MALACAANG

Manila
PRESIDENTIALDECREENo.603
THECHILDANDYOUTHWELFARECODE
I,FERDINANDE.MARCOS,PresidentofthePhilippines,byvirtueofthepowersvestedinmebythe
Constitution,doherebyorderanddecreethefollowing:
TITLEI
GENERALPRINCIPLES
Article1.DeclarationofPolicy.TheChildisoneofthemostimportantassetsofthenation.Everyeffort
shouldbeexertedtopromotehiswelfareandenhancehisopportunitiesforausefulandhappylife.
ThechildisnotamerecreatureoftheState.Hence,hisindividualtraitsandaptitudesshouldbecultivated
totheutmostinsofarastheydonotconflictwiththegeneralwelfare.
Themoldingofthecharacterofthechildstartsatthehome.Consequently,everymemberofthefamily
shouldstrivetomakethehomeawholesomeandharmoniousplaceasitsatmosphereandconditionswill
greatlyinfluencethechild'sdevelopment.
Attachmenttothehomeandstrongfamilytiesshouldbeencouragedbutnottotheextentofmakingthe
homeisolatedandexclusiveandunconcernedwiththeinterestsofthecommunityandthecountry.
Thenaturalrightanddutyofparentsintherearingofthechildforcivicefficiencyshouldreceivetheaid
andsupportofthegovernment.
Otherinstitutions,liketheschool,thechurch,theguild,andthecommunityingeneral,shouldassistthe
homeandtheStateintheendeavortopreparethechildfortheresponsibilitiesofadulthood.
Article2.TitleandScopeofCode.TheCodeshallbeknownastheChildandYouthWelfareCode.It
shallapplytopersonsbelowtwentyoneyearsofageexceptthoseemancipatedinaccordancewithlaw.
"Child"or"minor"or"youth"asusedinthisCode,shallrefertosuchpersons.
Article3.RightsoftheChild.Allchildrenshallbeentitledtotherightshereinsetforthwithout
distinctionastolegitimacyorillegitimacy,sex,socialstatus,religion,politicalantecedents,andother
factors.
(1)Everychildisendowedwiththedignityandworthofahumanbeingfromthemomentofhis
conception,asgenerallyacceptedinmedicalparlance,andhas,therefore,therighttobebornwell.
(2)Everychildhastherighttoawholesomefamilylifethatwillprovidehimwithlove,careand
understanding,guidanceandcounseling,andmoralandmaterialsecurity.
Thedependentorabandonedchildshallbeprovidedwiththenearestsubstituteforahome.

(3)Everychildhastherighttoawellroundeddevelopmentofhispersonalitytotheendthathe
maybecomeahappy,usefulandactivememberofsociety.
Thegiftedchildshallbegivenopportunityandencouragementtodevelophisspecialtalents.
Theemotionallydisturbedorsociallymaladjustedchildshallbetreatedwithsympathyand
understanding,andshallbeentitledtotreatmentandcompetentcare.
Thephysicallyormentallyhandicappedchildshallbegiventhetreatment,educationandcare
requiredbyhisparticularcondition.
(4)Everychildhastherighttoabalanceddiet,adequateclothing,sufficientshelter,proper
medicalattention,andallthebasicphysicalrequirementsofahealthyandvigorouslife.
(5)Everychildhastherighttobebroughtupinanatmosphereofmoralityandrectitudeforthe
enrichmentandthestrengtheningofhischaracter.
(6)Everychildhastherighttoaneducationcommensuratewithhisabilitiesandtothe
developmentofhisskillsfortheimprovementofhiscapacityforservicetohimselfandtohis
fellowmen.
(7)Everychildhastherighttofullopportunitiesforsafeandwholesomerecreationandactivities,
individualaswellassocial,forthewholesomeuseofhisleisurehours.
(8)Everychildhastherighttoprotectionagainstexploitation,improperinfluences,hazards,and
otherconditionsorcircumstancesprejudicialtohisphysical,mental,emotional,socialandmoral
development.
(9)Everychildhastherighttoliveinacommunityandasocietythatcanofferhiman
environmentfreefromperniciousinfluencesandconducivetothepromotionofhishealthandthe
cultivationofhisdesirabletraitsandattributes.
(10)Everychildhastherighttothecare,assistance,andprotectionoftheState,particularlywhen
hisparentsorguardiansfailorareunabletoprovidehimwithhisfundamentalneedsforgrowth,
development,andimprovement.
(11)Everychildhastherighttoanefficientandhonestgovernmentthatwilldeepenhisfaithin
democracyandinspirehimwiththemoralityoftheconstitutedauthoritiesbothintheirpublicand
privatelives.
(12)Everychildhastherighttogrowupasafreeindividual,inanatmosphereofpeace,
understanding,tolerance,anduniversalbrotherhood,andwiththedeterminationtocontributehis
shareinthebuildingofabetterworld.
Article4.ResponsibilitiesoftheChild.Everychild,regardlessofthecircumstancesofhisbirth,sex,
religion,socialstatus,politicalantecedentsandotherfactorsshall:
(1)Strivetoleadanuprightandvirtuouslifeinaccordancewiththetenetsofhisreligion,the
teachingsofhiseldersandmentors,andthebiddingsofacleanconscience;
(2)Love,respectandobeyhisparents,andcooperatewiththeminthestrengtheningofthefamily;

(3)Extendtohisbrothersandsistershislove,thoughtfulness,andhelpfulness,andendeavorwith
themtokeepthefamilyharmoniousandunited;
(4)Exerthisutmosttodevelophispotentialitiesforservice,particularlybyundergoingaformal
educationsuitedtohisabilities,inorderthathemaybecomeanassettohimselfandtosociety;
(5)Respectnotonlyhiseldersbutalsothecustomsandtraditionsofourpeople,thememoryof
ourheroes,thedulyconstitutedauthorities,thelawsofourcountry,andtheprinciplesand
institutionsofdemocracy;
(6)Participateactivelyincivicaffairsandinthepromotionofthegeneralwelfare,alwaysbearing
inmindthatitistheyouthwhowilleventuallybecalledupontodischargetheresponsibilityof
leadershipinshapingthenation'sfuture;and
(7)Helpintheobservanceofindividualhumanrights,thestrengtheningoffreedomeverywhere,
thefosteringofcooperationamongnationsinthepursuitoftheircommonaspirationsfor
programsandprosperity,andthefurtheranceofworldpeace.
Article5.CommencementofCivilPersonality.Thecivilpersonalityofthechildshallcommencefrom
thetimeofhisconception,forallpurposesfavorabletohim,subjecttotherequirementsofArticle41of
theCivilCode.
Article6.Abortion.Theabortionofaconceivedchild,whethersuchactbeintentionalornot,shallbe
governedbythepertinentprovisionsoftheRevisedPenalCode.
Article7.NondisclosureofBirthRecords.Therecordsofaperson'sbirthshallbekeptstrictly
confidentialandnoinformationrelatingtheretoshallbeissuedexceptontherequestofanyofthe
following:
(1)Thepersonhimself,oranypersonauthorizedbyhim;
(2)Hisspouse,hisparentorparents,hisdirectdescendants,ortheguardianorinstitutionlegally
inchargeofhimifheisaminor;
(3)Thecourtorproperpublicofficialwheneverabsolutelynecessaryinadministrative,judicialor
otherofficialproceedingstodeterminetheidentityofthechild'sparentsorothercircumstances
surroundinghisbirth;and
(4)Incaseoftheperson'sdeath,thenearestofkin.
Anypersonviolatingtheprohibitionshallsufferthepenaltyofimprisonmentofatleasttwomonthsora
fineinanamountnotexceedingfivehundredpesos,orboth,inthediscretionofthecourt.
Article8.Child'sWelfareParamount.Inallquestionsregardingthecare,custody,educationandproperty
ofthechild,hiswelfareshallbetheparamountconsideration.
Article9.LevelsofGrowth.Thechildshallbegivenadequatecare,assistanceandguidancethroughhis
variouslevelsofgrowth,frominfancytoearlyandlaterchildhood,topubertyandadolescence,andwhen
necessaryevenafterheshallhaveattainedage21.

Article10.PhasesofDevelopment.Thechildshallenjoyspecialprotectionandshallbegiven
opportunitiesandfacilities,bylawandbyothermeans,toensureandenablehisfullestdevelopment
physically,mentally,emotionally,morally,spirituallyandsociallyinahealthyandnormalmannerandin
conditionsoffreedomanddignityappropriatetothecorrespondingdevelopmentalstage.
Article11.PromotionofHealth.ThepromotionoftheChild'shealthshallbeginwithadequateprenatal
andpostnatalcarebothforhimandhismother.Allappropriatemeasuresshallbetakentoinsurehis
normaltotaldevelopment.
Itshallbetheresponsibilityofthehealth,welfare,andeducationalentitiestoassisttheparentsinlooking
afterthehealthofthechild.
Article12.Education.Theschoolsandotherentitiesengagedinnonformaleducationshallassistthe
parentsinprovidingthebesteducationforthechild.
Article13.SocialandEmotionalGrowth.Stepsshallbetakentoinsurethechild'shealthysocialand
emotionalgrowth.Theseshallbeundertakenbythehomeincollaborationwiththeschoolsandother
agenciesengagedinthepromotionofchildwelfare.
Article14.Morality.Highmoralprinciplesshouldbeinstilledinthechild,particularlyinthehome,the
school,andthechurchtowhichhebelongs.
Article15.SpiritualValues.Thepromotionofthechild'sspiritualwellbeingaccordingtothepreceptsof
hisreligionshould,asmuchaspossible,beencouragedbytheState.
Article16.CivicConscience.Thecivicconscienceofthechildshallnotbeoverlooked.Heshallbe
broughtupinanatmosphereofuniversalunderstanding,tolerance,friendship,andhelpfulnessandinfull
consciousnessofhisresponsibilitiesasamemberofsociety.

TITLEII
CHILDANDYOUTHWELFAREANDTHEHOME
CHAPTERI
ParentalAuthority
SECTIONA.InGeneral
Article17.JointParentalAuthority.Thefatherandmothershallexercisejointlyjustandreasonable
parentalauthorityandresponsibilityovertheirlegitimateoradoptedchildren.Incaseofdisagreement,the
father'sdecisionshallprevailunlessthereisajudicialordertothecontrary.
Incaseoftheabsenceordeathofeitherparent,thepresentorsurvivingparentshallcontinuetoexercise
parentalauthorityoversuchchildren,unlessincaseofthesurvivingparent'sremarriage,thecourt,for
justifiablereasons,appointsanotherpersonasguardian.
Incaseofseparationofhisparents,nochildunderfiveyearsofageshallbeseparatedfromhismother
unlessthecourtfindscompellingreasonstodoso.

Article18.Grandparents.Grandparentsshallbeconsultedonimportantfamilyquestionsbuttheyshall
notinterfereintheexerciseofparentalauthoritybytheparents.
Article19.AbsenceorDeathofParents.Grandparentsandintheirdefault,theoldestbrotherorsister
whoisatleasteighteenyearsofage,ortherelativewhohasactualcustodyofthechild,shallexercise
parentalauthorityincaseofabsenceordeathofbothparents,unlessaguardianhasbeenappointedin
accordancewiththesucceedingprovision.
Article20.Guardian.Thecourtmay,uponthedeathoftheparentsandinthecasesmentionedinArts.
328to332oftheCivilCode,appointaguardianforthepersonandpropertyofthechild,onpetitionofany
relativeorfriendofthefamilyortheDepartmentofSocialWelfare.
Article21.Dependent,AbandonedorNeglectedChild.Thedependent,abandonedorneglectedchild
shallbeundertheparentalauthorityofasuitableoraccreditedpersonorinstitutionthatiscaringforhimas
providedforunderthefourprecedingarticles,afterthechildhasbeendeclaredabandonedbyeitherthe
courtortheDepartmentofSocialWelfare.
Article22.TransfertotheDepartmentofSocialWelfare.Thedependent,abandonedorneglectedchild
maybetransferredtothecareoftheDepartmentofSocialWelfareoradulylicensedchildcaring
institutionorindividualinaccordancewithArticles142and154ofthisCode,orupontherequestofthe
personorinstitutionexercisingparentalauthorityoverhim.
Fromthetimeofsuchtransfer,theDepartmentofSocialWelfareorthedulylicensedchildcaring
institutionorindividualshallbeconsideredtheguardianofthechildforallintentsandpurposes.
Article23.CaseStudy.ItshallbethedutyoftheDepartmentofSocialWelfaretomakeacasestudyof
everychildwhoisthesubjectofguardianshiporcustodyproceedingsandtosubmititsreportand
recommendationsonthemattertothecourtforitsguidance.
Article24.InterventionofDepartmentofSocialWelfare.TheDepartmentofSocialWelfareshall
interveneonbehalfofthechildifitfinds,afteritscasestudy,thatthepetitionforguardianshiporcustody
shouldbedenied.
Article25.HearingsConfidential.Thehearingonguardianshipandcustodyproceedingsmay,atthe
discretionofthecourt,beclosedtothepublicandtherecordsthereofshallnotbereleasedwithoutits
approval.
Article26.RepealingClause.AllprovisionsoftheCivilCodeonparentalauthoritywhicharenot
inconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthisChaptershallremaininforce:Provided,ThatArticles334upto348
inclusiveonAdoption,areherebyexpresslyrepealedandreplacedbySectionBofthisChapter.
SECTIONB.Adoption
Article27.WhoMayAdopt.Anypersonofageandinfullpossessionofhiscivilrightsmayadopt:
Provided,Thatheisinapositiontosupportandcareforhislegitimate,legitimated,acknowledgednatural
children,ornaturalchildrenbylegalfiction,orotherillegitimatechildren,inkeepingwiththemeans,both
materialandotherwise,ofthefamily.Inallcasesofadoptiontheadoptermustbeatleastfifteenyears
olderthanthepersontobeadopted.
Article28.WhoMayNotAdopt.Thefollowingpersonsmaynotadopt:

1.Amarriedpersonwithoutthewrittenconsentofthespouse;
2.Theguardianwithrespecttothewardpriortofinalapprovalofhisaccounts;
3.Anypersonwhohasbeenconvictedofacrimeinvolvingmoralturpitude;
4.Analienwhoisdisqualifiedtoadoptaccordingtothelawsofhisowncountryoronewith
whosegovernmenttheRepublicofthePhilippineshasbrokendiplomaticrelations.
Article29.AdoptionbyHusbandandWife.HusbandandWifemayjointlyadopt.Insuchcase,parental
authorityshallbeexercisedasifthechildweretheirownbynature.
Article30.WhoMayNotBeAdopted.Thefollowingmaynotbeadopted:
1.Amarriedperson,withoutthewrittenconsentofthespouse;
2.AnalienwithwhosegovernmenttheRepublicofthePhilippineshasbrokendiplomatic
relations;
3.Apersonwhohasalreadybeenadoptedunlesstheadoptionhasbeenpreviouslyrevokedor
rescindedinaccordancewiththisChapter.
Article31.WhoseConsentisNecessary.Thewrittenconsentofthefollowingtotheadoptionshallbe
necessary:
1.Thepersontobeadopted,iffourteenyearsofageorover;
2.ThenaturalparentsofthechildorhislegalguardianoftheDepartmentofSocialWelfareorany
dulylicensedchildplacementagencyunderwhosecarethechildmaybe;
3.Thenaturalchildren,fourteenyearsandabove,oftheadoptingparents.
Article32.HurriedDecisions.Inallproceedingsforadoption,stepsshouldbetakenbythecourtto
preventthenaturalparentsfrommakinghurrieddecisionscausedbystrainoranxietytogiveupthechild,
andtoascertain,thatallmeasurestostrengthenthefamilyhavebeenexhaustedandthatanyprolongedstay
ofthechildinhisownhomewillbeinimicaltohiswelfareandinterest.
Article33.CaseStudy.NopetitionforadoptionshallbegrantedunlesstheDepartmentofSocial
Welfare,ortheSocialWorkandCounsellingDivision,incaseofJuvenileandDomesticRelationsCourts,
hasmadeacasestudyofthechildtobeadopted,hisnaturalparentsaswellastheprospectiveadopting
parents,andhassubmitteditsreportandrecommendationsonthemattertothecourthearingsuchpetition.
TheDepartmentofSocialWelfareshallinterveneonbehalfofthechildifitfinds,aftersuchcasestudy,
thatthepetitionshouldbedenied.
Article34.Procedure.TheproceedingsforadoptionshallbegovernedbytheRulesofCourtinsofaras
theyarenotinconflictwiththisChapter.
Article35.TrialCustody.Nopetitionforadoptionshallbefinallygrantedunlessanduntiltheadopting
parentsaregivenbythecourtasupervisedtrialcustodyperiodofatleastsixmonthstoassesstheir

adjustmentandemotionalreadinessforthelegalunion.Duringtheperiodoftrialcustodyparentalauthority
shallbevestedintheadoptingparents.
Thecourtmay,uponitsownmotionoronmotionofthepetitioner,reduceordispensewiththetrialperiod
ifitfindsthatitistothebestinterestofthechild.Insuchcase,thecourtshallstateitsreasonsforreducing
saidperiod.
Article36.DecreeofAdoption.If,afterconsideringthereportoftheDepartmentofSocialWelfareor
dulylicensedchildplacementagencyandtheevidencesubmittedbeforeit,thecourtissatisfiedthatthe
petitionerisqualifiedtomaintain,carefor,andeducatethechild,thatthetrialcustodyperiodhasbeen
completed,andthatthebestinterestsofthechildwillbepromotedbytheadoption,adecreeofadoption
shallbeentered,whichshallbeeffectiveasofthedatetheoriginalpetitionwasfiled.Thedecreeshallstate
thenamebywhichthechildisthenceforthtobeknown.
Article37.CivilRegistryRecord.Theadoptionshallberecordedinthelocalcivilregisterandshallbe
annotatedontherecordofbirth,andthesameshallentitletheadoptedpersontotheissuanceofan
amendedcertificateofbirth.
Article38.ConfidentialNatureofProceedingsandRecords.Allhearingsinadoptioncasesshallbe
confidentialandshallnotbeopentothepublic.Allrecords,booksandpapersrelatingtotheadoptioncases
inthefilesofthecourt,oftheDepartmentofSocialWelfare,andofanyotheragencyorinstitution
participatingintheadoptionproceedings,shallbekeptstrictlyconfidential.
SubjecttotheprovisionsofArticle7,inanycaseinwhichinformationfromsuchrecords,booksand
papersisneeded,thepersonoragencyrequestingthereleaseoftheinformationmayfileapetitiontothe
courtwhichenteredthedecreeofadoptionforitsrelease.Ifthecourtfindsthatthedisclosureofthe
informationisnecessaryforpurposesconnectedwithorarisingoutoftheadoptionandwillbeforthebest
interestsofthechild,thecourtmaypermitthenecessaryinformationtobereleased,restrictingthepurposes
forwhichitmaybeused.
Article39.EffectsofAdoption.Theadoptionshall:
1.Givetotheadoptedpersonthesamerightsanddutiesasifhewerealegitimatechildofthe
adopter:Provided,ThatanadoptedchildcannotacquirePhilippinecitizenshipbyvirtueofsuch
adoption;lawphi1.net
2.Dissolvetheauthorityvestedinthenaturalparentorparents,exceptwheretheadopteristhe
spouseofthesurvivingnaturalparent;
3.Entitletheadoptedpersontousetheadopter'ssurname;and
4.Maketheadoptedpersonalegalheiroftheadopter:Provided,Thatiftheadopterissurvivedby
legitimateparentsorascendantsandbyanadoptedperson,thelattershallnothavemore
successionalrightsthananacknowledgednaturalchild:Provided,further,Thatanyproperty
receivedgratuitouslybytheadoptedfromtheadoptershallreverttotheadoptershouldtheformer
predeceasethelatterwithoutlegitimateissueunlesstheadoptedhas,duringhislifetime,alienated
suchproperty:Provided,finally,Thatinthelastcase,shouldtheadoptedleavenopropertyother
thanthatreceivedfromtheadopter,andheissurvivedbyillegitimateissueoraspouse,such
illegitimateissuecollectivelyorthespouseshallreceiveonefourthofsuchproperty;ifthe
adoptedissurvivedbyillegitimateissueandaspouse,thentheformercollectivelyshallreceive

onefourthandthelatteralsoonefourth,therestinanycaserevertingtotheadopter,observingin
thecaseoftheillegitimateissuetheproportionprovidedforinArticle895oftheCivilCode.
Theadoptershallnotbealegalheiroftheadoptedperson,whoseparentsbynatureshallinheritfromhim,
exceptthatifthelatterarebothdead,theadoptingparentorparentstaketheplaceofthenaturalparentsin
thelineofsuccession,whethertestateorinterstate.
Article40.RescissionbyAdopted.TheadoptedpersonortheDepartmentofSocialWelfareoranyduly
licensedchildplacementagencyiftheadoptedisstillaminororotherwiseincapacitated,mayaskforthe
rescissionoftheadoptiononthesamegroundsthatcausethelossofparentalauthorityundertheCivil
Code.
Article41.RevocationbyAdopter.Theadoptermaypetitionthecourtfortherevocationoftheadoption
inanyofthesecases:
1.Iftheadoptedpersonhasattemptedagainstthelifeoftheadopterand/orhisspouse;
2.Whentheadoptedminorhasabandonedthehomeoftheadopterformorethanthreeyearsand
effortshavebeenexhaustedtolocatetheminorwithinthestatedperiod;
3.Whenbyotheractstheadoptedpersonhasdefinitelyrepudiatedtheadoption.
Article42.EffectsofRescissionorRevocation.Wheretheadoptedminorhasnotreachedtheageof
majorityatthetimeoftherevocationorrescissionreferredtointhenextprecedingarticles,thecourtinthe
sameproceedingshalldeterminewhetherheshouldbereturnedtotheparentalauthorityofhisnatural
parentsorremittedtotheDepartmentofSocialWelfareoranydulylicensedchildplacementagencyor
whetheraguardianoverhispersonandpropertyshouldbeappointed.
Wheretheadoptedchildhasreachedtheageofmajority,therevocationorrescission,ifandwhengranted
bythecourt,shallreleasehimfromallobligationstohisadoptingparentsandshallextinguishallhisrights
againstthem:Provided,Thatifthesaidadoptedpersonisphysicallyormentallyhandicappedastoneeda
guardianoverhispersonorproperty,orboth,thecourtmayappointaguardianinaccordancewiththe
provisionsofexistinglaw.
Inallcasesofrevocationorrescission,theadoptedshalllosetherighttocontinueusingtheadopter's
surnameandthecourtshallordertheamendmentoftherecordsintheCivilRegisterinaccordancewithits
decision.

CHAPTERII
RightsofParents
Article43.PrimaryRightofParents.Theparentsshallhavetherighttothecompanyoftheirchildren
and,inrelationtoallotherpersonsorinstitutionsdealingwiththechild'sdevelopment,theprimaryright
andobligationtoprovidefortheirupbringing.
Article44.RightsUndertheCivilCode.Parentsshallcontinuetoexercisetherightsmentionedin
Articles316to326oftheCivilCodeoverthepersonandpropertyofthechild.

Article45.RighttoDisciplineChild.Parentshavetherighttodisciplinethechildasmaybenecessary
fortheformationofhisgoodcharacter,andmaythereforerequirefromhimobediencetojustand
reasonablerules,suggestionsandadmonitions.

CHAPTERIII
DutiesofParents

Article46.GeneralDuties.Parentsshallhavethefollowinggeneraldutiestowardtheirchildren:
1.Togivehimaffection,companionshipandunderstanding;
2.Toextendtohimthebenefitsofmoralguidance,selfdisciplineandreligiousinstruction;
lawphi1.net
3.Tosupervisehisactivities,includinghisrecreation;lawphi1.net
4.Toinculcateinhimthevalueofindustry,thriftandselfreliance;
5.Tostimulatehisinterestincivicaffairs,teachhimthedutiesofcitizenship,anddevelophis
commitmenttohiscountry;
6.Toadvisehimproperlyonanymatteraffectinghisdevelopmentandwellbeing;
7.Toalwayssetagoodexample;
8.Toprovidehimwithadequatesupport,asdefinedinArticle290oftheCivilCode;and
9.Toadministerhisproperty,ifany,accordingtohisbestinterests,subjecttotheprovisionsof
Article320oftheCivilCode.
Article47.FamilyAffairs.Wheneverproper,parentsshallallowthechildtoparticipateinthediscussion
offamilyaffairs,especiallyinmattersthatparticularlyconcernhim.Incasesinvolvinghisdiscipline,the
childshallbegivenachancetopresenthisside.
Article48.WinningChild'sConfidence.Parentsshallendeavortowinthechild'sconfidenceandto
encouragehimtoconductwiththemonhisactivitiesandproblems.
Article49.ChildLivingAwayfromHome.Ifbyreasonofhisstudiesorforothercauses,achilddoesnot
livewithhisparents,thelattershallcommunicatewithhimregularlyandvisithimasoftenaspossible.The
parentsshallseetoitthatthechildlivesinasafeandwholesomeplaceandunderresponsibleadultcare
andsupervision.
Article50.SpecialTalents.Parentsshallendeavortodiscoverthechild'stalentsoraptitudes,ifany,and
toencourageanddevelopthem.Ifthechildisespeciallygifted,hisparentsshallreportthisfacttothe
NationalCenterforGiftedChildrenortootheragenciesconcernedsothatofficialassistanceorrecognition
maybeextendedtohim.

Article51.ReadingHabit.Thereadinghabitshouldbecultivatedinthehome.Parentsshall,whenever
possible,providethechildwithgoodandwholesomereadingmaterial,takingintoconsiderationhisage
andemotionaldevelopment.Theyshallguardagainsttheintroductioninthehomeofpornographicand
otherunwholesomepublications.
Article52.AssociationwithOtherChildren.Parentsshallencouragethechildtoassociatewithother
childrenofhisownagewithwhomhecandevelopcommoninterestsofusefulandsalutarynature.Itshall
betheirdutytoknowthechild'sfriendsandtheiractivitiesandtopreventhimfromfallingintobad
company.Thechildshouldnotbeallowedtostayoutlateatnighttothedetrimentofhishealth,studiesor
morals.
Article53.CommunityActivities.Parentsshallgivethechildeveryopportunitytoformorjoinsocial,
cultural,educational,recreational,civicorreligiousorganizationsormovementsandotheruseful
communityactivities.
Article54.SocialGatherings.Whenapartyorgatheringisheld,theparentsoraresponsibleperson
shouldbepresenttosupervisethesame.
Article55.Vices.Parentsshalltakespecialcaretopreventthechildfrombecomingaddictedto
intoxicatingdrinks,narcoticdrugs,smoking,gambling,andothervicesorharmfulpractices.
Article56.Choiceofcareer.Thechildshallhavetherighttochoosehisowncareer.Parentsmayadvise
himonthismatterbutshouldnotimposeonhimtheirownchoice.
Article57.Marriage.SubjecttotheprovisionsoftheCivilCode,thechildshallhavetheprerogativeof
choosinghisfuturespouse.Parentsshouldnotforceorundulyinfluencehimtomarryapersonhehasnot
freelychosen.

CHAPTERIV
LiabilitiesofParents
Article58.Torts.Parentsandguardiansareresponsibleforthedamagecausedbythechildundertheir
parentalauthorityinaccordancewiththeCivilCode.
Article59.Crimes.Criminalliabilityshallattachtoanyparentwho:
1.Concealsorabandonsthechildwithintenttomakesuchchildlosehiscivilstatus.
2.Abandonsthechildundersuchcircumstancesastodeprivehimofthelove,careandprotection
heneeds.
3.Sellsorabandonsthechildtoanotherpersonforvaluableconsideration.
4.Neglectsthechildbynotgivinghimtheeducationwhichthefamily'sstationinlifeand
financialconditionspermit.
5.Failsorrefuses,withoutjustifiablegrounds,toenrollthechildasrequiredbyArticle72.

6.Causes,abates,orpermitsthetruancyofthechildfromtheschoolwhereheisenrolled.
"Truancy"ashereusedmeansabsencewithoutcauseformorethantwentyschooldays,not
necessarilyconsecutive.
7.Itshallbethedutyoftheteacherinchargetoreporttotheparentstheabsencesofthechildthe
momenttheseexceedfiveschooldays.
8.Improperlyexploitsthechildbyusinghim,directlyorindirectly,suchasforpurposesof
beggingandotheractswhichareinimicaltohisinterestandwelfare.
9.Inflictscruelandunusualpunishmentuponthechildordeliberatelysubjectshimtoindignation
andotherexcessivechastisementthatembarrassorhumiliatehim.
10.Causesorencouragesthechildtoleadanimmoralordissolutelife.
11.Permitsthechildtopossess,handleorcarryadeadlyweapon,regardlessofitsownership.
12.Allowsorrequiresthechildtodrivewithoutalicenseorwithalicensewhichtheparent
knowstohavebeenillegallyprocured.Ifthemotorvehicledrivenbythechildbelongstothe
parent,itshallbepresumedthathepermittedororderedthechildtodrive.
"Parents"ashereusedshallincludetheguardianandtheheadoftheinstitutionorfosterhomewhichhas
custodyofthechild.
Article60.Penalty.Theactmentionedintheprecedingarticleshallbepunishablewithimprisonment
fromtwoorsixmonthsorafinenotexceedingfivehundredpesos,orboth,atthediscretionoftheCourt,
unlessahigherpenaltyisprovidedforintheRevisedPenalCodeorspeciallaws,withoutprejudiceto
actionsfortheinvoluntarycommitmentofthechildunderTitleVIIIofthisCode.

CHAPTERV
AssistancetoParents
Article61.AdmonitiontoParents.Wheneveraparentorguardianisfoundtohavebeenunreasonably
neglectfulintheperformanceofhisdutiestowardthechild,heshallbeadmonishedbytheDepartmentof
SocialWelfareorbythelocalCouncilfortheProtectionofChildrenreferredtoinArticle87.
Wheneverachildisfounddelinquentbyanycourt,thefather,motherorguardianmaybejudicially
admonished.
Article62.MedicalandDentalServices.Ifthechildhasspecialhealthproblems,hisparentsshallbe
entitledtosuchassistancefromthegovernmentasmaybenecessaryforhiscareandtreatmentinaddition
tootherbenefitsprovidedforunderexistinglaw.
Article63.FinancialAidandSocialServicestoNeedyFamilies.Specialfinancialormaterialaidand
socialservicesshallbegiventoanyneedyfamily,tohelpmaintainthechildorchildreninthehomeand
preventtheirplacementelsewhere.

TheamountofsuchaidshallbedeterminedbytheDepartmentofSocialWelfare,takinginto
consideration,amongotherthings,theselfemploymentofanyofthefamilymembersandshallbepaid
fromanyfundsavailableforthepurpose.
Article64.AssistancetoWidowedorAbandonedParentandHerMinorDependents.TheStateshallgive
assistancetowidowedorabandonedparentorwhereeitherspouseisonprolongedabsenceduetoillness,
imprisonment,etc.andwhoisunabletosupporthis/herchildren.Financialandotheressentialsocial
servicesshallbegivenbytheNationalGovernmentorotherdulylicensedagencieswithsimilarfunctions
tohelpsuchparentacquirethenecessaryknowledgeorskillneededforthepropercareandmaintenanceof
thefamily.
Article65.CriterionforAid.Thecriteriatodetermineeligibilityfortheaidmentionedinthenexttwo
precedingarticlesshallbe(1)theageofthechildorchildren(2)thefinancialconditionofthefamily,(3)
thedegreeofdeprivationofparentalcareandsupport,and(4)theinabilitytoexerciseparentalauthority.
Article66.AssistancetoUnmarriedMothersandTheirChildren.Anyunmarriedmothermay,beforeand
afterthebirthofthechild,seektheassistanceandadviceoftheDepartmentofSocialWelfareoranyduly
licensedchildplacementagency.Thesaidagenciesshallofferspecializedprofessionalserviceswhich
includeconfidentialhelpandprotectiontosuchmotherandherchild,includingplacementofprotectionto
suchmotherandchild,includingplacementofsuchmother'srights,ifany,againstthefatherofsuchchild.

CHAPTERVI
FosterCare

Article67.FosterHomes.FosterHomesshallbechosenandsupervisedbytheDepartmentofSocial
Welfareoranydulylicensedchildplacementagencywhenandastheneedthereforearises.Theyshallbe
runbymarriedcouples,tobelicensedonlyafterthoroughinvestigationoftheircharacter,background,
motivationandcompetencetoactasfosterparents.
Article68.InstitutionalCare.Assignmentofthechildtoafosterhomeshallbepreferredtoinstitutional
care.Unlessabsolutelynecessary,nochildbelownineyearsofageshallbeplacedinaninstitution.An
olderchildmaybetakenintoaninstitutionforchildcareifathoroughsocialcasestudyindicatesthathe
willderivemorebenefittherefrom.
Article69.Daycareserviceandothersubstituteparentalarrangement.Daycareandothersubstitute
parentalarrangementshallbeprovidedachildwhoseparentsandrelativesarenotabletocareforhim
duringtheday.SucharrangementsshallbethesubjectofaccreditationandlicensingbytheDepartmentof
SocialWelfare.
Article70.TreatmentofChildUnderFosterCare.Achildunderfostercareshallbegiven,asmuchas
possible,theaffectionandunderstandingthathisownparents,ifaliveorpresent,wouldorshouldhave
extendedtohim.Fostercareshalltakeintoconsiderationthetemporarynatureoftheplacementandshall
notalienatethechildfromhisparents.

TITLEIII.
CHILDANDYOUTHWELFAREANDEDUCATION
CHAPTERI
AccesstoEducationalOpportunities
Article71.AdmissiontoSchools.Thestateshallseetoitthatnochildisrefusedadmissioninpublic
schools.Allparentsarerequiredtoenrolltheirchildreninschoolstocomplete,atleast,anelementary
education.
Article72.Assistance.Toimplementeffectivelythecompulsoryeducationpolicy,allnecessary
assistancepossibleshallbegiventoparents,speciallyindigentonesorthosewhoneedtheservicesof
childrenathome,toenablethechildrentoacquireatleastanelementaryeducation.Suchassistancemaybe
intheformofspecialschoolprogramswhichmaynotrequirecontinuousattendanceinschool,oraidinthe
formofnecessaryschoolsupplies,schoollunch,orwhateverconstitutesabartoachild'sattendancein
schooloraccesstoelementaryeducation.
Article73.NurserySchool.Tofurtherhelppromotethewelfareofchildrenofworkingmothersand
indigentparents,andinkeepingwiththeConstitutionalprovisiononthemaintenanceofanadequate
systemofpubliceducation,publicnurseryandkindergartenschoolsshallbemaintained,whenever
possible.Theoperationandmaintenanceofsuchschoolsshallbetheresponsibilityoflocalgovernments.
Aidfromlocalschoolboardfunds,whenavailable,maybeprovided.
Article74.SpecialClasses.Whereneedswarrant,thereshallbeatleastspecialclassesineveryprovince,
and,ifpossible,specialschoolsforthephysicallyhandicapped,thementallyretarded,theemotionally
disturbed,andthespeciallygifted.Theprivatesectorshallbegivenallthenecessaryinducementand
encouragementtoestablishsuchclassesorschools.
Article75.SchoolPlantsandFacilities.Localschoolofficialsandlocalgovernmentofficialsshallseeto
itthatschoolchildrenandstudentsareprovidedwithadequateschoolroomsandfacilitiesincluding
playground,space,andfacilitiesforsportsandphysicaldevelopmentactivities.Suchofficialsshouldseeto
itthattheschoolenvironmentisfreefromhazardstothehealthandsafetyofthestudentsandthatthereare
adequatesafetymeasuresforanyemergenciessuchasaccessibleexits,firefightingequipment,andthelike.
Allchildrenshallhavethefreeaccesstoadequatedentalandmedicalservices.
CHAPTERII
TheHomeandtheSchool
Article76.RoleoftheHome.Thehomeshallfullysupporttheschoolintheimplementationofthetotal
schoolprogramcurricularandcocurriculartowardtheproperphysical,social,intellectualandmoral
developmentofthechild.
Article77.ParentTeacherAssociations.Everyelementaryandsecondaryschoolshallorganizeaparent
teacherassociationforthepurposeofprovidingaforumforthediscussionofproblemsandtheirsolutions,
relatingtothetotalschoolprogram,andforinsuringthefullcooperationofparentsintheefficient
implementationofsuchprogram.Allparentswhohavechildrenenrolledinaschoolareencouragedtobe
activemembersofitsPTA,andtocomplywithwhateverobligationsandresponsibilitiessuchmembership
entails.

ParentTeacherAssociationalloverthecountryshallaidthemunicipalandotherlocalauthoritiesand
schoolofficialsintheenforcementofjuveniledelinquencycontrolmeasures,andintheimplementationof
programsandactivitiestopromotechildwelfare.
CHAPTERIII
Miscellaneous

Article78.Contributions.Noschoolshallreceiveorcollectfromstudents,directlyorindirectly,
contributionsofanykindorform,orforanypurposeexceptthoseexpresslyprovidedbylaw,andon
occasionsofnationalorlocaldisastersinwhichcasetheschoolanyacceptvoluntarycontributionoraid
fromstudentsfordistributiontovictimsofsuchdisastersorcalamities.
TITLEIV.
CHILDANDYOUTHWELFAREANDTHECHURCH
Article79.RightsoftheChurch.TheStateshallrespecttherightsoftheChurchinmatters
affectingthereligiousandmoralupbringingofthechild.
Article80.EstablishmentofSchools.Allchurchesandreligiousorders,congregationsorgroups
may,conformablytolaw,establishschoolsforthepurposeofeducatingchildreninaccordancewith
thetenetsoftheirreligion.
Article81.ReligiousInstruction.Thereligiouseducationofchildreninallpublicandprivate
schoolsisalegitimateconcernoftheChurchtowhichthestudentsbelong.Allchurchesmayoffer
religiousinstructioninpublicandprivateelementaryandsecondaryschools,subjecttothe
requirementsoftheConstitutionandexistinglaws.
Article82.AssistancetoChurches.InsofarasmaybeallowedbytheConstitution,thegovernment
shallextendtoallchurches,withoutdiscriminationorpreference,everyopportunitytoexercisetheir
influenceanddisseminatetheirteachings.
Article83.Parents.ParentsshalladmonishtheirchildrentoheedtheteachingsoftheirChurchand
toperformtheirreligiousduties.Wheneverpossible,parentsshallaccompanytheirchildrentothe
regulardevotionoftheirChurchandotherreligiousceremonies.
TITLEV.
CHILDANDYOUTHWELFAREANDTHECOMMUNITY
CHAPTERI
DutiesinGeneraloftheState
Article84.CommunityDefined.AsusedinthisTitle,acommunityshallmean,thelocal
government,togetherwiththesocietyofindividualsorinstitutions,bothpublicandprivate,inwhich
achildlives.

Article85.DutiesoftheCommunity.Toinsurethefullenjoymentoftherightofeverychildtolive
inasocietythatoffersorguaranteehimsafety,health,goodmoralenvironmentandfacilitiesforhis
wholesomegrowthanddevelopment,itshallbethedutyofthecommunityto:
1.Bringaboutahealthyenvironmentnecessarytothenormalgrowthofchildrenandthe
enhancementoftheirphysical,mentalandspiritualwellbeing;
2.Helpinstitutionsoflearning,whetherpublicorprivate,achievethefundamental
objectivesofeducation;lawphi1.net
3.Organizeorencouragemovementsandactivities,forthefurtheranceoftheinterestsof
childrenandyouth;
4.Promotetheestablishmentandmaintenanceofadequatelyequippedplaygrounds,parks,
andotherrecreationalfacilities;
5.Supportparenteducationprogramsbyencouragingitsmemberstoattendandactively
participatetherein;
6.AssisttheStateincombatingandcurtailingjuveniledelinquencyandinrehabilitating
waywardchildren;
7.Aidincarryingoutspecialprojectsforthebettermentofchildrenintheremoteareasor
belongingtoculturalminoritiesorthosewhoareoutofschool;and
8.Cooperatewithprivateandpublicchildwelfareagenciesinprovidingcare,trainingand
protectiontodestitute,abandoned,neglected,abused,handicappedanddisturbedchildren.
CHAPTERII
CommunityBodiesDealingwithChildWelfare
SECTIONA.BarangayCouncils
Article86.OrdinancesandResolutions.BarangayCouncilsshallhavetheauthoritytoenact
ordinancesandresolutionsnotinconsistentwithlawormunicipalordinances,asmaybenecessaryto
providefortheproperdevelopmentandwelfareofthechildreninthecommunity,inconsultation
withrepresentativesofnationalagenciesconcernedwithchildandyouthwelfare.
Article87.CouncilfortheProtectionofChildren.Everybarangaycouncilshallencouragethe
organizationofalocalCouncilfortheProtectionofChildrenandshallcoordinatewiththeCouncil
fortheWelfareofChildrenandYouthindrawingandimplementingplansforthepromotionof
childandyouthwelfare.Membershipshallbetakenfromresponsiblemembersofthecommunity
includingarepresentativeoftheyouth,aswellasrepresentativesofgovernmentandprivateagencies
concernedwiththewelfareofchildrenandyouthwhoseareaofassignmentincludestheparticular
barangayandshallbeonapurelyvoluntarybasis.
SaidCouncilshall:

1.Fostertheeducationofeverychildinthebarangay;
2.Encouragetheproperperformanceofthedutiesofparents,andprovidelearning
opportunitiesontheadequaterearingofchildrenandonpositiveparentchildrelationship;
3.Protectandassistabandonedormaltreatedchildrenanddependents;
4.Takestepstopreventjuveniledelinquencyandassistparentsofchildrenwithbehavioral
problemssothattheycangetexpertadvise;
5.Adoptmeasuresforthehealthofchildren;
6.Promotetheopeningandmaintenanceofplaygroundsanddaycarecentersandother
servicesthatarenecessaryforchildandyouthwelfare;
7.Coordinatetheactivitiesoforganizationsdevotedtothewelfareofchildrenandsecure
theircooperation;lawphi1.net
8.Promotewholesomeentertainmentinthecommunity,especiallyinmoviehouses;and
9.Assistparents,whenevernecessaryinsecuringexpertguidancecounselingfromthe
propergovernmentalorprivatewelfareagency.
Inaddition,itshallholdclassesandseminarsontheproperrearingofthechildren.Itshalldistribute
toparentsavailableliteratureandotherinformationonchildguidance.TheCouncilshallassist
parents,withbehavioralproblemswhenevernecessary,insecuringexpertguidancecounselingfrom
thepropergovernmentalorprivatewelfareagency.
Article88.BarangayScholarships.Barangayfundsmaybeappropriatedtoprovideannual
scholarshipforindigentchildrenwho,injudgmentoftheCouncilfortheProtectionofChildren,
deservepublicassistanceinthedevelopmentoftheirpotentialities.
Article89.YouthAssociationsinBarangays.Barangaycouncilsshallencouragemembershipincivil
youthassociationsandhelptheseorganizationsattaintheirobjectives.
Article90.AidtoYouthAssociations.Inpropercases,barangayfundsmaybeusedforthepayment
ofthecostoftheuniformsandequipmentrequiredbytheseorganizations.
SECTIONB.CivicAssociationsofAdults
Article91.CivicAssociationsofAdults.AsusedinthisTitle,acivicassociationshallrefertoany
club,organizationorassociationofindividualstwentyoneyearsofageorover,whichisdirectlyor
indirectlyinvolvedincarryingoutchildwelfareprogramsandactivities.
Article92.AccountingofProceedsorFunds.Itshallbethedutyofanycivicassociationofadults
holdingbenefitsorsolicitingcontributionspursuanttotheprovisionsofthenextprecedingarticle,to
renderanaccountingoftheproceedsthereoftotheDepartmentofSocialWelfareortothecityor
municipaltreasurer,asthecasemaybe.

Article93.Functions.Civicassociationsandyouthassociationsshallmakearrangementswiththe
appropriategovernmentalorcivicorganizationfortheinstructionofyouthinusefultradesorcrafts
toenablethemtoearnaliving.
Article94.YouthDemonstrations.Anydemonstrationssponsoredbyanycivicassociationsand
youthassociationsshallbeconductedinapeacefulandlawfulmanner.
Article95.UnwholesomeEntertainmentandadvertisements.Itshallbethedutyofallcivic
associationsandyouthassociationstobringtotheattentionoftheproperauthoritiestheexhibition
ofindecentshowsandthepublication,saleorcirculationofpornographicmaterials.
TheBoardofCensorsortheRadioControlBoardmay,uponrepresentationofanycivicassociation,
prohibitanymovie,televisionorradioprogramoffensivetotheproprietiesoflanguageand
behavior.
Commercialadvertisementsandtrailerswhichareimproperforchildrenundereighteenyearsofage
duetotheiradvocatingorundulysuggestingviolence,vices,crimesandimmorality,shallnotbe
showninanymovietheaterwherethemainfeatureisforgeneralpatronagenorshalltheybeusedor
shownduringorimmediatelybeforeandafteranytelevisionorradioprogramforchildren.
Article96.ComplaintAgainstChildWelfareAgency.Anycivicassociationandanyyouthassociation
maycomplaintotheofficialsofanypublicorprivatechildcaringagencyaboutanyactoromission
thereinprejudicialtothewardsofsuchagency.
Ifthecomplaintisnotactedupon,itmaybebroughttotheCouncilfortheProtectionofChildrenor
theDepartmentofSocialWelfare,whichshallpromptlyinvestigatethematterandtakesuchstepsas
maybenecessary.
Article97.StudiesandResearches.Thegovernmentshallmakeavailablesuchdataandtechnical
assistanceasmaybeneededbycivicassociationsconductingstudiesandresearchesonmatters
relatingtochildwelfare,includingthepreventionofjuveniledelinquency.
Article98.ExchangePrograms.Studentexchangeprogramssponsoredbycivicassociationsor
youthassociationsshallreceivethesupportandencouragementoftheState.
SECTIONC.YouthAssociations
Article99.YouthAssociations.AsusedinthisTitle,ayouthassociationshallrefertoanyclub,
organizationorassociationofindividualsbelowtwentyoneyearsofagewhichisdirectlyor
indirectlyinvolvedincarryingoutchildoryouthwelfareprogramsandactivities.
Article100.RightsandResponsibilities.Allyouthassociationsshallenjoythesamerightsand
dischargethesameresponsibilitiesascivicassociationsasmaybepermittedunderexistinglaws.
Article101.StudentOrganizations.Allstudentorganizationinpublicorprivateschoolsshall
includeintheirobjectivesthecultivationofharmoniousrelationsamongtheirmembersandwiththe
varioussegmentsofthecommunity.

CHAPTERIII
CollaborationBetweentheHomeandtheCommunity
Article102.ProperAtmosphereforChildren.Thehomeshallaidthecommunityinmaintainingan
atmosphereconducivetotheproperupbringingofchildren,particularlywithrespecttotheir
preparationforadultlifeandtheconscientiousdischargeoftheircivicdutiesasawhole.
Article103.UnwholesomeInfluence.Thehomeandthecommunityshallcooperatewitheachother
incounteractingandeliminatingsuchinfluencesasmaybeexerteduponchildrenbyuselessand
harmfulamusementsandactivities,obsceneexhibitionsandprograms,andestablishmentsinimical
tohealthandmorals.
TITLEVI.
CHILDANDYOUTHWELFAREANDTHESAMAHAN
CHAPTERI
DutiesinGeneraloftheSamahan
Article104."Samahan"Defined.AsusedinthisCode,theterm"samahan"shallrefertothe
aggregateofpersonsworkingincommercial,industrial,andagriculturalestablishmentsor
enterprises,whetherbelongingtolaborormanagement.
Article105.Organization.Thebarangay,municipalandcitycouncils,whenevernecessary,shall
providebyordinancefortheformationandorganizationofasamahanintheirrespective
communities.Membershipinthesamahanshallbeonvoluntarybasisfromamongresponsible
personsfromthevarioussectorsofthecommunitymentionedintheprecedingarticle.
Article106.DutiesoftheSamahan.TheSamahanshall:
1.Preventtheemploymentofchildreninanykindofoccupationorcallingwhichisharmful
totheirnormalgrowthanddevelopment;
2.Forestalltheirexploitationbyinsuringthattheirratesofpay,hoursofworkandother
conditionsofemploymentareinaccordancenotonlywithlawbutalsowithequity;
3.Giveadequateprotectionfromallhazardstotheirsafety,health,andmorals,andsecure
tothemtheirbasicrighttoaneducation;lawphi1.net
4.Helpoutofschoolyouthtolearnandearnatthesametimebyhelpingthemlookfor
opportunitiestoengageineconomicselfsufficientprojects;
5.Tocoordinatewithvocationalandhandicraftclassesinallschoolsandagenciesinthe
barangay,municipalityorcitytoarrangeforpossiblemarketingoftheproductsorarticles
madebythestudents;and
6.Provideworkexperience,trainingandemploymentinthoseareaswheretherestoration
andconservationofournaturalresourcesisdeemednecessary.

CHAPTERII
WorkingChildren
Article107.EmploymentofChildrenBelowSixteenYears.Childrenbelowsixteenyearsofagemay
beemployedtoperformlightworkwhichisnotharmfultotheirsafety,healthornormal
developmentandwhichisnotprejudicialtotheirstudies.
TheprovisionsoftheLaborCoderelatingtoemployableageandconditionsofemploymentof
childrenareherebyadoptedaspartofthisCodeinsofarasnotinconsistentherewith.
Article108.DutyofEmployertoSubmitReport.TheemployershallsubmittotheDepartmentof
Laborareportofallchildrenemployedbyhim.Aseparatereportshallbemadeofallsuchchildren
whoarefoundtobehandicappedaftermedicalexamination.TheSecretaryofLaborshallrefersuch
handicappedchildrentothepropergovernmentorprivateagenciesforvocationalguidance,physical
andvocationalrehabilitation,andplacementinemployment.
Article109.RegisterofChildren.Everyemployerinanycommercial,industrialoragricultural
establishmentorenterpriseshallkeep:
1.Aregisterofallchildrenemployedbyhim,indicatingthedatesoftheirbirth;
2.Aseparatefileforthewrittenconsenttotheiremploymentgivenbytheirparentsor
guardians;
3.Aseparatefilefortheireducationalandmedicalcertificates;and
4.AseparatefileforspecialworkpermitsissuedbytheSecretaryofLaborinaccordance
withexistinglaws.
Article110.EducationofChildrenEmployedasDomestics.Ifadomesticisundersixteenyearsof
age,theheadofthefamilyshallgivehimanopportunitytocompleteatleastelementaryeducationas
requiredunderArticle71.Thecostofsucheducationshallbeapartofthedomestic'scompensation
unlessthereisastipulationtothecontrary.
CHAPTERIII
LaborManagementProjects
Article111.RighttoSelfOrganization.Workingchildrenshallhavethesamefreedomsasadultsto
jointhecollectivebargainingunionoftheirownchoosinginaccordancewithexistinglaw.
Neithermanagementnoranycollectivebargainingunionshallthreatenorcoerceworkingchildren
tojoin,continueorwithdrawasmembersofsuchunion.
Article112.ConditionsofEmployment.Thereshallbeclosecollaborationbetweenlaborand
managementintheobservanceoftheconditionsofemploymentrequiredbylawforworking
children.

Article113.EducationalAssistancePrograms.Themanagementmayallowtimeoffwithoutlossor
reductionofwagesforworkingchildrenwithspecialtalentstoenablethemtopursueformalstudies
intechnicalschoolsonscholarshipsfinancedbymanagementorbythecollectivebargainingunionor
unions.
Article114.WelfarePrograms.Laborandmanagementshall,incooperationwiththeWomenand
MinorsBureauoftheDepartmentofLabor,undertakeprojectsandinservicetrainingprogramsfor
workingchildrenwhichshallimprovetheirconditionsofemployment,improvetheircapabilitiesand
physicalfitness,increasetheirefficiency,secureopportunitiesfortheirpromotion,preparethemfor
moreresponsiblepositions,andprovidefortheirsocial,educationalandculturaladvancement.
Article115.ResearchProjects.Laborandmanagementshallcooperatewithanygovernmentor
privateresearchprojectonmattersaffectingthewelfareofworkingchildren.
CHAPTERIV
CollaborationBetweentheHomeandtheSamahan
Article116.CollaborationBetweentheHomeandtheSamahan.ThehomeshallassisttheSamahan
inthepromotionofthewelfareofworkingchildrenandforthispurposeshall:
1.Instillintheheartsandmindsofworkingchildrenthevalueofdignityoflabor;
2.Stresstheimportanceofthevirtuesofhonesty;diligenceandperseveranceinthe
dischargeoftheirduties;
3.Counselthemontheprovidentuseofthefruitsoftheirlaborfortheenrichmentoftheir
livesandtheimprovementoftheireconomicsecurity;and
4.Protecttheirgeneralwellbeingagainstexploitationbymanagementorunionsaswellas
againstconditionsoftheirworkprejudicialtotheirhealth,education,ormorals.
TITLEVII.
CHILDANDYOUTHWELFAREANDTHESTATE
CHAPTERI
RegulationofChildandYouthWelfareServices
Article117.ClassificationsofChildandYouthWelfareAgencies.Publicandprivatechildwelfare
agenciesprovidingencouragement,care,andprotectiontoanycategoryofchildrenandyouth
whethermentallygifted,dependent,abandoned,neglected,abused,handicapped,disturbed,or
youthfuloffenders,classifiedanddefinedasfollows,shallbecoordinatedbytheDepartmentof
SocialWelfare:
1.Achildcaringinstitutionisonethatprovidestwentyfourresidentgroupcareservicefor
thephysical,mental,socialandspiritualwellbeingofnineormorementallygifted,
dependent,abandoned,neglected,handicappedordisturbedchildren,oryouthfuloffenders.

2.Aninstitution,whoseprimarypurposeiseducation,isdeemedtobeachildcaring
institutionwhennineormoreofitspupilsorwardsintheordinarycourseofeventsdonot
returnannuallytothehomesoftheirparentsorguardiansforatleasttwomonthsof
summervacation.
3.Adetentionhomeisatwentyfourhourchildcaringinstitutionprovidingshortterm
residentcareforyouthfuloffenderswhoareawaitingcourtdispositionoftheircasesor
transfertootheragenciesorjurisdiction.
4.Asheltercareinstitutionisonethatprovidestemporaryprotectionandcaretochildren
requiringemergencyreceptionasaresultoffortuitousevents,abandonmentbyparents,
dangerousconditionsofneglectorcrueltyinthehome,beingwithoutadultcarebecauseof
crisisinthefamily,oracourtorderholdingthemasmaterialwitnesses.
5.Receivinghomesarefamilytypehomeswhichprovidestemporaryshelterfromtento
twentydaysforchildrenwhoshallduringthisperiodbeunderobservationandstudyfor
eventualplacementbytheDepartmentofSocialWelfare.Thenumberofchildrenina
receivinghomeshallnotatanytimeexceednine:Provided,Thatnomorethantwoofthem
shallbeunderthreeyearsofage.
6.Anurseryisachildcaringinstitutionthatprovidescareforsixormorechildrenbelowsix
yearsofageforallorpartofatwentyfourhourday,exceptthosedulylicensedtooffer
primarilymedicalandeducationalservices.
7.Amaternityhomeisaninstitutionorplaceofresidencewhoseprimaryfunctionistogive
shelterandcaretopregnantwomenandtheirinfantsbefore,duringandafterdelivery.
8.Arehabilitationcenterisaninstitutionthatreceivesandrehabilitatesyouthfuloffenders
orotherdisturbedchildren.
9.Areceptionandstudycenterisaninstitutionthatreceivesforstudy,diagnosis,and
temporarytreatment,childrenwhohavebehavioralproblemsforthepurposeof
determiningtheappropriatecareforthemorrecommendingtheirpermanenttreatmentor
rehabilitationinotherchildwelfareagencies.
10.Achildplacingagencyisaninstitutionorpersonassumingthecare,custody,protection
andmaintenanceofchildrenforplacementinanychildcaringinstitutionorhomeorunder
thecareandcustodyofanypersonorpersonsforpurposesofadoption,guardianshipor
fostercare.Therelativesofsuchchildorchildrenwithinthesixthdegreeofconsanguinity
oraffinityareexcludedfromthisdefinition.
Article118.LicenseRequired.Noprivateperson,naturalorjuridical,shallestablish,temporarily
orpermanently,anychildwelfareagencywithoutfirstsecuringalicensefromtheDepartmentof
SocialWelfare.
Suchlicenseshallnotbetransferableandshallbeusedonlybythepersonorinstitutiontowhichit
wasissuedattheplacestatedtherein.

Nolicenseshallbegrantedunlessthepurposeoffunctionoftheagencyisclearlydefinedandstated
inwriting.Suchdefinitionshallincludethegeographicalareatobeserved,thechildrentobe
acceptedforcare,andtheservicestobeprovided.
Iftheapplicantisajuridicalperson,itmustberegisteredinaccordancewithPhilippinelaws.
Article119.GuidingPrinciples.Theprotectionandbestinterestsofthechildorchildrentherein
shallbethefirstandbasicconsiderationinthegranting,suspensionorrevocationofthelicense
mentionedintheprecedingarticle.
Article120.RevocationorSuspensionofLicense.TheDepartmentofSocialWelfaremay,after
noticeandhearing,suspendorrevokethelicenseofachildwelfareagencyonanyofthefollowing
grounds:
1.Thattheagencyisbeingusedforimmoralpurposes;
2.Thatsaidagencyisinsolventorisnotinafinancialpositiontosupportandmaintainthe
childrenthereinortoperformthefunctionsforwhichitwasgrantedlicense;
3.Thatthechildrenthereinarebeingneglectedorareundernourished;
4.Thattheplaceissounsanitarysoastomakeitunfitforchildren;
5.Thatsaidagencyislocatedinaplaceorcommunitywherechildrenshouldnotbe,oris
physicallydangeroustochildrenorwouldundulyexposechildrentocrime,vice,immorality,
corruptionorseverecruelty;or
6.Thatsaidagencyhasbyanyactoromissionshownitsincompetenceorunworthinessto
continueactingasachildwelfareagency.Duringtheperiodofsuspension,theagency
concernedshallnotacceptoradmitanyadditionalchildren.Inanycase,theDepartmentof
SocialWelfareshallmakesuchorderastothecustodyofthechildrenunderthecareofsuch
agencyasthecircumstancesmaywarrant.Thesuspensionmaylastforaslongastheagency
hasnotcompliedwithanyorderoftheDepartmentofSocialWelfaretoremoveorremedy
theconditionswhichhaverisentothesuspension.Theaggrievedagencymayappealthe
suspensionand/orrevocationinapropercourtaction.Insuchcase,thecourtshallwithin
fifteendaysfromthefilingoftheDepartmentofSocialWelfare'sanswer,conductahearing
anddecidethecase,eitherbyliftingthesuspension,orcontinuingitforsuchperiodoftime
asitmayorder,orbyrevokingthelicenseoftheagencywheretheDepartmentofSocial
Welfarehasproventherevocationtobejustified.
Article121.ResponsibleGovernmentBody.Thegoverningbodyofachildwelfareagencyor
institutionshallbecomposedofcivicleadersorpersonsofgoodstandinginthecommunity.The
administratormustbeacompetentpersonqualifiedbyeducationorexperienceorbothtoserveas
such.
Article122.ChildCaringInstitutionServingasChildPlacementAgency.Anassociationor
corporationmaybebothachildcaringinstitutionandachildplacementagencyanditmaybe
licensedtocarryoutbothtypesofservice.

Whenalicensealsoservesasachildplacementagency,itshallmaintainastaffequippedbytraining
tomakethoroughstudiesofeveryprospectivefamilyhome.Staffarrangementsmustalsobemade
forcontinuingsupervisionofthechildrenstayinginfamilyhomessolongasthechildrenremainin
thelegalcustodyoftheagency.
Article123.ResponsibleStaffofEmployees.Thelicenseeshallchooseitsemployeeswhoshallbe
personsofgoodhealthandcharacter,andwheneverpossible,thehigherrankofemployeesshallin
additionhavetraining,preferablyinchildpsychology.
Article124.IntakeStudyandPeriodicInvestigations.Thelicenseeshallundertakeinvestigationsto
determineiftheacceptanceorcontinuedstayofachildinitsinstitutionisnecessary.Eachlicensee
shallmakeprovisionsforcontinuingservices,includingsocialcaseworkforeverychildunderits
care.
Article125.Records.Thelicenseeshallkeepconfidentialrecordsofeverychildinitsstudy.These
recordsshallbemadeavailableonlytosuchpersonsasmaybeauthorizedbytheDepartmentof
SocialWelfareorbythepropercourt.
Article126.HomeAtmosphere.Childwelfareagenciesshallendeavortoprovidethechildrenwitha
pleasantatmospherethatshallapproximateasnearlyaspossibletheconditionsofanidealhome.
Vocationalrehabilitationshallalsobeprovidedinaccordancewithexistinglawandtheparticular
needsofthechildren.
Article127.AdequateDiet.Thelicenseeshallprovideavariedandbalanceddiettosatisfythe
child'stotalnutritionalrequirements.
Article128.Clothing.Thelicenseeshallfurnishclean,comfortable,andappropriateclothingfor
everychildunderitscare.
Article129.PhysicalSurroundingsandOutings.Thelicenseeshallmaintainabuildingadequate
bothinventilationandsanitation,andwithasafe,cleanandspaciousplayground.
Regularinexpensiveperiodicoutingshallbeanimportantpartofitsactivitiesinordertomakethe
childrenawareoftheirvitalroleintheircommunityandcountry.
Article130.MedicalandNursingCare.Thelicenseeshallprovideadequatemedicalandnursing
careforsickchildrenwhomaybeconfinedduetoillness.
Article131.ReligiousTraining.Thelicenseeshallprovideopportunitiesforreligioustrainingto
childrenunderitscustody,takingintoconsiderationthereligiousaffiliationorexpresswishesofthe
childorhisparents.Forsuchpurpose,itshallhaveadefinedpolicyregardingitsreligiousactivities
fortheinformationofthosewishingtoplacechildreninitscare.
Article132.AnnualReport.Everychildwelfareagencyorinstitutionshallsubmittothe
DepartmentofSocialWelfareanannualreportsettingforthabriefsummaryofitsoperations
duringtheprecedingyear,includingthefundsreceivedduringsaidperiod,thesourcesthereof,the
purposesforwhichtheywerespentandthecashpositionoftheagencyorinstitutionasofthedateof

thereport,numberofchildrenadmitted,andsuchotherinformationasmayberequiredbythe
DepartmentofSocialWelfare.
CHAPTERII
CollaborationBetweentheHomeandtheState
Article133.HealthyGrowthofChildren.Pursuanttoitsobligationtoassisttheparentsintheproper
upbringingofthechild,theStateshall,wheneverpossible,incollaborationandcooperationwithlocal
governmentestablish:
1.Puericultureandsimilarcenters;
2.Juvenilecourts;
3.Childwelfareagencies;
4.Orphanagesandothersimilarinstitutions;and
5.Children'srecreationcenters.
Article134.PuericultureorHealthCenters.Puericultureorhealthcentersshallbeestablishedinevery
barangaytoperform,amongotherthings,thefollowingfunctions:
1.Disseminateinformationconcerningthehealthofchildrenandexpectantornursingmothers;
2.Provideconsultationserviceandtreatment,whenevernecessary,forthechildrenandthe
expectantornursingmothers;
3.Provideguidanceandspecialtreatmenttochildrenwithphysicalhandicaps;and
4.Advisechildwelfareinstitutionsonmattersrelatingtonutritionandhygiene.
Article135.JuvenileandDomesticRelationsCourts.JuvenileandDomesticRelationsCourtsshall,as
faraspracticable,beestablishedineveryprovinceorcitytohearanddecidecasesinvolvingjuvenileand
domesticproblems.
Article136.RegionalChildWelfareAgencies.TheStateshall,wheneverpracticable,establishregional
childwelfareagencies,orphanagesandothersimilarinstitutionstoprovidecareforthechildrenmentioned
inTitleVIIIofthisCode.
Article137.Children'sReadingandRecreationCenters.TheStateshallestablishineverybarangay
readingcentersandrecreationcenterswherechildrenmaymeetandplaytogetherfortheirhealthygrowth
andtheirsocialandculturaldevelopment.
Article138.ParentEducationProgram.TheDepartmentofSocialWelfareshallfromtimetotimehold
aParentEducationCongress,whichshallaimtoenableparentstounderstandchildgrowthand
development,parentchildrelationship,familylife,andfamilycommunityrelationship,andtoimprove
theirabilitytodischargetheirduties.

Article139.CurfewHoursforChildren.Cityormunicipalcouncilsmayprescribesuchcurfewhoursfor
childrenasmaybewarrantedbylocalconditions.Thedutytoenforcecurfewordinancesshalldevolve
upontheparentsorguardiansandthelocalauthorities.
Anyparentorguardianfoundgrosslynegligentintheperformanceofthedutyimposedbythisarticleshall
beadmonishedbytheDepartmentofSocialWelfareortheCouncilfortheProtectionofChildren.
Article140.StateAidinCaseofPublicCalamity.Incaseofearthquake,flood,storm,conflagration,
epidemic,orothercalamity,theStateshallgivespecialassistancetochildrenwhenevernecessary.The
DepartmentofSocialWelfareshalltakeimmediatecustodyofdependentchildrenandgivetemporary
sheltertoorphanedordisplacedchildren(whoareseparatedfromtheirparentsorguardian).
TITLEVIII.
SPECIALCATEGORIESOFCHILDREN
CHAPTERI
Dependent,AbandonedandNeglectedChildren
Article141.DefinitionofTerms.AsusedinthisChapter:
1.Adependentchildisonewhoiswithoutaparent,guardianorcustodian;oronewhoseparents,
guardianorothercustodianforgoodcausedesirestoberelievedofhiscareandcustody;andis
dependentuponthepublicforsupport.
2.Anabandonedchildisonewhohasnoproperparentalcareorguardianship,orwhoseparentsor
guardianshavedesertedhimforaperiodofatleastsixcontinuousmonths.
3.Aneglectedchildisonewhosebasicneedshavebeendeliberatelyunattendedorinadequately
attended.Neglectmayoccurintwoways:
(a)Thereisaphysicalneglectwhenthechildismalnourished,illcladandwithoutproper
shelter.
(b)Achildisunattendedwhenleftbyhimselfwithoutprovisionsforhisneedsand/or
withoutpropersupervision.
(c)Emotionalneglectexists:whenchildrenaremaltreated,rapedorseduced;when
childrenareexploited,overworkedormadetoworkunderconditionsnotconduciveto
goodhealth;oraremadetobeginthestreetsorpublicplaces,orwhenchildrenarein
moraldanger,orexposedtogambling,prostitutionandothervices.
4.Commitmentorsurrenderofachildisthelegalactofentrustingachildtothecareofthe
DepartmentofSocialWelfareoranydulylicensedchildplacementagencyorindividual.
Commitmentmaybedoneinthefollowingmanner:
(a)Involuntarycommitment,incaseofadependentchild,orthroughtheterminationof
parentalorguardianshiprightsbyreasonofabandonment,substantialandcontinuousor
repeatedneglectand/orparentalincompetencetodischargeparentalresponsibilities,and
inthemanner,formandprocedurehereinafterprescribed.

(b)Voluntarycommitment,throughtherelinquishmentofparentalorguardianshiprights
inthemannerandformhereinafterprescribed.
Article142.PetitionforInvoluntaryCommitmentofaChild:Venue.TheDepartmentofSocialWelfare
Secretaryorhisauthorizedrepresentativeoranydulylicensedchildplacementagencyhavingknowledge
ofachildwhoappearstobedependent,abandonedorneglected,mayfileaverifiedpetitionforinvoluntary
commitmentofsaidchildtothecareofanydulylicensedchildplacementagencyorindividual.
ThepetitionshallbefiledwiththeJuvenileandDomesticRelationsCourt,ifany,orwiththeCourtofFirst
InstanceoftheprovinceorCityCourtinwhichtheparentsorguardianresidesorthechildisfound.
Article143.ContentsofPetition:Verification.Thepetitionforcommitmentmuststatesofarasknownto
thepetitioner:
1.Thefactsshowingthatthechildisdependent,abandoned,orneglected;
2.Thenamesoftheparentorparents,ifknown,andtheirresidence.Ifthechildhasnoparentor
parentsliving,thenthenameandresidenceoftheguardian,ifany;and
3.Thenameofthedulylicensedchildplacementagencyorindividualtowhosecarethe
commitmentofthechildissought.
Thepetitionshallbeverifiedandshallbesufficientifbasedupontheinformationandbeliefofthe
petitioner.
Article144.CourttoSetTimeforHearing:Summons.Whenapetitionorcommitmentisfiled,thecourt
shallfixadateforthehearingthereof.Ifitappearsfromthepetitionthatoneorbothparentsofthechild,or
theguardian,residesinprovinceorcity,theclerkofcourtshallimmediatelyissuesummons,togetherwith
acopyofthepetition,whichshallbeservedonsuchparentorguardiannotlessthantwodaysbeforethe
timefixedforthehearing.Suchsummonsshallrequirethemtoappearbeforethecourtonthedate
mentioned.
Article145.WhenSummonsShallNotbeIssued.Thesummonsprovidedforinthenextprecedingarticle
shallnotbeissuedandthecourtshallthereuponproceedwiththehearingofthecaseifitappearsfromthe
petitionthatbothparentsofthechildaredeadorthatneitherparentcanbefoundintheprovinceorcityand
thatthechildhasnoguardianresidingtherein.
Article146.RepresentationofChild.Ifitappearsthatneitheroftheparentsnortheguardianofthechild
canbefoundintheprovinceorcity,itshallbethedutyofthecourttoappointsomesuitablepersonto
representhim.
Article147.DutyofFiscal.TheprovincialorcityfiscalshallappearfortheState,seeingtoitthatthere
hasbeenduenoticetoallpartiesconcernedandthatthereisjustificationforthedeclarationofdependency,
abandonmentorneglect.
ThelegalservicessectionoftheDepartmentofSocialWelfare,anyrecognizedlegalassociation,orany
appointeddeofficiocounselshallpreparethepetitionfortheSecretaryoftheDepartmentofSocial
Welfare,hisrepresentativeortheheadofthedulylicensedchildplacementagency,orthedulylicensed
individualandrepresenthimincourtinallproceedingsarisingundertheprovisionsofthisChapter.

Article148.Hearing.Duringthehearingofthepetition,thechildshallbebroughtbeforethecourt,
whichshallinvestigatethefactsandascertainwhetherheisdependent,abandoned,orneglected,and,ifso,
thecauseandcircumstancesofsuchcondition.Insuchhearing,thecourtshallnotbeboundbythe
technicalrulesofevidence.
Failuretoprovideforthechild'ssupportforaperiodofsixmonthsshallbepresumptiveevidenceofthe
intenttoabandon.
Article149.CommitmentofChild.If,afterthehearing,thechildisfoundtobedependent,abandoned,or
neglected,anordershallbeenteredcommittinghimtothecareandcustodyoftheDepartmentofSocial
Welfareoranydulylicensedchildplacementagencyorindividual.
Article150.WhenChildMayStayInHisOwnHome.Ifinthecourt'sopinionthecasesofthe
abandonmentorneglectofanychildmayberemedied,itmaypermitthechildtostayinhisownhomeand
underthecareandcontrolofhisownparentsorguardian,subjecttothesupervisionanddirectionofthe
DepartmentofSocialWelfare.
Whenitappearstothecourtthatitisnolongerforthebestinterestsofsuchchildtoremainwithhis
parentsorguardian,itmaycommitthechildinaccordancewiththenextprecedingarticle.
Article151.TerminationofRightsofParents.Whenachildshallhavebeencommittedtothe
DepartmentofSocialWelfareoranydulylicensedchildplacementagencyorindividualpursuanttoan
orderofthecourt,hisparentsorguardianshallthereafterexercisenoauthorityoverhimexceptuponsuch
conditionsasthecourtmayimpose.
Article152.AuthorityofPerson,AgencyorInstitution.TheDepartmentofSocialWelfareoranyduly
licensedchildplacementagencyorindividualreceivingachildpursuanttoanorderofthecourtshallbe
thelegalguardianandentitledtohislegalcustodyandcontrol,beresponsibleforhissupportasdefinedby
law,andwhenproper,shallhaveauthoritytogiveconsenttohisplacement,guardianshipand/oradoption.
Article153.ChangeofCustody.TheDepartmentofSocialWelfareshallhavetheauthoritytochangethe
custodyofachildcommittedtoanddulylicensedchildplacementagencyorindividualifitappearsthat
suchchangeisforthebestinterestsofthechild.However,whenconflictinginterestsariseamongchild
placementagenciesthecourtshallorderthechangeofcommitmentofthechild.
Article154.VoluntaryCommitmentofaChildtoanInstitution.Theparentorguardianofadependent,
abandonedorneglectedchildmayvoluntarilycommithimtotheDepartmentofSocialWelfareoranyduly
licensedchildplacementagencyorindividualsubjecttotheprovisionsofthenextsucceedingarticles.
Article155.CommitmentMustBeinWriting.Nochildshallbecommittedpursuanttothepreceding
articleunlessheissurrenderedinwritingbyhisparentsorguardiantothecareandcustodyofthe
DepartmentofSocialWelfareordulylicensedchildplacementagency.Incaseofthedeathorlegal
incapacityofeitherparentorabandonmentofthechildforaperiodofatleastoneyear,theotherparent
aloneshallhavetheauthoritytomakethecommitment.TheDepartmentofSocialWelfare,oranyproper
anddulylicensedchildplacementagencyorindividualshallhavetheauthoritytoreceive,train,educate,
carefororarrangeappropriateplacementofsuchchild.
Article156.LegalCustody.Whenanychildshallhavebeencommittedinaccordancewiththepreceding
articleandsuchchildshallhavebeenacceptedbytheDepartmentofSocialWelfareoranydulylicensed
childplacementagencyorindividual,therightsofhisnaturalparents,guardian,orothercustodianto
exerciseparentalauthorityoverhimshallcease.

Suchagencyorindividualshallbeentitledtothecustodyandcontrolofsuchchildduringhisminority,and
shallhaveauthoritytocarefor,educate,trainandplacehimouttemporarilyorforcustodyandcareina
dulylicensedchildplacementagency.Suchagencyorindividualmayinterveneinadoptionproceedingsin
suchmannerasshallbestinuretothechild'swelfare.
Article157.VisitationorInspection.Anydulylicensedchildplacementagencyorindividualreceivinga
judicialorderorbyvoluntarycommitmentbyhisparentsorguardianshallbesubjecttovisitationor
inspectionbyarepresentativeofthecourtoroftheDepartmentofSocialWelfareorboth,asthecasemay
be.
Article158.ReportofPersonorInstitution.Anydulylicensedchildplacementagencyorindividual
receivingachildforcommitmentmayatanytimeberequiredbytheDepartmentofSocialWelfareto
submitareport,copyfurnishedthecourt,containingallnecessaryinformationfordeterminingwhetherthe
welfareofthechildisbeingserved.
Article159.TemporaryCustodyofChild.SubjecttoregulationbytheDepartmentofSocialWelfareand
withthepermissionofthecourtincaseofjudicialcommitment,thecompetentauthoritiesofanyduly
licensedchildplacementagencyorindividualtowhichachildhasbeencommittedmayplacehiminthe
careofanysuitableperson,atthelatter'srequest,foraperiodnotexceedingonemonthatatime.
Thetemporarycustodyofthechildshallbediscontinuedifitappearsthatheisnotbeinggivenpropercare,
orathisownrequest,orattheinstanceoftheagencyorpersonreceivinghim.
Article160.ProhibitedActs.Itshallbeunlawfulforanychildtoleavethepersonorinstitutiontowhich
hehasbeenjudiciallyorvoluntarilycommittedorthepersonunderwhosecustodyhehasbeenplacedin
accordancewiththenextprecedingarticle,orforanypersontoinducehimtoleavesuchpersonor
institution,exceptincaseofgravephysicalormoraldanger,actualorimminent,tothechild.
Anyviolationofthisarticleshallbepunishablebyanimprisonmentofnotmorethanoneyearorbyafine
ofnotmorethantwothousandpesos,orbothsuchfineandimprisonmentatthediscretionofthecourt:
Provided,Thatiftheviolationiscommittedbyaforeigner,heshallalsobesubjecttodeportation.
Iftheviolationiscommittedbyaparentorlegalguardianofthechild,suchfactshallaggravateormitigate
theoffenseascircumstancesshallwarrant.
Article161.DutytoReportAbandonment.Whentheparentsorpersonsentitledtoactasguardianofa
childaredeador,ifliving,haveabandonedhim,fornovalidreason,foratleastsixmonthsinaduly
licensedchildplacementagencyorhospital,orlefthimwithanyotherpersonforthesameperiodwithout
providingforhiscareandsupport,suchfactshallbereportedimmediatelytotheDepartmentofSocial
Welfare.Incaseofachildleftinahospital,immediatetransferofthechildtotheDepartmentofSocial
Welfareoranydulylicensedchildplacementagencymustbearranged.TheDepartmentofSocialWelfare
shallmakeprovisionsfortheadequatecareandsupportofthechildandshalltakesuchactionasitmay
deemproperforhisbestinterests.
Article162.AdoptionofDependentorAbandonedorNeglectedChild.Uponthefilingofanapplication
byanypersontoadoptadependent,abandonedorneglectedchildinthecustodyofanyinstitutionor
individualmentionedinArticle156,itshallbethedutyoftheprovincialorcityfiscal,anyrecognizedlegal
association,oranyappointeddeofficiocounseluponbeinginformedofsuchfact,torepresentthe
DepartmentofSocialWelfareintheproceedings.Thecostsofsuchproceedingsshallbedeofficio.

Article163.RestorationofChildAfterInvoluntaryCommitment.Theparentsorguardianofachild
committedtothecareofaperson,agencyorinstitutionbyjudicialordermaypetitionthepropercourtfor
therestorationofhisrightsoverthechild:Provided,Thatthechildinthemeantime,hasnotbeenpriorly
givenawayinadoptionnorhasleftthecountrywiththeadoptingparentsortheguardian.Thepetitionshall
beverifiedandshallstatethatthepetitionerisnowabletotakepropercareandcustodyofsaidchild.
Uponreceivingthepetition,thecourtshallfixthetimeforhearingthequestionsraisedtherebyandcause
reasonablenoticethereoftobesenttothepetitionerandtotheperson,agencyorinstitutiontowhichthe
childhasbeencommitted.Atthetrial,anypersonmaybeallowed,atthediscretionofthecourt,tocontest
therighttothereliefdemanded,andwitnessesmaybecalledandexaminedbythepartiesorbythecourt
motuproprio.Ifitisfoundthatthecauseforthecommitmentofthechildnolongerexistsandthatthe
petitionerisalreadyabletotakepropercareandcustodyofthechild,thecourt,aftertakinginto
considerationthebestinterestsandthewelfareofthechild,shallrenderjudgmentrestoringparental
authoritytothepetitioner.
Article164.RestorationAfterVoluntaryCommitment.UponpetitionfiledwiththeDepartmentofSocial
Welfaretheparentorparentsorguardianwhovoluntarilycommittedachildmayrecoverlegalcustodyand
parentalauthorityoverhimfromtheagency,individualorinstitutiontowhichsuchchildwasvoluntarily
committedwhenitisshowntothesatisfactionoftheDepartmentofSocialWelfarethattheparent,parents
orguardianisinapositiontoadequatelyprovidefortheneedsofthechild:Provided,That,thepetitionfor
restorationisfiledwithinsixmonthsafterthesurrender.
Inallcases,theperson,agencyorinstitutionhavinglegalcustodyofthechildshallbefurnishedwitha
copyofthepetitionandshallbegiventheopportunitytobeheard.
Article165.RemovalofCustody.Apetitiontotransfercustodyofachildmaybefiledagainstapersonor
childwelfareagencytowhosecustodyachildhasbeencommittedbythecourtbasedonneglectofsuch
childasdefinedinArticle141(3).Ifthecourt,afternoticeandhearing,issatisfiedthattheallegationsof
thepetitionaretrueandthatitisforthebestinterestandwelfareofthechildthecourtshallissueanorder
takinghimfromthecustodyofthepersonoragency,asthecasemaybe,andcommittinghimtothe
custodyofanotherdulylicensedchildplacementagencyorindividual.
Thelicenseoftheagencyorindividualfoundguiltyofsuchneglectmaybesuspendedorrevoked,asthe
courtmaydeemproper,inthesameproceeding.
Article166.ReportofMaltreatedorAbusedChild.Allhospitals,clinicsandotherinstitutionsaswellas
privatephysiciansprovidingtreatmentshall,withinfortyeighthoursfromknowledgeofthecase,reportin
writingtothecityorprovincialfiscalortotheLocalCouncilfortheProtectionofChildrenortothe
nearestunitoftheDepartmentofSocialWelfare,anycaseofamaltreatedorabusedchild,orexploitation
ofanemployedchildcontrarytotheprovisionsoflaborlaws.ItshallbethedutyoftheCouncilforthe
ProtectionofChildrenortheunitoftheDepartmentofSocialWelfaretowhomsuchareportismadeto
forwardthesametotheprovincialorcityfiscal.
Violationofthisprovisionshallsubjectthehospital,clinic,institution,orphysicianwhofailstomakesuch
reporttoafineofnotmorethantwothousandpesos.
Incasesofsexualabuse,therecordspertainingtothecaseshallbekeptstrictlyconfidentialandno
informationrelatingtheretoshallbedisclosedexceptinconnectionwithanycourtorofficialproceeding
basedonsuchreport.Anypersondisclosingconfidentialinformationinviolationofthisprovisionshallbe
punishedbyafineofnotlessthanonehundredpesosnormorethanfivethousandpesos,orby
imprisonmentfornotlessthanthirtydaysnormorethanoneyear,orbothsuchfineandimprisonment,at
thediscretionofthecourt.

Article167.FreedomfromLiabilityofReportingPersonorInstitution.Persons,organizations,
physicians,nurses,hospitals,clinicsandotherentitieswhichshallingoodfaithreportcasesofchildabuse,
neglect,maltreatmentorabandonmentorexposuretomoraldangerbefreefromanycivilorcriminal
liabilityarisingtherefrom.
CHAPTERII
MentallyRetarded,PhysicallyHandicapped,EmotionallyDisturbedandMentallyIllChildren
Article168.MentallyRetardedChildren.Mentallyretardedchildrenare(1)sociallyincompetent,thatis,
sociallyinadequateandoccupationallyincompetentandunabletomanagetheirownaffairs;(2)mentally
subnormal;(3)retardedintellectuallyfrombirthorearlyage;(4)retardedatmaturity;(5)mentally
deficientasaresultofconstitutionalorigin,throughhereditaryordisease,and(6)essentiallyincurable.
Article169.ClassificationofMentalRetardation.MentalRetardationisdividedintofourclassifications:
1.CustodialGroup.Themembersofthisclassificationareseverelyorprofoundlyretarded,hence,
theleastcapablegroup.ThisincludesthosewithI.Q.sto25.
2.TrainableGroup.ThemembersofthisgroupconsistofthosewithI.Q.sfromabout25toabout
50;onewhobelongstothisgroupshowsamentallevelandrateofdevelopmentwhichis1/4to
1/2thatoftheaveragechild,isunabletoacquirehigheracademicskills,butcanusuallyacquire
thebasicskillsforlivingtoareasonabledegree.Hecanlikewiseattainaprimarygradelevelof
educationifhereceiveseffectiveinstruction.
3.EducableGroup.Thisgroup'sI.Q.rangesfromabout50toabout75,andtheintellectual
developmentisapproximately1/2to3/4ofthatexpectedofanormalchildofthesame
chronologicalage.Thedegreeofsuccessoraccomplishmentthattheywillreachinlifedepends
verymuchonthequalityandtypeofeducationtheyreceive,aswellasonthetreatmentathome
andinthecommunity.Manyoftheeducableretardatesmayreach5thor6thgradeeducational
levelandcandevelopoccupationalskillswhichmayresultinpartialorcompleteeconomic
independenceinadulthood.
4.BorderlineorLowNormalGroup.Thisisthehighestgroupofmentallyretarded,withI.Q.s
fromabout75toabout89.Themembersofthisclassificationareonlyslightlyretardedandthey
canusuallygetbyinregularclassesiftheyreceivesomeextrahelp,guidanceandconsideration.
Theyhavetospendmuchmoretimewiththeirstudiesthandomostchildreninordertopass.
Thosewhocannotmakeitareusuallyhandicappedbyoneormoreotherconditionsasidefrom
thatofintelligence.
Article170.PhysicallyHandicappedChildren.Physicallyhandicappedchildrenarethosewhoare
crippled,deafmute,blind,orotherwisedefectivewhichrestrictstheirmeansofactiononcommunication
withothers.
Article171.EmotionallyDisturbedChildren.Emotionallydisturbedchildrenarethosewho,althoughnot
afflictedwithinsanityormentaldefect,areunabletomaintainnormalsocialrelationswithothersandthe
communityingeneralduetoemotionalproblemsorcomplexes.
Article172.MentallyIllChildren.Mentallyillchildrenarethosewithanybehavioraldisorder,whether
functionalororganic,whichisofsuchadegreeofseverityastorequireprofessionalhelpor
hospitalization.

Article173.AdmissionofDisabledChildren.TheDepartmentofSocialWelfare,upontheapplicationof
theparentsorguardiansandtherecommendationofanyreputablediagnosticcenterorclinic,shallrefer
and/oradmitdisabledchildrentoanypublicorprivateinstitutionprovidingthepropercare,trainingand
rehabilitation.
"Disabledchildren"asusedinthisChaptershallincludementallyretarded,physicallyhandicapped,
emotionallydisturbed,andseverementallyillchildren.
Article174.TrainingandOpportunitiesforDisabledChildren.Specializededucationalservicesshallbe
expandedandimprovedtoprovideappropriateopportunitiesfordisabledchildren.Vocational
rehabilitationandmanpowerconservationagenciesshalltraindisabledchildrenforspecializedtypesof
jobs,servicesandbusinesswhichcouldbelearnedonlybythemandshallhelpprovideopportunitiesfor
theirfutureoccupationalplacement:Thattheagenciesandorganizationsengagedinprogramsandservices
forthedisabledneednotbelimitedtominors.Personsoflegalagemaybeadmittedwheneverfacilitiesare
availableforthem.
Article175.PlanningofProgramsandServices.Selectedpilotdemonstrationprojectsneededbythe
disabledchildrenshallbedevelopedandshallbethebasisforplanningexpandedprogramsandservices
throughoutthenation.Thereshallbeestablishedareacentersdesignedtobringtogetheranaggregateof
servicestoserveallagesofthedisabledwithinaspecifiedgeographicalarea.
Article176.Donations.Donationstoagenciesandorganizationsengagedinprogramsandservicesfor
disabledchildrenshallbedeductibleinaccordancewiththeprovisionofPresidentialDecreeNo.507.
Article177.PetitionforCommitment.Whereachildappearstobementallyretarded,physically
handicapped,emotionallydisturbed,ormentallyill,andneedsinstitutionalcarebuthisparentsor
guardiansareopposedthereto,theDepartmentofSocialWelfare,oranydulylicensedchildplacement
agencyorindividualshallhavetheauthoritytofileapetitionforcommitmentofthesaidchildtoany
reputableinstitutionprovidingcare,trainingandrehabilitationfordisabledchildren.
Theparentsorguardianofthechildmayfileasimilarpetitionincasenoimmediateplacementcanbe
arrangedforthedisabledchildwhenthewelfareandinterestofthechildisatstake.
Article178.Venue.ThepetitionforcommitmentofadisabledchildshallbefiledwiththeJuvenileand
DomesticRelationsCourt,ifany,orwiththeCourtofFirstInstanceoftheprovinceorCityCourtwhere
theparentorguardianresidesorwherethechildisfound.
Article179.ContentsofPetition.Thepetitionforcommitmentmuststatesofarasknowntothe
petitioner:
1.Thefactsshowingthatthechildappearstobementallyretarded,physicallyhandicapped,
emotionallydisturbedormentallyillandneedsinstitutionalcare;
2.TheFactthattheparentsorguardiansoranydulylicenseddisabledchildplacementagency,as
thecasemaybe,hasopposedthecommitmentofsuchchild;
3.Thenameoftheparentsandtheirresidence,ifknownorifthechildhasnoparentsorparent
living,thenamesandresidenceoftheguardian,ifany;and
4.Thenameoftheinstitutionwherethechildistobecommitted.

Thepetitionshallbeverifiedandshallbesufficientifbasedupontheinformationandbeliefofthe
petitioner.
Article180.OrderofHearing.Ifthepetitionfiledissufficientinformandsubstance,thecourt,byan
orderrecitingthepurposeofthepetition,shallfixthedateforthehearingthereof,andacopyofsuchorder
shallbeservedonthechildallegedtobementallyretarded,orphysicallyhandicapped,oremotionally
disturbed,ormentallyill,andonthepersonhavingchargeofhimoranyofhisrelativesresidinginthe
provinceorcityasthejudgemaydeemproper.Thecourtshallfurthermoreorderthesherifftoproduce,if
possible,theallegeddisabledchildonthedateofthehearing.
Article181.HearingandJudgment.Uponsatisfactoryproofthattheinstitutionalcareofthechildisfor
himorthepublicwelfareandthathisparents,orguardianorrelativesareunableforanyreasontotake
propercareofhim,theCourtshallorderhiscommitmenttotheproperinstitutionfordisabledchildren.
Article182.DispositionofPropertyorMoney.TheCourt,initsorderofcommitment,shallmakeproper
provisionsforthecustodyofpropertyormoneybelongingtothecommittedchild.
Article183.FindingsandOtherData.TheCourtshallfurnishtheinstitutiontowhichthechildhasbeen
committedwithacopyofitsjudgment,togetherwithallthesocialandotherdatapertinenttothecase.
Article184.Expenses.Theexpenseofmaintainingadisabledchildintheinstitutiontowhichhehasbeen
committedshallbeborneprimarilybytheparentsorguardianandsecondarily,bysuchdisabledchild,ifhe
haspropertyofhisown.
Inallcaseswheretheexpensesforthemaintenanceofthedisabledchildcannotbepaidinaccordancewith
thenextprecedingparagraph,thesame,orsuchpartthereofasmayremainunpaid,shallbebornebythe
DepartmentofSocialWelfare.
Article185.ChildrenWithCerebralPalsy.Childrenafflictedwithcerebralpalsyshallbecommittedto
theinstitutionwhichunderthecircumstancesoftheparticularchildconcernedisbestequippedtotreatand
careforhim.
Article186.DischargeofChildJudiciallyCommitted.TheCourtshallorderthedischargeofanychild
judiciallycommittedtoaninstitutionfordisabledchildrenifitiscertifiedbytheDepartmentofSocial
Welfarethat:
1.Hehasbeencertifiedbythedulylicenseddisabledchildplacementagencytobenolongera
hazardtohimselfortothecommunity;
2.Hehasbeensufficientlyrehabilitatedfromhisphysicalhandicapor,ifofworkage,isalready
fittoengageinagainfuloccupation;or
3.Hehasbeenrelievedofhisemotionalproblemsandcomplexesandisreadytoassumenormal
socialrelations.
Article187.DischargeofChildVoluntarilyCommitted.Anychildvoluntarilycommittedtoaninstitution
fordisabledchildrenmaybedischargedbytheDepartmentofSocialWelfaremotupropriooruponthe
requestofhisparentsorguardianonanyofthegroundsspecifiedintheprecedingarticle.Inthelattercase,
theDepartmentofSocialWelfaremayrefusetodischargethechildif,initsopinion,hisreleasewouldbe
prejudicialtohimortothecommunity.

Article188.AssistanceofFiscal.TheprovincialorcityfiscalshallrepresenttheDepartmentofSocial
Welfareoranyrecognizedlegalassociationinalljudicialmattersarisingundertheprovisionsofthis
Chapter.
CHAPTERIII
YouthfulOffenders
Article189.YouthfulOffenderDefined.Ayouthfuloffenderisonewhoisovernineyearsbutunder
twentyoneyearsofageatthetimeofthecommissionoftheoffense.
Achildnineyearsofageorunderatthetimeoftheoffenseshallbeexemptfromcriminalliabilityand
shallbecommittedtothecareofhisorherfatherormother,ornearestrelativeorfamilyfriendinthe
discretionofthecourtandsubjecttoitssupervision.Thesameshallbedoneforachildovernineyearsand
underfifteenyearsofageatthetimeofthecommissionoftheoffense,unlessheactedwithdiscernment,in
whichcaseheshallbeproceededagainstinaccordancewithArticle192.
TheprovisionsofArticle80oftheRevisedPenalCodeshallbedeemedmodifiedbytheprovisionsofthis
Chapter.
Article190.PhysicalandMentalExamination.Itshallbethedutyofthelawenforcementagency
concernedtotaketheyouthfuloffender,immediatelyafterhisapprehension,tothepropermedicalorhealth
officerforathoroughphysicalandmentalexamination.Whenevertreatmentforanyphysicalormental
defectisindicated,stepsshallbeimmediatelyundertakentoprovidethesame.
Theexaminationandtreatmentpapersshallformpartoftherecordofthecaseoftheyouthfuloffender.
Article191.CareofYouthfulOffenderHeldforExaminationorTrial.Ayouthfuloffenderheldfor
physicalandmentalexaminationortrialorpendingappeal,ifunabletofurnishbail,shallfromthetimeof
hisarrestbecommittedtothecareoftheDepartmentofSocialWelfareorthelocalrehabilitationcenteror
adetentionhomeintheprovinceorcitywhichshallberesponsibleforhisappearanceincourtwhenever
required:Provided,Thatintheabsenceofanysuchcenteroragencywithinareasonabledistancefromthe
venueofthetrial,theprovincial,cityandmunicipaljailshallprovidequartersforyouthfuloffenders
separatefromotherdetainees.Thecourtmay,initsdiscretion,uponrecommendationoftheDepartmentof
SocialWelfareorotheragencyoragenciesauthorizedbytheCourt,releaseayouthfuloffenderon
recognizance,tothecustodyofhisparentsorothersuitablepersonwhoshallberesponsibleforhis
appearancewheneverrequired.
Article192.SuspensionofSentenceandCommitmentofYouthfulOffender.Ifafterhearingtheevidence
intheproperproceedings,thecourtshouldfindthattheyouthfuloffenderhascommittedtheactscharged
againsthimthecourtshalldeterminetheimposablepenalty,includinganycivilliabilitychargeableagainst
him.However,insteadofpronouncingjudgmentofconviction,thecourtshallsuspendallfurther
proceedingsandshallcommitsuchminortothecustodyorcareoftheDepartmentofSocialWelfare,orto
anytraininginstitutionoperatedbythegovernment,ordulylicensedagenciesoranyotherresponsible
person,untilheshallhavereachedtwentyoneyearsofageor,forashorterperiodasthecourtmaydeem
proper,afterconsideringthereportsandrecommendationsoftheDepartmentofSocialWelfareorthe
agencyorresponsibleindividualunderwhosecarehehasbeencommitted.
TheyouthfuloffendershallbesubjecttovisitationandsupervisionbyarepresentativeoftheDepartment
ofSocialWelfareoranydulylicensedagencyorsuchotherofficerastheCourtmaydesignatesubjectto
suchconditionsasitmayprescribe.

Article193.Appeal.Theyouthfuloffenderwhosesentenceissuspendedcanappealfromtheorderofthe
courtinthesamemannerasappealsincriminalcases.
Article194.CareandMaintenanceofYouthfulOffender.Theexpensesforthecareandmaintenanceof
theyouthfuloffenderwhosesentencehasbeensuspendedshallbebornebyhisparentsorthosepersons
liabletosupporthim:Provided,Thatincasehisparentsorthosepersonsliabletosupporthimcannotpay
allorpartofsaidexpenses,themunicipalityinwhichtheoffensewascommittedshallpayonethirdofsaid
expensesorpartthereof;theprovincetowhichthemunicipalitybelongsshallpayonethird;andthe
remainingonethirdshallbebornebytheNationalGovernment.Charteredcitiesshallpaytwothirdsof
saidexpenses;andincaseacharteredcitycannotpaysaidexpenses,partoftheinternalrevenueallotments
applicabletotheunpaidportionshallbewithheldandappliedtothesettlementofsaidindebtedness.
Allcityandprovincialgovernmentsmustexerteffortsfortheimmediateestablishmentoflocaldetention
homesforyouthfuloffenders.
Article195.ReportonConductofChild.TheDepartmentofSocialWelfareoritsrepresentativeorduly
licensedagencyorindividualunderwhosecaretheyouthfuloffenderhasbeencommittedshallsubmitto
thecourteveryfourmonthsoroftenerasmayberequiredinspecialcases,awrittenreportontheconduct
ofsaidyouthfuloffenderaswellastheintellectual,physical,moral,socialandemotionalprogressmadeby
him.
Article196.DismissaloftheCase.Ifitisshowntothesatisfactionofthecourtthattheyouthfuloffender
whosesentencehasbeensuspended,hasbehavedproperlyandhasshownhiscapabilitytobeauseful
memberofthecommunity,evenbeforereachingtheageofmajority,uponrecommendationofthe
DepartmentofSocialWelfare,itshalldismissthecaseandorderhisfinaldischarge.
Article197.ReturnoftheYouthOffendertoCourt.Whenevertheyouthfuloffenderhasbeenfound
incorrigibleorhaswilfullyfailedtocomplywiththeconditionsofhisrehabilitationprograms,orshould
hiscontinuedstayinthetraininginstitutionbeinadvisable,heshallbereturnedtothecommittingcourtfor
thepronouncementofjudgment.
Whentheyouthfuloffenderhasreachedtheageoftwentyonewhileincommitment,thecourtshall
determinewhethertodismissthecaseinaccordancewiththenextprecedingarticleortopronouncethe
judgmentofconviction.
Inanycasecoveredbythisarticle,theyouthfuloffendershallbecreditedintheserviceofhissentence
withthefulltimespentinactualcommitmentanddetentioneffectedundertheprovisionsofthisChapter.
Article198.EffectofReleaseofChildBasedonGoodConduct.Thefinalreleaseofachildpursuantto
theprovisionsofthisChaptershallnotobliteratehiscivilliabilityfordamages.Suchreleaseshallbe
withoutprejudicetotherightforawritofexecutionfortherecoveryofcivildamages.
Article199.LivingQuartersforYouthfulOffendersSentence.Whenajudgmentofconvictionis
pronouncedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofArticle197,andatthetimeofsaidpronouncementthe
youthfuloffenderisstillundertwentyone,heshallbecommittedtotheproperpenalinstitutiontoserve
theremainingperiodofhissentence:Provided,Thatpenalinstitutionsshallprovideyouthfuloffenders
withseparatequartersand,asfaraspracticable,groupthemaccordingtoappropriateagelevelsorother
criteriaaswillinsuretheirspeedyrehabilitation:Provided,further,ThattheBureauofPrisonsshall
maintainagriculturalandforestrycampswhereyouthfuloffendersmayservetheirsentenceinlieuof
confinementinregularpenitentiaries.

Article200.RecordsofProceedings.Whereayouthfuloffenderhasbeenchargedbeforeanycityor
provincialfiscalorbeforeanymunicipaljudgeandthechargeshavebeenordereddropped,alltherecords
ofthecaseshallbedestroyedimmediatelythereafter.
Whereayouthfuloffenderhasbeenchargedandthecourtacquitshim,ordismissesthecaseorcommits
himtoaninstitutionandsubsequentlyreleaseshimpursuanttothisChapter,alltherecordsofhiscaseshall
bedestroyedimmediatelyaftersuchacquittal,dismissalorrelease,unlesscivilliabilityhasalsobeen
imposedinthecriminalaction,inwhichcasesuchrecordsshallbedestroyedaftersatisfactionofsuchcivil
liability.Theyouthfuloffenderconcernedshallnotbeheldunderanyprovisionoflaw,tobeguiltyof
perjuryorofconcealmentormisrepresentationbyreasonofhisfailuretoacknowledgethecaseorrecite
anyfactrelatedtheretoinresponsetoanyinquirymadeofhimforanypurpose.
"Records"withinthemeaningofthisarticleshallincludethosewhichmaybeinthefilesoftheNational
BureauofInvestigationandwithanypolicedepartment,oranyothergovernmentagencywhichmayhave
beeninvolvedinthecase.
Article201.CivilLiabilityofYouthfulOffenders.Thecivilliabilityforactscommittedbyayouthful
offendershalldevolveupontheoffender'sfatherand,incaseofhisdeathorincapacity,uponthemother,or
incaseofherdeathorincapacity,upontheguardian.Civilliabilitymayalsobevoluntarilyassumedbya
relativeorfamilyfriendoftheyouthfuloffender.
Article202.RehabilitationCenters.TheDepartmentofSocialWelfareshallestablishregional
rehabilitationcentersforyouthfuloffenders.Thelocalgovernmentandothernongovernmentalentities
shallcollaborateandcontributetheirsupportfortheestablishmentandmaintenanceofthesefacilities.
Article203.DetentionHomes.TheDepartmentofLocalGovernmentandCommunityDevelopmentshall
establishdetentionhomesincitiesandprovincesdistinctandseparatefromjailspendingthedispositionof
casesofjuvenileoffenders.
Article204.LiabilityofParentsorGuardianorAnyPersonintheCommissionofDelinquentActsby
TheirChildrenorWards.Apersonwhethertheparentorguardianofthechildornot,whoknowinglyor
wilfully,
1.Aids,causes,abetsorconniveswiththecommissionbyachildofadelinquency,or
2.Doesanyactproducing,promoting,orcontributingtoachild'sbeingorbecomingajuvenile
delinquent,shallbepunishedbyafinenotexceedingfivehundredpesosortoimprisonmentfora
periodnotexceedingtwoyears,orbothsuchfineandimprisonment,atthediscretionofthecourt.
TITLEIX.
COUNCILFORTHEWELFAREOFCHILDRENANDYOUTH
CHAPTERI
CreationandComposition
Article205.CreationoftheCouncilfortheWelfareofChildren.ACouncilfortheWelfareofChildrenis
herebyestablishedundertheOfficeofthePresident.TheCouncilshallbecomposedoftheSecretaryof
SocialWelfareasChairman,andsevenmembers,namely:TheSecretaryofJustice,theSecretaryofLabor,
theSecretaryofEducationandCulture,theSecretaryofHealth,thePresidingJudgeoftheJuvenileand
DomesticRelationsCourt,CityofManila,andtworepresentativesofvoluntarywelfareassociationstobe
appointedbythePresidentofthePhilippines,eachofwhomshallholdofficeforatermtwoyears.

ThereshallbeapermanentSecretariatfortheCouncilheadedbyanExecutiveDirector,tobeappointedby
theChairmanandapprovedbyamajorityofthemembersoftheCouncil.
Foractualattendanceatregularmeetings,theChairmanandeachmemberoftheCouncilshallreceiveaper
diemofonehundredpesosforeverymeetingactuallyattended,butthetotalamountofperdiemthatthe
Chairmanandamembermayreceiveinamonthshallinnocaseexceedfivehundredpesos.
Article206.Appropriation.Thesumoffivemillionpesosisherebyappropriated,outofanyfundsinthe
NationalTreasurynototherwiseappropriated,fortheoperationandmaintenanceoftheCouncilforthe
WelfareofChildrenandYouthduringthefiscalyear.Thereafter,suchsumsasmaybenecessaryforits
operationandmaintenanceshallbeincludedintheGeneralAppropriationsDecree.
CHAPTERII
PowersandResponsibilities
Article207.PowersandFunctions.TheCouncilfortheWelfareofChildrenandYouthshallhavethe
followingpowersandfunctions:
1.Tocoordinatetheimplementationandenforcementofalllawsrelativetothepromotionofchild
andyouthwelfare;
2.Toprepare,submittothePresidentandcirculatecopiesoflongrangeprogramsandgoalsfor
thephysical,intellectual,emotional,moral,spiritual,andsocialdevelopmentofchildrenand
youth,andtosubmittohimanannualreportoftheprogressthereof;
3.Toformulatepoliciesanddevise,introduce,developandevaluateprogramsandservicesforthe
generalwelfareofchildrenandyouth;
4.Tocalluponandutilizeanydepartment,bureau,office,agency,orinstrumentality,public,
privateorvoluntary,forsuchassistanceasitmayrequireintheperformanceofitsfunctions;
5.Performsuchotherfunctionsasprovidedbylaw.
Article208.OfficestoCoordinatewiththeCouncilforWelfareofChildren.Thefollowingofficesand
agenciesshallcoordinatewiththeCouncilfortheWelfareofChildrenandYouthintheimplementationof
lawsandprogramsonchildandyouthwelfare:
1.DepartmentofJustice
2.DepartmentofSocialWelfare
3.DepartmentofEducationandCulture
4.DepartmentofLabor
5.DepartmentofHealth
6.DepartmentofAgriculture
7.DepartmentofLocalGovernmentandCommunityDevelopment;

8.LocalCouncilsfortheProtectionofChildren;andsuchothergovernmentandprivateagencies
whichhaveprogramsonchildandyouthwelfare.
Existingaswellasproposedprogramsoftheabovenamedagenciesaswellasothergovernmentand
privatechildandyouthwelfareagenciesasmaybehereaftercreatedshallbeimplementedbysuch
agencies:Provided,That,withtheexceptionofthoseproposedbytheLocalCouncilsfortheProtectionof
Children,alllongrangechildandyouthwelfareprogramsshall,beforeimplementation,beindorsedbythe
agenciesconcernedtotheirrespectivedepartments,whichshallinturnindorsethesametotheCouncilfor
theWelfareonChildrenandYouth,forevaluation,cooperationandcoordination.
CHAPTERIII
ImplementationofCodeandRuleMakingAuthority
Article209.ImplementationofthisCodeandRuleMakingAuthority.Theenforcementand
implementationofthisCodeshallbetheprimaryresponsibilityoftheCouncilfortheWelfareofChildren.
SaidCouncilshallhaveauthoritytopromulgatethenecessaryrulesandregulationsforthepurposeof
carryingintoeffecttheprovisionsofthisCode.
FINALPROVISIONS
Article210.GeneralPenalty.ViolationsofanyprovisionsofthisCodeforwhichnopenaltyis
specificallyprovidedshallbepunishedbyimprisonmentnotexceedingonemonthorafinenotexceeding
twohundredpesos,orbothsuchfineandimprisonmentatthediscretionofthecourt,unlessahigher
penaltyisprovidedforintheRevisedPenalCodeorspeciallaws.
Article211.RepealingClause.AlllawsorpartsofanylawsinconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthisCode
areherebyrepealedormodifiedaccordingly:Provided,ThattheprovisionsoftheDangerousDrugsActof
1972andamendmentstheretoshallcontinuetobeinforceandshallnotbedeemedmodifiedorrepealedby
anyprovisionofthisCode.
Article212.SeparabilityClause.IfanyprovisionofthisCodeisheldinvalid,theotherprovisionsnot
affectedtherebyshallcontinueinoperation.
Article213.EffectivityClause.ThisCodeshalltakeeffectsixmonthsafteritsapproval.
DoneintheCityofManila,this10thdayofDecember,intheyearofOurLord,nineteenhundredand
seventyfour.

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