Authorization of priests and ministers.
SEC. 34. Authorization of priests and ministers.—Every priest or minister authorized by his church, sect, or religion to solemnize marriage shall send to the Philippine National Library a sworn statement setting forth his full name and domicile, and that he is authorized by his church, sect, or religion to solemnize marriage, attaching to said statement a certified copy of his appointment. The Director of the Philippine National Library, upon receiving such sworn statement containing the information required, and being satisfied that the church, sect, or religion of the applicant in the Philippine Islands and is in good repute, shall record the name of such priest or minister in a suitable register and issue to him an authorization to solemnize marriage. Said priest or minister shall be obliged to exhibit his authorization to contracting parties, to their parents, grandparents, guardians, or persons in charge demanding the same. No priest or minister not having the required authorization may solemnize marriage.
The authorization shall be renewed on or before the first day of May of each year, upon payment of the required fee.
Cancellation of authorization.
SEC. 35. Cancellation of authorization.—The Director of , the Philippine National Library shall cancel the authorization issued to a bishop, chief, priest, pastor or minister of the gospel of any denomination, church, sect, or religion, on his own initiative or at the request of an interested party, upon showing that the church, sect, or religion whose ministers have been authorized to solemnize marriage is no longer of good repute. The cancellation of the authorization granted to a priest, pastor, or minister shall likewise be ordered upon the request of the bishop, chief, or lawful authorities of the church, sect, or religion to which he belongs.
Regulations and fees.
SEC. 36. Regulations and fees.—The Secretary of Justice, upon the recommendation of the Director of the Philippine National Library, is hereby authorized to prepare the necessary forms, to promulgate regulations for the purpose of facilitating the registration of priests and ministers of the gospel of any denomination, church, sect or religion and of enforcing the provisions of this Act. The clerk of the Municipal Court of Manila and the municipal secretaries shall be under the authority and supervision of the Director of the Philippine National Library as far as the duties imposed upon them by this Act are concerned.
The Director of the Philippine National Library shall collect from the priests and ministers of the gospel of any denomination, church, sect or religion, or from any interested person, the following fees:
For each authorization to solemnize marriage
P2.00
For each renewal of authorization
1.00
For each cancellation of an authorization at the request of an interested party
1.00
For each certification of any entry upon the register
1.00
For issuing a duplicate of the authorization
2.00
Source: Supreme Court E-Library, Republic of the Philippines. Philippine laws are public documents (works of the government).
