How is filiation established in the Philippines?

Answer

Under the Family Code, the filiation of children is established by (1) the record of birth appearing in the civil register or a final judgment, or (2) an admission of filiation in a public document or in a private handwritten instrument signed by the parent concerned (Article 172, applied to illegitimate children by Article 175).

In the absence of these, filiation may be proved by (1) the open and continuous possession of the status of a legitimate or illegitimate child, or (2) any other means allowed by the Rules of Court and special laws — which today includes DNA testing. An illegitimate child has, in general, the same evidentiary means as a legitimate child to prove filiation.

Sources & further reading

• Family Code Art. 172 — how legitimate filiation is established
• Family Code Art. 175 — illegitimate filiation
• Full report: paternity & filiation

Cases on this topic

• Aguilar v. Siasat
• Cabatania v. Court of Appeals
• De Jesus v. Estate of Dizon
• Gan v. Republic
• Grande v. Antonio
• Herrera v. Alba
• Ko v. Republic
• Macavinta v. Alviola

Related questions

• Can DNA evidence be used to prove paternity in the Philippines?