Manila, Aug. 20 -- The Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) approved on Wednesday an ordinance providing a free correction for typographical and clerical errors in the entries of birth, marriage and death certificates for indigent residents of this highly urbanized city.

Councilor Jose Maria Miguel Trenas, author of the ordinance, said their office has been swamped with queries regarding the concern, hence the local legislation is necessary. He said even a correction of one letter only comes with a fee.

Without this local ordinance waiving the fees, Trenas said the city government collects payment ranging between PHP1,000 and PHP3,000.

"Our Local Civil Registrar requested us for an ordinance to make clear who are qualified for exempti...