TN 31 (08-05)

A. Introduction

Under Philippine law, the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Manila, Philippines, cannot examine, or get certifications from, public records without written authorization from the person whose record is involved. If that individual is deceased, it must be secured from his next of kin. If he is under age 18 or mentally incompetent, the authorization must be from the parent, guardian or custodian of the individual.

B. Policy

The authorization must be in the form of a written statement signed by the claimant (or other appropriate person) showing he authorizes a representative of the FBU in Manila to examine the birth record.

If the person signing the authorization is not the person whose record is to be examined, the authorization must show his relationship to that person.

C. Procedure

Attach the necessary authorization to the request when asking the FBU to examine, or get, a public record of birth.

Give the FBU the address of the person whose authorization is needed if he is in the Philippines. Diary the request for 90 days (with 45-day followups) if the FBU is to get the authorization.