The National Statistics Office (NSO) revoked the rule requiring solemnizing officers (SO) to attend an orientation seminar before their Certificate of Registration of Authority to Solemnize Marriage (CRASM) is renewed. The move was the result of a series of dialogues, consultations, and meetings with various groups.

NSO Administrator and Civil Registrar General Carmelita N. Ericta issued Administrative Order No. 1, series of 2008, dated 9 January 2008, amending Administrative Order No. 1, series of 2007 (AO 1, s. 2007). The amendment generally aims to strengthen the coordination between the NSO and the various religious groups. It also seeks to enhance advocacy of civil registration programs and policies relative to registration of marriages.

Specifically, the amendment involved the revocation of Rule 7.4 (e) and other similar provisions and the addition of Rule 3.8, under the Duties of the Civil Registrar General, which provides for the development of an advocacy agenda and communication and coordination mechanism with all concerned religious groups/sects for the dissemination of civil registration policies affecting the SOs. Rule 7.4 (e) of AO 1, s. 2007 requires the SOs who are renewing their CRASM to submit proof of attendance in an orientation seminar to be conducted by NSO, along with other requirements.

While the Order shall take effect fifteen (15) calendar days after its publication, as required by law, Administrator Ericta deemed it necessary to immediately cancel the conduct of previously scheduled orientation seminars to facilitate the processing of CRASM renewal. The immediate cancellation was contained in Memorandum Circular No. 2008-001, dated 9 January 2008, issued to all NSO field officers.