Dear PAO,

My son was born as a result of my affair with Joshua. His birth was registered, but the local civil registrar refused to indicate the name of the father because my child was not recognized. I have been asking Joshua to recognize my son, but he refused and ignored the document denominated as 'Authority to Use the Surname of the Father' I sent him, which was required by the civil registrar. I have read in a newspaper that filiation may be proved by DNA testing. I intend to file a petition for the recognition of my child and ask the court for DNA testing, but I was dismayed when someone informed me that I need to present proof of filiation first before the court may order such a test to prove paternity. Is this true? If so, may I know the reason why proof of filiation is required before the court will order the test?