It is for a fact that there are times when entry records in our documents have been encoded incorrectly. This includes misspelled names or nicknames, incorrect birthdates and addresss. 

The basic rule to this is to appeal at the court for a judicial order to correct such entry. But that would be a hassle as it takes too much time and effort.

For overseas Filipino workers abroad, such corrections can be amended in the embassy office near them. It should, however, be considered as a clear typographical error before actions are taken. 

Now, before applying for the petition to correct errors on your entry in the civil register, let us first identify what is accepted in the concept of 'a clerical error'.

What is a clerical error? 

According to riyadhpe.dfa.gove.ph, clerical or typographical error refers to mistake committed in the performance of clerical work in writing, copying, transcribing or typing an entry in the civil register that is harmless and inoffensive. This includes misspelled name or misspelled place of birth or the like, which is visibile to the eyes or obvious to the understanding. And that it can be corrected or changed only by reference to other existing record or records. But no correction must involve the change of nationality, age, status or sex of the petitioner. 

Given this definition, it should now be clear which to consider applicable as clerical error to be corrected. 

Let us now focus on what are the grounds for change of first name or nickname. It is stated in the website that base on the conditions below, correction is deemed relevant.

• The petitioner finds the first name or nickname to be ridiculous, tainted with dishonor or extremely difficult to write or pronounce. 
• The new first name or nickname has been habitually and continuously used by the petitioner and has been publicly known by that first name or  nickname in the community 
• The change will avoid confusion. 
  

Requirements for correction of clerical error/change in the first name or nickname of OFWs in the civil register

1. Three (3) original petitions
2. Original and three (3) photocopies of DFA authenticated NSO-Birth Certificate or NSO-Marriage Certificate of the OFW to be correccted.
3. At least two (2) public or private documents showing the correct entry or entries upon which the correction or change shall be based.
4. Other documents which the OFW or the Consul General may consider relevant and necessary for the approval of the petition.
5. Supporting documents if the petition is for the change of first name or nickname
   

• DFA authenticated NSO-Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate to be corrected
• A clearance or certification that the OFW petitioner/owner of the documents has no pending administrative, civil or criminal case, or no criminal record which shall be obtained from the (a) employer, if employed; (b) National Bureau of Investigation or NBI; (c) Philippine National Police or PNP; and (d) affidavit of publication from the publisher and a copy of the newspaper clipping.

The processing fee for correction of clerical error is SR200 while for the change of first name is SR600.