applicant is abroad, the affidavit may be executed before the Philippine Embassy or Consulate, or before a foreign notary subject to authentication or apostille requirements, depending on the country and the receiving agency’s rules.

For passport applications filed abroad, the Philippine Foreign Service Post may have its own requirements. The applicant should generally expect stricter review when the discrepancy involves identity, citizenship, or civil status.

XVII. Discrepancy Involving Married Women

A common issue in passport applications is the use of a married surname. In the Philippines, a married woman may use her husband’s surname, but her identity remains tied to her birth record and marriage record.

An Affidavit of Discrepancy may be useful when the applicant’s documents show a mix of:

Maiden name.
Married name.
Hyphenated married name.
Husband’s surname without middle name.
Previous married name.
Reverted maiden name after annulment, widowhood, or recognition of divorce.

However, the key document for use of married surname is usually the PSA marriage certificate. If the applicant seeks to revert to a maiden name, additional rules and documents may apply depending on whether the marriage was annulled, declared void, dissolved abroad, or terminated by death.

XVIII. Discrepancy Involving Minors

For minors, discrepancies may involve the child’s name, the parent’s name, legitimacy, custody, or parental authority.

An affidavit may be used to explain minor clerical inconsistencies. However, discrepancies involving parentage, custody, adoption, legitimation, or use of surname may require stronger documents, such as:

PSA birth certificate.
Parents’ marriage certificate.
Affidavit of acknowledgment or admission of paternity, where applicable.
Court order.
Adoption decree.
Amended birth certificate.
Guardianship documents.
Travel clearance, when applicable.

Because minors’ passport applications involve parental authority and identity verification, an affidavit alone may not be sufficient for substantial discrepancies.

XIX. Discrepancy Involving Illegitimate Children

Under Philippine law, surname issues involving illegitimate children can be legally significant. If the child’s surname differs between documents, the applicant may need to show the legal basis for the surname used.

An Affidavit of Discrepancy may explain minor differences, but it cannot replace documents required to establish acknowledgment, filiation, or authority to use the father’s surname.

Where the birth certificate has been annotated or corrected, the updated PSA copy should be presented.

XX. Discrepancy Involving Legitimation

When a child is legitimated by the subsequent marriage of the parents, the birth record may be annotated. If old records show the pre-legitimation name and newer records show the legitimated name, an affidavit may explain the difference.

However, for passport purposes, the applicant should rely on the annotated PSA birth certificate and supporting documents. The affidavit is merely supplementary.

XXI. Discrepancy Involving Adoption

Adoption may result in a new or amended birth certificate. If the applicant’s old records differ from the amended birth certificate, an affidavit may explain the discrepancy, but adoption records or the amended civil registry record may be required.

Because adoption records may be confidential, applicants should handle such documents carefully and submit only what is required by the passport authority.

XXII. Discrepancy Between Old Passport and PSA Birth Certificate

If a previous passport contains an error, and the applicant’s PSA birth certificate contains the correct information, the applicant may need to submit supporting documents and possibly an affidavit explaining the error.

If the previous passport was issued under a different name or birth date, the discrepancy may be scrutinized closely. The applicant may be asked to provide additional evidence of identity or correct records before renewal.

XXIII. Discrepancy Caused by Clerical Error

Clerical errors are among the most common reasons for affidavits.

Examples include:

“Cristina” typed as “Christina.”
“Reyes” typed as “Reyez.”
“Dela Cruz” typed as “De La Cruz.”
“Ma.” expanded as “Maria.”
Omitted middle initial.
Switched first and second names.
Incorrect abbreviation.

For minor clerical errors in secondary documents, an affidavit may be adequate. For clerical errors in the civil registry record, administrative correction may be the proper remedy.

XXIV. Discrepancy Caused by Common Usage

Some Filipinos use different name forms in everyday life. A person named “Maria Teresa” may use “Ma. Teresa,” “Tess,” or “Teresita” in different documents. A person with a compound surname may use only part of it.

An affidavit can explain common usage, but passport details must still be based on legal records.

The applicant should avoid using informal or inconsistent names in official records, especially if applying for a passport, visa, employment abroad, or immigration benefits.

XXV. Discrepancy in Spacing, Hyphenation, or Capitalization

Philippine names often involve prefixes such as “De,” “Del,” “Dela,” “De La,” “Sta.,” “San,” or compound surnames.

Examples:

Version 1	Version 2
Dela Cruz	De La Cruz
Del Rosario	Delos Rosario
San Jose	SanJose
Maria-Luisa	Maria Luisa
Sta. Maria	Santa Maria

Minor spacing and punctuation discrepancies are often explainable by affidavit, especially if all other identifying details match.

XXVI. Affidavit of One and the Same Person

An Affidavit of Discrepancy is closely related to an Affidavit of One and the Same Person.

The difference is mostly in emphasis:

Affidavit of Discrepancy	Affidavit of One and the Same Person
Focuses on the inconsistency	Focuses on identity
Explains why records differ	Declares that different names refer to the same person
Useful for document mismatch	Useful for name variants

In practice, the two are often combined in one affidavit.

A combined title may read:

Affidavit of Discrepancy and One and the Same Person

This is often useful when the main issue is a name variation.

XXVII. Affidavit of Discrepancy vs. Joint Affidavit

A Joint Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons may sometimes be used to support facts known to others, especially in civil registry or delayed registration contexts. In a passport discrepancy issue, however, the applicant’s own affidavit is usually the primary document.

A joint affidavit may help when:

The applicant cannot fully explain older records.
The discrepancy involves long-standing community usage.
The applicant needs corroboration.
The issue involves family records.

Still, a joint affidavit cannot replace official correction when the law requires it.

XXVIII. Affidavit of Discrepancy and the Passport Officer’s Discretion

Submission of an affidavit does not guarantee acceptance. Passport officers may require additional documents if the discrepancy creates doubt about identity or legal entitlement.

The officer may consider:

The nature of the discrepancy.
Whether the discrepancy is minor or material.
Whether the PSA record is clear.
Whether the applicant’s IDs are consistent.
Whether the applicant has prior passports.
Whether there are signs of fraud or identity confusion.
Whether the applicant’s explanation is credible.
Whether formal correction is legally required.

The stronger and more consistent the supporting documents, the more useful the affidavit becomes.

XXIX. Practical Drafting Guidelines

A good Affidavit of Discrepancy should be:

Specific Identify the exact document and exact discrepancy.
Consistent Do not introduce new facts that conflict with the documents.
Simple Avoid unnecessary legal jargon.
Truthful Do not invent explanations.
Document-based Refer to attached or presented records.
Limited Do not claim that the affidavit legally corrects the record.
Purpose-oriented State that it is executed for passport application purposes.
Properly notarized Ensure personal appearance before the notary public.

XXX. Common Mistakes

Applicants often make the following mistakes:

Using an affidavit to attempt to change a birth certificate.
Submitting an affidavit without supporting documents.
Failing to specify the exact discrepancy.
Using vague statements such as “there was a mistake” without identifying the document.
Claiming a different legal name without proof.
Notarizing the affidavit without personal appearance.
Submitting inconsistent IDs.
Using an affidavit when a corrected PSA record is required.
Failing to bring original documents.
Relying on a template that does not fit the facts.

XXXI. Risks of False Statements

An affidavit is made under oath. A person who knowingly makes false statements may face legal consequences.

Possible risks include:

Denial or delay of passport application.
Requirement to submit additional documents.
Investigation for misrepresentation.
Criminal liability for perjury or falsification, depending on the circumstances.
Difficulty in future passport, visa, immigration, or employment applications.

The affidavit should never be used to conceal identity, create a false identity, hide prior records, avoid legal obligations, or support fraudulent travel.

XXXII. Passport Application Scenarios

Scenario 1: Minor spelling discrepancy in school ID

The applicant’s PSA birth certificate says “Maricel,” but the school ID says “Maricelle.” If the applicant’s other IDs and birth certificate support “Maricel,” an affidavit may explain that “Maricelle” was a school record error.

Scenario 2: Different birth date in PSA birth certificate

The applicant’s PSA birth certificate says March 10, 1995, but all IDs say March 11, 1995. An affidavit may explain why the IDs differ, but if the applicant wants March 11 printed on the passport, formal correction of the birth record is likely required.

Scenario 3: Married name in IDs but maiden name in birth certificate

The applicant’s birth certificate shows “Ana Reyes Santos,” while IDs show “Ana Santos Cruz” after marriage. The applicant should present the PSA marriage certificate. An affidavit may be used only if there are further inconsistencies.

Scenario 4: Old passport has typographical error

The applicant’s old passport says “Micheal,” but the birth certificate says “Michael.” The applicant may need to show the birth certificate and execute an affidavit explaining the previous passport error, subject to DFA requirements.

Scenario 5: Different surname due to adoption

The applicant has old school records under the biological surname and an amended birth certificate under the adoptive surname. The applicant may need the amended PSA birth certificate and, where required, adoption-related documents. An affidavit may explain why old records differ.

XXXIII. Interaction with Civil Registry Laws

Philippine civil registry law provides mechanisms for correcting certain errors in birth, marriage, and death records. Some errors may be corrected administratively through the local civil registrar, while others require judicial proceedings.

An affidavit may support a correction petition, but it is not the correction itself.

For passport purposes, once the record is corrected or annotated, the applicant should secure an updated PSA copy. The updated PSA record is usually stronger than an affidavit.

XXXIV. Administrative Correction of Clerical Errors

Certain clerical or typographical errors in civil registry records may be corrected administratively. Examples may include obvious spelling errors or typographical mistakes that do not involve substantial changes in identity, nationality, age, status, or filiation.

Depending on the nature of the correction, the applicant may need to file a petition with the local civil registrar and submit supporting documents.

After correction, the record may be annotated, and the applicant may request an updated PSA copy.

XXXV. Judicial Correction

If the discrepancy involves substantial or controversial changes, judicial correction may be required.

Examples may include:

Substantial change of name.
Disputed parentage.
Citizenship issues.
Legitimacy or filiation issues.
Complex birth record errors.
Corrections affecting legal status.

In these cases, an affidavit may form part of the evidence, but a court order may be necessary.

XXXVI. Change of First Name or Nickname

A person who has long used a different first name cannot simply use an affidavit to have that name placed in the passport if the PSA birth certificate shows another legal first name.

If the applicant wants the passport to reflect a different first name, the proper process is usually a legal change or correction of the civil registry record.

The affidavit may explain the use of the nickname in supporting documents, but the passport will generally follow the legally recognized name.

XXXVII. Passport Name Should Match Legal Records

The name printed on a Philippine passport should be supported by official records.

For most applicants:

First name follows the PSA birth certificate.
Middle name follows the PSA birth certificate.
Surname follows the PSA birth certificate or legally supported married surname.
Date and place of birth follow the PSA birth certificate.
Civil status-related name changes require supporting civil registry documents.

An affidavit is therefore secondary. It explains inconsistencies but does not create the legal basis for the passport name.

XXXVIII. Best Practices Before Applying for a Passport

Before attending a passport appointment, applicants should review all documents carefully.

Recommended steps:

Obtain a recent PSA birth certificate.
Check spelling of first name, middle name, surname, date of birth, place of birth, and parents’ names.
Compare the PSA record with valid IDs.
Check marriage records, if applicable.
Identify all discrepancies.
Determine whether the discrepancy is minor or material.
Prepare an Affidavit of Discrepancy only for explainable minor inconsistencies.
Correct civil registry errors before applying when necessary.
Bring original IDs and supporting documents.
Use the same legal name consistently in future records.

XXXIX. Suggested Wording for Common Clauses

A. Name discrepancy clause

“That the name [variant name] appearing in my [document] and the name [correct name] appearing in my PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth refer to one and the same person, namely myself.”

B. Date discrepancy clause

“That my correct date of birth is [date], as appearing in my PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth, and that the date [incorrect date] appearing in [document] was the result of clerical error.”

C. Married name clause

“That I am the same person referred to as [maiden name] in my Certificate of Live Birth and [married name] in my government-issued identification documents, having contracted marriage with [spouse’s name] on [date], as shown in my PSA-issued Certificate of Marriage.”

D. Middle name clause

“That the middle initial [initial] appearing in my [document] refers to my full middle name [middle name], as reflected in my PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth.”

E. One and the same person clause

“That despite the discrepancy in the spelling or form of my name, the documents refer to one and the same person and not to different individuals.”

XL. Sample Affidavit of Discrepancy for Passport Application

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES CITY/PROVINCE OF __________ S.S.

AFFIDAVIT OF DISCREPANCY AND ONE AND THE SAME PERSON

I, [FULL LEGAL NAME], Filipino, of legal age, [civil status], and residing at [complete address], after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state:

That I am applying for a Philippine passport with the Department of Foreign Affairs;
That my full and correct name as appearing in my PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth is [FULL CORRECT NAME];
That in my [identify document, such as school record, employment record, government ID, old passport, etc.], my name appears as [VARIANT OR INCORRECT NAME];
That the discrepancy consists of [state exact discrepancy, such as misspelling of first name, missing middle name, different spacing of surname, use of abbreviation, etc.];
That the said discrepancy was due to [clerical error, typographical mistake, abbreviation, inadvertence, common usage, or other truthful explanation];
That the names [FULL CORRECT NAME] and [VARIANT OR INCORRECT NAME] refer to one and the same person, namely myself;
That my correct name for purposes of my Philippine passport application is [FULL CORRECT NAME], as supported by my PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth;
That I am executing this Affidavit to attest to the truth of the foregoing facts, to explain the above discrepancy, and for submission in connection with my Philippine passport application.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ___ day of __________ 20___ at __________________, Philippines.

[Signature over Printed Name] Affiant

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this ___ day of __________ 20___ at __________________, Philippines, affiant personally appearing and exhibiting competent evidence of identity as follows:

ID Presented: __________________ ID Number: __________________ Date/Place Issued: __________________

NOTARY PUBLIC

Doc. No. ___; Page No. ___; Book No. ; Series of 20.

XLI. Checklist for Applicants

Before submitting an Affidavit of Discrepancy, the applicant should ensure that:

Item	Check
PSA birth certificate is available	☐
Discrepancy is clearly identified	☐
Correct information is stated	☐
Documents with inconsistent entries are listed	☐
Explanation is truthful	☐
Affidavit states “one and the same person”	☐
Affidavit is notarized	☐
Valid ID was presented to the notary	☐
Originals and photocopies are prepared	☐
Civil registry correction is pursued if needed	☐

XLII. Key Principles

The following principles summarize the role of an Affidavit of Discrepancy in Philippine passport applications:

It explains; it does not correct.
It supports; it does not replace primary civil registry records.
It is useful for minor discrepancies.
It is usually insufficient for material civil registry errors.
It must be truthful and specific.
It should be supported by documents.
The PSA birth certificate remains the controlling document for most identity details.
Passport officers may still require additional proof.
Formal correction is needed when the official record itself is wrong.
A notarized affidavit carries legal consequences because it is made under oath.

XLIII. Conclusion

An Affidavit of Discrepancy is a practical and commonly used document in Philippine passport applications when an applicant’s records contain minor inconsistencies. It helps explain that different spellings, abbreviations, or document entries refer to the same person. It is especially useful when secondary documents differ from the PSA birth certificate or when older records contain typographical errors.

Its usefulness, however, has limits. It does not amend the PSA birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other civil registry record. Where the discrepancy concerns a material fact, such as date of birth, legal name, sex, parentage, legitimacy, adoption, or citizenship, the applicant may need an administrative or judicial correction before the passport application can proceed smoothly.

The best approach is to treat the affidavit as a supporting explanation, not as a cure-all. A properly drafted, notarized, and document-backed Affidavit of Discrepancy can help resolve minor identity inconsistencies, but the applicant’s passport details must ultimately be supported by official and legally recognized records.