Higher wedding fees pushed in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines — Even church-related marriage fees are not exempt from the proposed overhaul of Cebu City's Revenue Code. The City Civil Registrar's Office is seeking to increase charges tied to religious wedding ceremonies as part of a broader update of rates that have remained largely unchanged for more than two decades.

During the initial public hearing on the city's proposed Local Revenue Code, City Civil Registrar lawyer Evangeline Abatayo outlined a series of fee adjustments that she said are necessary to keep up with the rising service delivery costs, digitalization requirements, record preservation, and growing operational expenses.

Among the proposed increases is the solemnization fee for marriages officiated by religious ministers, priests, pastors, and imams. The fee, currently set at P20, would increase to P200 under the proposal.

Explaining the adjustment, Abatayo noted that the amount has remained unchanged for years despite the significant costs often associated with church weddings.

"Most of the church, especially with air-conditioned churches, the rentals or the fees for the wedding is between P40,000 to P50,000 and they only have to pay P20 for the solemnization fee. That's why we are proposing for P200," she told councilors.

The proposal prompted questions from Councilor Harry Eran, who sought clarification on who ultimately pays the fee and whether collections involving religious ceremonies could raise concerns related to the constitutional principle of separation of Church and State.

Abatayo explained that the charge is effectively shouldered by the marrying couple as part of the marriage registration process, even if the receipt is often issued under the name of the officiating religious minister.

She added that the fee applies across different religious denominations and faiths, including Catholic priests, Christian pastors, and Muslim imams.

The proposed adjustments extend beyond marriage-related transactions.

Abatayo said the Civil Registrar's Office is also proposing to increase the fee for marriage application forms from P50 to P100, filing fees for marriage licenses from P100 to P200, marriage license fees from P50 to P250, and pre-marriage counseling seminar fees from P100 to P200.

Late registration of births, marriages, and deaths would remain free if filed within the period prescribed by law.

However, registrations made beyond the prescribed period would be subject to a proposed flat penalty of P250 regardless of the length of delay.

The office is likewise proposing a P500 fee for the registration of certain court orders affecting civil registry records.

During the hearing, Abatayo said the proposed increases are driven by higher costs for office supplies, printing materials, equipment maintenance, internet services, and document production.

She also cited the need to fund the digitization and preservation of civil registry records, including electronic storage systems, backup facilities, and data security measures.

"Civil registration is no longer limited to receiving and recording documents," she said, noting that the office must increasingly invest in the digital preservation of historical records and the protection of permanent legal documents such as birth, marriage, and death certificates.

She also pointed out that civil registry fees were last adjusted in 2003 and implemented in 2006, meaning many rates have remained unchanged for more than 20 years.

The proposed revisions form part of the wider update of Cebu City's Local Revenue Code, which city officials have said is intended to bring local taxes, fees, and charges in line with present-day economic conditions and the actual cost of delivering government services.

City officials have previously argued that many provisions in the existing code no longer reflect current costs, inflation, and operational realities.

The proposed revenue measure is currently undergoing public consultations before the City Council acts on it.

Public hearings on the measure are set to resume today, November 10, as city officials, council members, business groups, and other stakeholders continue deliberations on the proposed revisions. — (FREEMAN)