Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 965)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 965 is to require applicants for marriage licenses to receive instructions on family planning and responsible parenthood to support the government's national population program.
The Office of Family Planning in every city and municipality is headed by the city or municipal health officer.
They are assisted by the city or rural health nurse, members of the city or rural health unit, and other government personnel involved in the family planning program; private entities or individuals accredited by the Commission on Population may also assist.
Applicants must receive instructions and information on family planning and responsible parenthood, which may be given personally or through handbooks, pamphlets, or brochures.
Yes, no marriage license shall be issued unless the applicants present a certificate from the Office of Family Planning confirming they received instructions on family planning and responsible parenthood.
The Civil Registrar shall withhold the issuance of the marriage license for two weeks to allow instructions to be given. If after this period no instruction has been given, the Civil Registrar may issue the license without the certificate.
Any person duly accredited by the Commission on Population may give the instructions.
Administrative or criminal charges may be filed against any member of the Office of Family Planning who fails to give instructions or issue certificates, the Civil Registrar who issues the license without the certificate, or any person who fraudulently obtains the certificate.
The decree took effect immediately upon its signing on July 20, 1976.