SALVADOR, GEM 11016809 Case Digest

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES VS. CAGANDAHAN G.R. No. 166676

FACTS: Jennifer Cagandahan, in her Certificate of Live Birth, was registered as a female. It was just when she was growing up she noticed the changes in her body. She had neither menstruation nor breasts. And then she was diagnosed of having Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) in which she possessed secondary male characteristics like excreting male hormones, androgen. On December 11, 2003, Cagandahan filed a petition for Correction of Entries in her Birth Certificate (That her name be changed to Jeff and he gender to Male) before the Regional Trial Court, Branch 22 of Siniloan, Laguna. Dr. Michael Sionzon of the Department of Psychiatry, University of the Philippines said Cagandahan genetically is female but because her body secretes male hormones, her female organs did not develop normally, thus has organs of both male and female.

ISSUE: Whether or not correction of entries in her birth certificate should be granted

HELD: Yes, petition should be granted. The Court takes into consideration the recognition of the petitioner of his gender identity. The factors that would outweigh other influences would be the capacity of the petitioner with the help of his maturity, know what he thinks of his body and gender.