CHR: Passage of bill ensuring child support will foster accountability
Commission on Human Rights INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Imposing penalties on those who neglect their obligations fosters a culture of accountability among parents nationwide, according to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
CHR’s comment stemmed from the passage of the House Bill (HB) 8987, also known as An Act Ensuring Child Support and Penalizing Parental Refusal or Neglect Thereof at the committee level.
The bill seeks to penalize the parent who fails to provide essential support for their children’s education, food, clothing, and other basic needs. It also proposes a penalty of up to six years of imprisonment for deadbeat fathers.
READ: House bill vs deadbeat fathers reaches appropriations committee
“The CHR affirms that parents have a fundamental responsibility to ensure the welfare of their children, regardless of status, personal circumstances, or differences,” the commission said in a statement on Wednesday.
Article continues after this advertisement“By imposing penalties on those who neglect these obligations, this bill not only safeguards children’s rights but also fosters a culture of accountability and responsible parenting across the country,” it added.
Article continues after this advertisementCiting Article 15, Section 3(2) of the 1987 Constitution, the CHR pointed out that the State is obligated to “defend the right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development.”
Under the proposed measure, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, along with the National Economic and Development Authority, will determine the amount of child support.
