The Philippine Statistics Authority-Benguet advised solemnizing officers from any religion or religious sect assigned to a church in Benguet including Baguio City to acquire or renew their Certificate of Registration of Authority to Solemnize Marriage (CRASM) license.
Under Administrative Order 1, s. 2007, PSA is task to implement the rules and regulations governing the procedures in the registration of the authority to solemnize marriage of solemnizing officers.
Those who may to apply like bishops, heads/founders of religions or religious sect, priests, imams, tribal heads/leaders/chieftains, and other religious ministers or pastors.
In Executive Order 209 or the Family Code reiterated marriages under religion or religious ceremony requires the valid authority of the solemnizing officer registered with the Office of the Civil Registrar General.
Timely renewal of CRASM license enables the officer to solemnize marriage for three years. The validity period for resident aliens who have CRASM license, depends on the length of their stay in the Philippines.
CRASM license that expires on the last day of the expiring year are accepted for renewal starting on the first day of the last quarter of the year.
In these cases, the SOs are encouraged to file for renewal on Oct. 1.
For SOs whose CRASM license expired in 2020, the validity period for their license when renewed will depend on the date of submission.
This is a case of delayed renewal, therefore, has less than the regular three-year validity period.
SOs who cannot visit the office due to health or other issues can communicate through [email protected] or through 246-8104 or 620-5516.
The office personnel tasked to screen and verify the CRASM applications is Registration Officer I Tagaban C. Aquino.
One documentary requirement that is thoroughly checked is the endorsement/ recommendation letter, which should should include the proper addressee; full name of the applicant solemnizing officer; complete residential address; name and address of the church assignment; and the extent of his territorial jurisdiction.
The jurisdiction of the SO is determined by the endorsing officer of the religion or religious sect. The head of religion or religious sect will be endorsed by the board of trustees/directors.
Regular members of the organization will be endorsed by the head of the organization.
Fpr religion or religious sects that are corporation sole, the endorsement of their head will be executed via an affidavit, or if there is a set of officers such as church council or council of elders then it can also be accepted. The exception comes when there is a specific endorsing officer stated in the organizational by-laws.
The CRASM license is released within three to five working days depending on the presence of the authorized signatories. – Press release
July 27, 2024
