The House measure seeking to allow married women to keep their maiden surnames after marriage has moved forward in plenary. Approved on second reading on Tuesday night, March 14 was House Bill (HB) No.4605, or the proposed Act providing for the right of married women to retain their maiden surnames, amending for the purpose Article 370 of Republic Act (RA) No.386, as amended, otherwise known as the New Civil Code of the Philippines. Deputy Speaker and Antipolo City 1st district Rep. Roberto Puno announced HB No.4605 as passed on second reading following a simple voice vote (ayes vs. nayes) in plenary. The ayes or affirmative votes won out. The objectve of the measure is to provide for equality between men and women before the law by allowing married women to retain their maiden surnames. Aside from upholding the right of married women to retain their maiden surnames even after marriage, HB No.4605 also provides married women options in the surname that they may use after marriage. This sets the stage for the bill's passage on third and final reading next week, or just before Congress goes on its annual summer recess. Under RA No.386, a married woman may use her maiden first name and surname and add her husband’s surname; her maiden first name and her husband’s surname; or her husband’s full name but prefixing a word indicating that she is his wife such as “Mrs.” It should be noted that March is National Women's Month.