Filling of Viodable Marraige of a US Citizen to a Filipino Citizen

I am a US Citizen living in the US my first marriage is now divorce, but iam still using my xhusband's surname. (can be use according to my discretion in US law)

my 2nd marriage was with a filipino this time its in the philippines, who happens to be married before my marriage took placed. this is without my knowledge, that is why he was denied when i file a spouse petition. (so we can be together here in the US.)

i would like now to file a "RULE ON DECLARATION OF ABSOLUTE NULLITY OF VOID MARRIAGES AND ANNULMENT OF VOIDABLE MARRIAGES." here in the philippines so i can clear my name, so i can re marry again.

in filing such case, do i really need to change my divorce surname to my maiden name before filing?

or can i file the case using my xhusband's surname (which was filed and appeared in the NSO Marriage Cert.) when i got my 2nd marriage in the philippines.

your response will be highly appreciated
thanks and more power.

There is no need to change your name. You can file the petition using your divorce name.

is it possible to not appear in the court hearing? i will just let the atty. to represent me? because i cannot leave my children here in the USA... or who can represent me if i cannot attend hearing sessions?

thanks again.

PM sent

in my opinion, you should just file a petition for divorce there. it's easier and can be recognized under PH law because you are already a US citizen