Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Presidential Decree 856 (Code on Sanitation of the Philippines) Chapter XXI "Disposal of Dead Person"

January 28, 2011

PSA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2011-02

The Department of Health issued on December 6, 2010 under Administrative Order No. 2010-0033 the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Presidential Decree 856.

Under Chapter XXI (Disposal of Dead Persons) of the said Administrative Order:

"The requirement of a death certificate before burial may be waived in the case of special circumstances when the death certificate cannot be issued in time. This includes but are not limited to:

a. The deceased died from a dangerous communicable disease and must be buried within 12 hours;

b. The family members of the deceased have requested immediate cremation without embalming for viewing;

c. The kin opt immediate burial;

d. Religious beliefs or tradition, such as Islam or the Jewish calls for burial within 12 hours after death.

In these cases, death certificate issuance shall be completed within 12 hours after burial and sanction shall be imposed by the local health authority."

By reason of this amendment in the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Presidential Decree 856, all civil registrars concerned are required to properly observe this Rule in the registration and issuance of death certificates. aScITE

For your guidance.

(SGD.) CARMELITA N. ERICTAAdministrator and Civil Registrar General