Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT PUNISHING THE WILLFUL FAILURE TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Family Code of the Philippines in Section 194 defines SUPPORT as that “comprises 
everything indispensable for sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical assistance, education, and 
transportation, in keeping with the financial capacity of the family.” This bill gives importance to 
the right of each child to be supported by their parents until such time that they become self- 
sustaining. Our nation is afflicted by children who may be ignored or willfully neglected to be 
brought up by their parents for their reasons. Each one of us may even have experienced 
personal hardships growing up and suffering silently brought about by the absence or insufficient 
support of a parent. This is a wounding truth, however, the willful neglect to pay child support is 
not a penal act in our State. Hence, this filing. 
This proposed legislation is proof of our strong advocacy and belief that our nation cares for the 
best interests of a child. This bill seeks to penalize the willful neglect of parents to pay child 
support that is already adjudged by a court of justice in a decision, decree, or in any order for 
the benefit of a child. To bear a child is a choice made by the parents and the formative years of 
a child are solely based on the quality of life that the parents will offer. It but right to highlight 
the 
morals 
of 
accountability 
and 
culpability 
of 
parents 
in 
rearing 
a 
child. 
The passing of this bill is urgently sought because thousands of babies are born every day and 
as public servants, we ought to protect them by the time-honored principle of parens patriae. 
On behalf of the people of Parañaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the 
Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought. 
REP. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
2nd District, Parañaque City 
September 22, 2022
5:00 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT PUNISHING THE WILLFUL FAILURE TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:  
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to promote the best interests 
of children and to protect and defend the right of children to child support.  
SEC 2. Definition of Child Support. – For purposes of this Act, child support refers to any 
amount determined by a court in a judgment, decree, or order to be due from a person for the 
support and maintenance of a child. It includes a permanent or temporary order and an initial 
order or a modification of an order for child support.  
SEC 3. Willful Failure to Pay Child Support. – Any person who willfully fails to pay child 
support, if such an obligation has remained unpaid for at least one (1) year or has an outstanding 
amount due of fifty thousand pesos (Php 50,000.00) or more, shall be punished by prision 
correctional under the Revised Penal Code.  
SEC 4. Presumption. – The existence of a child support obligation that has remained unpaid 
for at least one (1) year or has an outstanding amount due of fifty thousand pesos (Php 
50.000.00) or more, despite demand, as alleged in the Complaint or Information creates a 
disputable presumption that the person has willfully failed to pay child support.  
SEC. 5. Probation. – Should the parent avail of probation after conviction and sentence under 
this Act, the probationer shall meet his or her family responsibilities and pay child support as part 
of the condition for probation.  
SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. – All laws, Decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or other issuances 
or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
SEC. 7. Separability Clause. – If any part or provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, 
the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.  
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SEC. 11. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the completion 
of its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the 
Philippines. 
 
Approved,