Short answer. Yes. A widow may continue using her deceased husband's surname as though he were still living. This is a right, not an obligation — she may also revert to her maiden surname or use other permitted combinations. Death does not force a name change.
What the law says
A widow may use the deceased husband's surname as though he were still living, in accordance with article 370.
Civil Code, Article 373 — A Widow’s Use of the Surname. Read the full provision →
The right survives the death of the husband
Article 373 of the Civil Code confirms that a widow does not lose her right to her husband's surname when he dies. She may continue using it exactly as she did during the marriage — as though he were still living. This matters practically in many situations: identification documents, property records, professional licenses, business dealings, and children's school records may all reflect the married surname, and the widow has no obligation to change any of them.
What the reference to Article 370 means
Article 373 says the widow may use the surname "in accordance with article 370," which governs how a married woman may style herself. Under Article 370, a married woman may use her maiden first name and surname plus the husband's surname, her maiden first name and the husband's surname alone, or the husband's full name with a prefix indicating she is his wife such as "Mrs." The widow retains all of these options. She is not restricted to a single format; the same flexibility that existed during the marriage continues afterward.
The widow's choice — it is permissive, not mandatory
The statute says the widow may use the surname — this is permissive language. No law forces a widow to keep the husband's surname. If she wishes to revert to her maiden surname entirely, she may do so. Some widows prefer to do this for professional reasons, to reflect a new chapter, or simply because they find it practical. Others keep the married name for the continuity it provides in dealings with their children's schools, community, or business contacts. Either choice is legally valid.
Documents and records as a practical matter
Since the right to continue using the surname is clear, there is no legal requirement to update your Philippine Identification documents to reflect the husband's death or to revert to your maiden name. If you choose to continue using the married name, existing IDs, titles, and registrations remain valid. If you wish to revert to your maiden name on official records, a request for correction or annotation on the relevant civil registry documents and a change on IDs is the typical process — but that step is optional, not compelled.