Proposed Law Requires Children to Take Care of Elders (Phillipines)

Proposed law requires children to take care of elders
08/19/2008

MANILA, Philippines — A pending bill in the House of Representatives aims to stop the neglect of the elderly by requiring the young to take care of their elders.

House Bill 4771 seeks to address the growing problem of neglect and abandonment of the elderly by their descendants or children.

"There are cases where elderly members of the family like parents, who are admittedly in the twilight of their lives, are neglected and left to fend for themselves. There are even instances where they are abandoned by their own children without any means of support," bill author Rep. Cynthia Villar, who chairs the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, said in a statement on the House of Representatives website

She said such situations are lamentable, considering that the country's statutes contain provisions and policies indicating respect of one's parents and the elderly.

Villar cited Article 15 Sec. 1 of the Philippine Constitution, which provides that the State recognizes the Filipino as the foundation of the nation.

The provision said "the family has the duty to care for its elderly members but the State may also do so through programs of social security."

Likewise, Villar said Article 195 of the Philippine Family Code provides that legitimate ascendants and descendants are obliged to support each other.

The bill requires that children should maintain and support their father or mother and other direct descendants who are in need of support.

In the event that an elderly member appears to be in need, the bill provides that he or she shall by himself or herself or through a representative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), file a petition in court for maintenance and support from any or all his or her children.

Abridged
SOURCE: GmanNews TV
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