SUPREME COURT DECISIONS

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EN BANC

G.R. No. L-18047          December 26, 1963

IN THE MATTER OF THE CHANGE OF NAME OF TRINIDAD R. ASENSI. TRINIDAD R. ASENSI, represented by her father, GRACIANO ASENSI, Petitioner, vs. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, oppositor.

Nathaniel R. Quinones for petitioner-appellee.
Office of the Solicitor General for oppositor-appellant.

BARRERA, J.:

This is an appeal taken by the Solicitor General in behalf of the Republic of the Philippines against the decision or order of the Court of First Instance of Cebu granting the petition to change the name of petitioner from Trinidad Rodriguez to Trinidad Asensi.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

After proper notice and hearing as provided by Rules of Court in matters of change of name, the trial court found as undisputed that Trinidad Rodriguez is natural child of Luisa Rodriguez and Graciano Asensi, both of whom at the time of her conception and birth were single. Later, the two parents were legally married and, according to the father himself who testified at the hearing, took the child Trinidad in the fold of their family. There is no question, therefore, that the minor Trinidad has been duly legitimated.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Because of this legal consequence, the Government's counsel opposed the petition and now appeals the decision on the sole contention that the judicial change of name is not necessary as the legitimated child can, without judicial approval, adopt her parents' surnames. (Arts. 272 in relation to Art. 264 of the Civil Code.)chanrobles virtual law library

We find the objection of the Republic to be too technical. There is no legal prohibition against obtaining a judicial confirmation of a legal right. It may be a superfluity, but it is not against law, Customs, or morals. It does no harm to anybody. No one is prejudiced thereby. We deem this appeal a waste of time and effort.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

WHEREFORE, judgment of the lower court is hereby affirmed. So ordered.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Bengzon, C.J., Padilla, Bautista Angelo, Labrador, Concepcion, Reyes, J.B.L., Paredes, Dizon, Regala and Makalintal, JJ., concur.