A measure seeking to simplify the process of legal name changes for transgender and intersex Filipinos has been filed in the House of Representatives, aiming to provide an administrative pathway for individuals to align their legal identity with their lived experiences.
Akbayan Party-list introduced House Bill 9929, or the Lived Identities and Recognition Act, also known as the “Sharmaine Bill,” in observance of Pride Month.
The proposed measure seeks to allow trans, intersex, and non-binary Filipinos to update their legal names and gender markers through administrative procedures, removing the need for lengthy and costly court proceedings currently required under existing rules.
Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña said the bill responds to discrimination faced by individuals whose legal documents do not reflect their lived identities, often exposing them to ridicule in everyday settings.
“For many trans and intersex Filipinos, their names cause ridicule and discrimination,” the solon said, noting that mismatches between identity and legal documents can lead to stigma and exclusion.
The bill proposes expanding the scope of Republic Act 9048, as amended by Republic Act 10172, which already allows administrative correction of certain civil registry entries, including first names that are continuously used and publicly recognized.
Under the proposal, qualified individuals may change their legal name and gender marker if these align with their established identity, without requiring judicial intervention.
The measure also extends protections to survivors of gender-based violence and child abuse, allowing them to change their names for safety and well-being.
Supporters of the bill said the goal is to make legal recognition more accessible while ensuring dignity and protection for vulnerable groups.
The proposal forms part of broader legislative efforts to strengthen recognition of gender diversity and improve access to civil registry services in the country.