1 
Republic of the Philippines  
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____ 
Introduced by HON. RICHARD I. GOMEZ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING MECHANISMS FOR THE STATE PROTECTION OF 
CITIZENS BELOW 21 YEARS OLD, WHOSE PARENT OR BOTH PARENTS ARE 
NOT 
LIVING 
WITH 
THEM, 
FROM 
SUBSTANCE 
ABUSE, 
ABUSE 
OF 
PRESCRIPTION 
MEDICINE, 
DRUG 
DEPENDENCE, 
DRUG 
ADDICTION, 
ALCOHOLISM, AND OTHER SIMILAR FORMS OF DRUG OR SUBSTANCE 
MISUSE, INCLUDING PROTECTION FROM THE FORMING OF GAMBLING, 
GAMING, AND/OR SMOKING HABITS, AND OTHER HARMFUL HABITUDES 
AND ADDICTIONS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
This is a measure whose time has come. The relocation or expatriation of a 
father or a mother, or both of them, not only abroad, but to the cities and other 
areas in the Philippines, far from their children, in order to work or find greener 
pasture, has brought about the problem or phenomenon of the so-called “social 
costs of migration.”  
Too many times we see and hear of children losing self-esteem, yearning for 
the love, attention, and caring of their migrant parent or parents who are far away, 
and sadly ending up in situations of substance abuse, abuse of prescription 
medicine, drug dependence, drug addiction, alcoholism, gambling, gaming 
addiction, smoking, and other harmful habitudes and addictions.  
Thus, the proposed measure seeks to strengthen the protection of the State, 
under the Parens patriae doctrine, for  citizens below 21 years old, whose parent 
or both parents are not living with them. 
The bill provides, among others, specific services and monitoring by 
barangay officials, officers and personnel of these citizens twenty-four (24) hours a 
day, seven (7) days a week (24/7) primarily to prevent them from falling into 
substance abuse, abuse of prescription medicine, drug dependence, drug 
April 18, 2023 
10:49am
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addiction, alcoholism, gambling, gaming addiction, smoking, and other harmful 
habitudes and addictions, among others.  
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
RICHARD I. GOMEZ, DPA 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ______ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING MECHANISMS FOR THE STATE PROTECTION OF 
CITIZENS BELOW 21 YEARS OLD, WHOSE PARENT OR BOTH PARENTS ARE 
NOT 
LIVING 
WITH 
THEM, 
FROM 
SUBSTANCE 
ABUSE, 
ABUSE 
OF 
PRESCRIPTION 
MEDICINE, 
DRUG 
DEPENDENCE, 
DRUG 
ADDICTION, 
ALCOHOLISM, AND OTHER SIMILAR FORMS OF DRUG OR SUBSTANCE 
MISUSE, INCLUDING PROTECTION FROM THE FORMING OF GAMBLING, 
GAMING, AND/OR SMOKING HABITS, AND OTHER HARMFUL HABITUDES 
AND ADDICTIONS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
TITLE I 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
Chapter I 
GENERAL PRINCIPLES 
SECTION. 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Government 
Offensive on Minors’ Addictions Act” or "G.O.M.A. Law." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to safeguard the 
integrity of its territory and the well-being of its citizenry particularly the youth, 
from the negative effects of dangerous drugs, alcoholism, gambling, gaming 
addiction, and other harmful habits on their physical, mental and educational well-
being, and to defend the same against acts or omissions detrimental to their 
development and nurturing towards what would otherwise be a successful future. 
In view of the foregoing, the State needs to enhance further the efficacy of the law 
against dangerous drugs, alcoholism, gambling, gaming addiction and other 
harmful habits among children, minors, and the youth in general, these being a 
few of today's more serious social ills. 
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Toward this end, the government shall pursue an intensive and unrelenting 
campaign against the misuse, abuse, or addiction to dangerous drugs, alcohol, 
gambling and/or gaming and other similar harmful habits through an integrated 
system of planning, implementation and enforcement of relevant policies, 
programs, and projects.  
 
It is further declared the policy of the State to provide effective mechanisms 
or measures to act as the parent of minors, whose parent or both parents are not 
living with them, under the Parens patriae doctrine, against substance abuse, drug 
dependence, drug addiction, alcoholism, and other similar forms of drug or 
substance misuse, gambling, and gaming habits and/or other addictions and 
harmful habits. It is the policy of the State to promote policies that provide 
adequate social services for children, minors and the youth whose parent or both 
parents are not living with them. 
 
SEC. 3.  Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
 
(a) Addiction - A complex, and often chronic, brain disease. It is characterized by 
excessive craving, seeking, and use of a drug or drugs, alcohol or any other 
substance. One may also be addicted to gambling, gaming or any other harmful 
habits. Addiction is caused by brain changes caused by constant gambling, gaming 
or use of a drug or drugs, alcohol or any other substance. 
 
(b) Alcohol - A distilled beverage that can make a person drunk. This also refers to an 
alcoholic drink, also called an alcoholic beverage, adult beverage, or simply a drink, 
that contains ethanol, a type of alcohol that acts as a drug and is produced by 
fermentation of grains, fruits, or other sources of sugar. Alcohol is a depressant, 
which in low doses causes euphoria, reduces anxiety, and increases sociability. In 
higher doses, it causes drunkenness, stupor, unconsciousness or death. Long-term 
use can lead to an alcohol use disorder, an increased risk of developing several 
types of cancer, cardiovascular disease and physical and/or mental dependence. 
 
(c) Alcoholism - A chronic, progressive, potentially-fatal disorder marked by excessive 
and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical 
dependence or addiction. Alcoholism is typically characterized by the inability to 
control alcoholic drinking, impairment of the ability to work and socialize, tendency 
to drink alone and engage in violent behavior, neglect of physical appearance and 
proper nutrition, alcohol-related illness (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver), 
and moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, anxiety, 
tremors, insomnia, and confusion) upon detoxification. 
 
(d) Drugs - Chemicals that affect a person in such a way as to bring about 
physiological, emotional, or behavioral change. 
 


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(e) Dangerous drugs - Medicines or pharmaceutical or chemical substances that have 
high tendency for abuse and dependency, these substances may be organic or 
synthetic, and pose harm to those who use them. 
 
(f) Drug Abuse - This exists when a person continually uses a drug other than for its 
intended purpose. This continued use can lead to drug dependence, a state of 
physical and psychological dependence or both on a dangerous drug and/or a 
prescription medicine. 
 
(g) Drug Dependence - This is the state of physical and/or psychological reliance or 
habituation, on a dangerous drug, or drugs, experienced by a person following the 
use of that substance on a periodic or continuous basis. A person dependent on 
drugs will experience “withdrawal reactions” after abstaining from drugs (also 
known as “cold turkey”, or symptoms that occur after long-term use of a drug is 
reduced or stopped abruptly). 
 
(h) Drug Addiction - A complex, and often chronic, brain disease. It is characterized 
by excessive drug craving, seeking, and use. Addiction is caused by brain changes 
caused by constant drug use. 
 
(i) Gambling - The betting or staking of something of value, with consciousness of risk 
and hope of gain, on the outcome of a game, a contest, or an uncertain event whose 
result may be determined by chance or accident or have an unexpected result by 
reason of the bettor’s miscalculation. It is likewise the practice or activity of betting 
or the practice of risking money or other stakes in a game or a bet. 
 
(j) Gaming - The action or practice of playing video games. Gaming also refers to 
playing electronic games, whether through consoles, computers, mobile phones or 
another medium altogether. Gaming is a nuanced term that suggests regular 
gameplay, possibly as a hobby. Although traditionally a solitary form of relaxation, 
online multiplayer video games have made gaming likewise a group activity. 
 
(k) Harmful Habit - An acquired bad behavior pattern regularly followed until it has 
become almost involuntary that is detrimental, inimical and/or deleterious to the 
physical, social, and/or mental aspects of a human being.  
 
(l) Prescription Medicine - A substance or preparation used in treating disease that 
has been specified by - with a certain dosage and within the authority of - a doctor 
or a similar authorized medical professional. 
 
(m) Smoking - The action or habit of inhaling and exhaling the smoke of tobacco or any 
other similar substances by sucking on the end of a lit cigarette, cigar, pipe, 
electronic gadget, and others. 
 
(n) Substance – Chemical or biological or plant-based element, component or mixture 
such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine, which are illegal, or it 


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may also refer to such substances as alcohol, nicotine, or prescription medicines. 
Alcohol is the most common legal drug of abuse. 
 
SEC. 4. Coverage. – This Act applies to all Filipino citizens who are below 
twenty-one (21) years old, whose parent or both parents are not living with them. 
This Act shall be implemented by all relevant agencies of the government, including 
concerned government-owned and/or controlled corporations (GOCCs), and all 
local government units (LGUs) including autonomous regions like those in the 
Bangsa Moro and the Cordilleras. 
 
 
Chapter II 
RIGHTS AND BENEFITS 
 
SEC. 5. Citizens Below 21 Years of Age Whose Parent or Both Parents 
Are Not Living With Them. – Citizens below twenty-one (21) years old, whose 
parent or both parents are not living with them, shall have the same basic rights 
accorded to all other citizens, especially those of the aforementioned age group, as 
enshrined in the Constitution, and relevant international human rights 
instruments and international youth standards. Accordingly, the State shall 
guarantee all the following rights: 
 
(a) 
Security in the home, community, school, and/or workplace; 
 
(b) 
Protection against substance abuse, drug dependence, drug addiction, 
alcoholism, and other similar forms of drug or substance misuse, including against 
the forming of gambling and/or gaming habits, smoking habits, abuse of 
prescription medicine, other addictions, and other harmful habits; 
 
(c) 
Freely chosen or accepted field of study or work, and availment of 
technical and vocational guidance and training programs; 
 
(d) 
Just and favorable conditions of living including safe and healthy living 
conditions safeguarding general, physical, emotional and mental health; 
 
(e) 
Equal inclusion in the list of beneficiaries of government assistance, 
as qualified; 
 
(f) 
Basic services such as affordable medical care, reproductive and other 
health services including modern family planning, low-cost housing, water, 
sanitation, electricity, transport, and rehabilitation or reformation for any and all 
forms of harmful habits like smoking, gambling, gaming and others, substance 
abuse, substance dependence, substance addiction, alcoholism, abuse of 
prescription medicine, etc.; 
 


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(g) 
Equal access to education, skills training, and economic resources to 
develop self-reliance without any discrimination; 
 
(h) 
Self-organization to collectively negotiate with government and other 
entities in the promotion of their welfare and advancement of their interests, free 
from any political interference; 
 
(i) 
An adequate standard of living with adequate food, clothing, and 
shelter, and the continuous improvement of such standard; 
 
(j) 
Freedom from any form of discrimination, violence, exploitation 
including sexual exploitation, harassment, abuse, and any form of inhumane 
treatment which debases, degrades, or demeans their intrinsic worth and dignity 
as human beings; 
 
(k) 
Accessible, affordable, and appropriate social and community 
monitoring and protection, especially coming physically and directly from Barangay 
officials, officers and personnel, twenty-four (24) hours a day and seven (7) days a 
week under the Parens patriae doctrine; 
 
(l) 
Equal treatment before the law; 
 
(m) 
Periodic census and gathering of statistics by Barangay officials, 
officers and personnel to identify all citizens below twenty-one (21) years old 
residing within the barangay, whose parent or both parents are not living with 
them, in order to provide them with all the necessary support and protection 
coming from the barangay, municipality, city, province, national government 
agencies, government-owned and/or controlled corporations and other State 
entities; 
 
(n) 
Substantial participation in policy and decision-making processes 
through their organizations and the use of social dialogue, including access to 
information and other resources relevant to the promotion and protection of their 
rights and welfare; and 
 
(o) 
Access to relevant information and educational programs and projects 
to prevent or treat harmful habits like smoking, gambling, gaming and others, 
substance abuse, substance dependence, substance addiction, alcoholism, abuse 
of prescription medicine, etc. 
 
Chapter III 
SECURITY, SAFETY, PROTECTION AND  
PROVISION OF THE FEELING OF A GENUINE HOME IN THE COMMUNITY 
 
SEC. 6. Designation of Centers for Citizens Below 21 Years of Age Whose 
Parent or Both Parents Are Not Living With Them. – Local government units 


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(LGUs) shall - in coordination with Barangays and citizens below 21 years of age 
whose parent or both parents are not living with them, and who are residing within 
the Barangay’s jurisdiction - endeavor to identify, designate, and design a system 
of assignment on the following: 
 
Parens patriae centers as monitoring, guidance, counselling, training, 
healthcare, legal assistance, security and protection assistance, and meeting place 
or venue for citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not 
living with them, which may include vacant public spaces and spaces which may 
be a private property that the LGU may acquire, lease or negotiate for lease under 
a memorandum of agreement and which must be manned 24 (24) hours a day, 
seven (7) days a week (24/7) by barangay officials, officers and/or personnel 
primarily for the protection of said citizens from any and all kinds of harm. 
 
The process of identifying and designating such Parens patriae centers shall be 
determined in the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of this Act, and the 
process shall have the substantial participation of organizations and stakeholders. 
Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the LGUs shall pass an 
ordinance designating such Parens patriae centers. 
 
SEC. 7. Eviction and Demolition. – Citizens below 21 years of age whose 
parent or both parents are not living with them shall not be evicted from their 
homes and/or workplaces without legal ground as provided by RA 7279, otherwise 
known as the “Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992,” and provision of 
livelihood opportunities, adequate availability of water and electricity, as well as 
decent conditions of living in accordance with the law. The logistical viability for 
the concerned displaced persons affected shall be given priority in determining 
resettlement areas. There shall be no demolition without ensuring appropriate 
resettlement. 
 
Chapter IV 
SOCIAL PROTECTION 
 
SEC. 8. Institutionalization of Social Protection Floor. – The State shall 
support, sustain, enhance, and institutionalize social protection initiatives for 
citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not living with 
them through the convergence of resources of various agencies to provide 
continuous social security and health insurance subsidies to them based on 
applicable and ever-improving standards. 
 
SEC. 9. Social Welfare Efforts. – The Department of Social Welfare and 
Development (DSWD) shall consolidate its strategic social welfare efforts to address 
the needs of the citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are 
not living with them, including direct assistance, policy development and 
community engagement. 
 


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SEC. 10. Role of the Department of Labor and Employment. – The 
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shall engage in labor market 
interventions that provide adequate protection for citizens below 21 years of age 
whose parent or both parents are not living with them. The DOLE shall likewise 
ensure timely and immediate action for their labor concerns, security of tenure, job 
generation and other pertinent concerns. The DOLE shall, in collaboration with the 
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Finance (DOF) 
and other livelihood and enterprise development implementing agencies, develop a 
typology of formalization of informal economic units of citizens below 21 years of 
age whose parent or both parents are not living with them, in terms of registration, 
affordable business permit cost, increased compliance, and extension of labor and 
social security program, among others. 
 
SEC. 11. Social Safety Nets. – The State shall ensure that the social safety 
nets provided by the DOLE, DSWD, Department of Agriculture (DA) and other 
government agencies shall be easily accessible to citizens below 21 years of age 
whose parent or both parents are not living with them and their organizations. 
These include conditional cash transfers, unconditional cash transfers, school 
feeding programs, unconditional in-kind transfers, public works, cash-for-work, 
emergency employment schemes, and fee waivers. 
 
SEC. 12. Women, Family and Child Care Program. – The DOLE, 
Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), 
and DSWD shall ensure that maternity protection is extended to citizens below 21 
years of age whose parent or both parents are not living with them, in accordance 
with Sections 9 and 10 of RA 11210, otherwise known as the “105-Day Expanded 
Maternity Leave Law.”  Programs on maternal and child health and nutrition, child 
feeding, modern family planning, and other health-related services shall be 
strengthened for women WIE. 
 
The State shall encourage the provision of and access to affordable quality 
childcare and other care services to promote gender equality in entrepreneurship, 
employment opportunities, and to enable the transition to a formal economy. 
 
SEC. 13. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change. 
– The State, particularly at the community level, shall engage citizens below 21 
years of age whose parent or both parents are not living with them and their 
organizations in disaster risk reduction and management efforts from 
preparedness, response, rehabilitation and recovery. Responding to climate change 
in terms of minimizing contributions to greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to 
its long-term impact through resiliency-building programs shall also involve 
citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not living with 
them and their organizations. 
 
Chapter V 
LABOR STANDARDS AND ENFORCEMENT OF LABOR LAWS 


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SEC. 14. Prioritization for Education and Training. – The State shall 
implement adequate training and information campaigns to provide citizens below 
21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not living with them and their 
employers the full knowledge of applicable labor and occupational safety and health 
standards for their subsequent compliance. 
 
SEC. 15. Visitorial and Enforcement Power of the Secretary of Labor and 
Employment. – Employment contracts or engagements with citizens below 21 
years of age whose parent or both parents are not living with them shall be subject 
to the visitorial and enforcement power of the Secretary of Labor and Employment 
pursuant to Article 128 of the “Labor Code of the Philippines.” 
 
Chapter VI 
SPECIFIC PROGRAMS, PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES TO PREVENT CITIZENS 
BELOW 21 YEARS OF AGE WHOSE PARENT OR BOTH PARENTS ARE NOT 
LIVING WITH THEM FROM FALLING INTO SUBSTANCE ABUSE, ABUSE OF 
PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE, DRUG DEPENDENCE, DRUG ADDICTION, 
ALCOHOLISM, GAMBLING, GAMING ADDICTION, SMOKING, AND OTHER 
HARMFUL HABITUDES AND ADDICTIONS 
 
SEC. 16. Conduct of Periodic and Regular Seminars, Webinars, Trainings, 
Workshops and Guidance and Counselling Activities in All Barangays 
Nationwide for Citizens Below 21 Years of Age Whose Parent Or Both Parents 
Are Not Living With Them. – In order to prevent citizens below 21 years of age 
whose parent or both parents are not living with them from falling into substance 
abuse, abuse of prescription medicine, drug dependence, drug addiction, 
alcoholism, gambling, gaming addiction, smoking, and other harmful habitudes 
and addictions, all Barangays nationwide shall conduct periodic and regular 
seminars, webinars, trainings, workshops and guidance and counselling activities 
regarding how to fight against depression, healthy and positive thinking, habits to 
promote mental and emotional health, the dangers and bad results of substance 
abuse, abuse of prescription medicine, drug dependence, drug addiction, 
alcoholism, gambling, gaming addiction, smoking, and other harmful habitudes 
and addictions, and other relevant topics. 
 
SEC. 17. Monitoring By The Teacher Who Is Designated As The Class 
Adviser. – The Class Adviser of citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both 
parents are not living with them shall periodically and regularly privately talk to 
them individually to detect any signs of depression, loneliness, sexual and/or 
bullying victimization, etc. as well as signs of substance abuse, abuse of 
prescription medicine, drug dependence, drug addiction, alcoholism, gambling, 
gaming addiction, smoking, and other harmful habitudes and addictions. Upon 
confirmation of any of these, the Class Adviser shall immediately coordinate with 
the health and social welfare professionals of the LGU so that the latter can deliver 
the needed services to the concerned person in order to avoid any deterioration in 
his/her condition.  The Class Adviser shall likewise immediately contact the 


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nearest priest, pastor, imam, or any other spiritual adviser in accordance with the 
religion of the concerned person so that spiritual guidance may likewise be provided 
as soon as possible. 
 
SEC. 18. Barangay Visits. – Barangay officials, officers and/or personnel shall 
regularly and periodically pay friendly visits to the respective homes of citizens 
below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not living with them to 
detect any signs of depression, loneliness, sexual and/or bullying victimization, 
etc. as well as signs of substance abuse, abuse of prescription medicine, drug 
dependence, drug addiction, alcoholism, gambling, gaming addiction, smoking, 
and other harmful habitudes and addictions. Upon confirmation of any of these, 
the Barangay official, officer and/or personnel shall immediately coordinate with 
the health and social welfare professionals of the LGU so that the latter can deliver 
the needed services to the concerned person in order to avoid any deterioration in 
his/her condition.  The Barangay official, officer and/or personnel shall likewise 
immediately contact the nearest priest, pastor, imam, or any other spiritual adviser 
in accordance with the religion of the concerned person so that spiritual guidance 
may likewise be provided as soon as possible. 
 
SEC. 19. Police Surveillance – The officers and members of the Philippine 
National Police (PNP) who are assigned to the barangay shall conduct constant 
twenty-four (24) hours per day and seven (7) days per week (24/7) alert and active 
surveillance (AAS) of all suspected pushers or sellers of substances, prescription 
medicines, dangerous drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, marijuana, as well as 
gambling joints, gaming joints, internet cafes, and other such suspected persons 
and places and ensure that all citizens, especially citizens below 21 years of age 
whose parent or both parents are not living with them, are not victimized and do 
not fall into substance abuse, abuse of prescription medicine, drug dependence, 
drug addiction, alcoholism, gambling, gaming addiction, smoking, and other 
harmful habitudes and addictions.  As such, the buddy-buddy system or patrol 
walking system composed of at least two (2) officers and/or members of the PNP in 
the barangay shall be instituted wherein they will walk along streets and alleyways 
in their uniforms, when not in secret surveillance, and in civilian or plain clothes, 
whenever is secret surveillance. 
 
 
Upon confirmation of any victimization of any citizen below 21 years of age 
whose parent or both parents are not living with him/her, the PNP officer and/or 
personnel concerned shall immediately coordinate with the health and social 
welfare professionals of the LGU so that the latter can deliver the needed services 
to the concerned victim in order to avoid any deterioration in his/her condition.  
The PNP officer and/or personnel, in coordination with the Barangay Captain of 
the place, shall likewise immediately contact the nearest priest, pastor, imam, or 
any other spiritual adviser in accordance with the religion of the concerned victim 
so that spiritual guidance may likewise be provided as soon as possible. 
 


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SEC. 20. Provision of Free Rehabilitation and/or Reformation Services to 
Citizens Below 21 Years of Age Whose Parent Or Both Parents Are Not Living 
With Them – Citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not 
living with them who are verified as truly in need of rehabilitation or reformation 
for substance abuse, abuse of prescription medicine, drug dependence, drug 
addiction, alcoholism, gambling, gaming addiction, smoking, and other harmful 
habitudes and addictions, shall be provided free rehabilitation and/or reformation 
services by the barangay, the municipality, the city, the province, any national 
government agency, reputable private organization, or religious group which is 
verified as not being a cult. 
 
TITLE II 
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL FOR CITIZENS BELOW 21 YEARS OF AGE WHOSE 
PARENT OR BOTH PARENTS ARE NOT LIVING WITH THEM  
 
 
Chapter I 
COMPOSITION AND ORGANIZATION 
 
 
SEC. 21. Development Council For Citizens Below 21 Years Of Age 
Whose Parent Or Both Parents Are Not Living With Them. – There is hereby 
created a Development Council for Citizens Below 21 Years of Age Whose Parent or 
Both Parents Are Not Living With Them, hereinafter referred to as The Council 
which shall be an attached agency of the National Economic and Development 
Authority (NEDA). The Council shall institute appropriate reforms within its 
structure, programming and other processes, adjusting its human resource 
capabilities to ensure that programs focused on citizens below 21 years of age 
whose parent or both parents are not living with them are efficiently and adequately 
implemented to address their needs. An inter-agency committee shall be formed to 
coordinate policies and programs of various government agencies for citizens below 
21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not living with them. 
 
The Council shall be constituted within thirty (30) days after the approval of 
the IRR of this Act. 
 
SEC. 22. Powers and Functions. – The Council shall exercise the following 
powers and functions: 
 
(a) Develop and ensure implementation of annual, long-term and medium-
term plans for citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not 
living with them which should form part of the Medium-Term Philippine 
Development Plans (MTPDP) towards institutionalizing comprehensive, needs and 
rights-based, gender-responsive and child-friendly programs and policies for them; 
 


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(b) Develop policies for citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both 
parents are not living with them according to standards provided for in this Act 
and related laws, treaties or statutes; 
 
(c) Develop and implement training programs, and certify workers for jobs in 
industries that produce goods and render services for the benefit of citizens below 
21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not living with them; 
 
(d) Develop and ensure implementation of gender-based monitoring and 
evaluation mechanisms, efficient and effective programs and policies, and gender-
responsive interventions toward harnessing the full potentials of female citizens 
below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not living with them; 
 
(e) Ensure that concerned government agencies shall allocate in their 
respective Special Allocation for Development Initiatives adequate resources for 
programs that benefit citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents 
are not living with them; 
 
(f) Develop and ensure implementation of a simple system of registration of 
citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not living with 
them, and their organizations in accordance with the standards and provisions of 
this Act; 
 
(g) Provide guidelines for the implementation by LGUs of a fair and credible 
system of evaluation, accreditation of organizations, review and assessment, 
rendering of grant and incentive awards, and other policies relative to the effective 
and efficient implementation of this Act; 
 
(h) Ensure the effective implementation of protection standards covering 
citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not living with 
them as provided for by this Act and its corresponding IRR; 
 
(i) Coordinate with LGUs for the development and implementation of periodic 
evaluation of all citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are 
not living with them for use as bases for protection, analyses, grant of awards and 
incentives, and training and retraining; 
 
(j) Ensure effective participation of citizens below 21 years of age whose 
parent or both parents are not living with them and their organizations through 
the establishment of regular consultative mechanisms and processes; 
 
(k) Establish and develop a centralized and sex-disaggregated database 
system to effectively guide policy formulation and implementation relative to 
citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not living with 
them which must be available for public use while strictly complying with laws on 


14 
 
privacy and confidentiality including other pertinent information specified in the 
IRR of this Act; 
 
(l) Develop and implement a communication plan and campaign targeting 
citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not living with 
them, and organizations towards a better understanding and appreciation of the 
benefits of this Act; 
 
(m) Develop and ensure implementation of a comprehensive plan to prevent 
or treat substance abuse, drug dependence, drug addiction, alcoholism, and other 
similar forms of drug or substance misuse, including the forming of gambling 
and/or gaming habits, smoking habits, abuse of prescription medicine, other 
addictions, and other harmful habits among citizens below 21 years of age whose 
parent or both parents are not living with them; 
 
(p) 
Coordinate and harmonize policies, programs, projects, and activities 
of various government agencies for citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or 
both parents are not living with them, including the Regional Council offices in 
accordance with Section 25 hereof, towards greater efficiency and effectiveness; 
 
(q) Conduct annual reviews of government programs for the citizens below 
21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not living with them and submit 
to Congress and the President of the Philippines corresponding reports thereon 
together with policy and other recommendations; 
 
(r) Develop and ensure implementation of accessible just conflict resolution 
and adjudication systems and mechanisms to promote dialogue, conciliation, 
mediation, and redress of grievances to protect the rights of citizens below 21 years 
of age whose parent or both parents are not living with them; and 
 
(s) Call on the participation of relevant government agencies in its 
deliberations regarding the rights, welfare and protection of citizens below 21 years 
of age whose parent or both parents are not living with them as necessary from 
time to time. 
 
SEC. 23. Composition. – The Council is co-chaired by the Director General 
of NEDA and the Secretary of Social Welfare and Development. Members of The 
Council may elect from among themselves a vice-chairperson to preside over 
meetings in the absence of the chairperson. The members are the relevant 
government instrumentalities to be determined by the IRR of this Act: Provided, 
That at least thirty percent (30%) of the total membership of The Council shall come 
from organizations of citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents 
are not living with them accredited with the SEC, DOLE or DA: Provided, further, 
That at least thirty percent (30%) are women. 
 


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Representatives from the social partners, private sector, NGOs and 
organizations of citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are 
not living with them shall serve as members of The Council for a term of three (3) 
years without re-election and shall be subject to terms and conditions provided for 
by the IRR. 
 
SEC. 24. Secretariat of The Council. – The Council’s secretariat shall be 
jointly organized by the NEDA and the DSWD whose functions shall be determined 
by the IRR of this Act and integrated with the DSWD secretariat functions. 
 
SEC. 25. Regional and Provincial Officers of The Council. – There shall 
be regional and provincial officers of The Council who shall be appointed by The 
Council and shall have functions that include: (a) monitoring and coordinating of 
The Council’s initiatives in the regions and provinces, evaluation of policies 
programs for citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not 
living with them; (b) providing technical assistance in the development of local 
plans and programs; and (c) providing other administrative functions necessary for 
the success of the initiatives of The Council in their jurisdiction. 
 
The Regional officers of The Council shall have automatic seats in all 
Regional Development Councils (RDCs). 
 
Chapter II 
LOCAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICE FOR CITIZENS BELOW 21 YEARS OF AGE 
WHOSE PARENT OR BOTH PARENTS ARE NOT LIVING WITH THEM 
 
SEC. 26. LOCAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICE FOR CITIZENS BELOW 21 
YEARS OF AGE WHOSE PARENT OR BOTH PARENTS ARE NOT LIVING WITH 
THEM.  The Local Development Office for Citizens Below 21 Years of Age Whose 
Parent or Both Parents Are Not Living With Them, otherwise known as The Office, 
shall, in consultation with citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both 
parents are not living with them and their organizations, be established in every 
city and municipality to perform the following functions:  
 
(a) 
Prepare an overall development plan and work program that address 
the needs of citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not 
living with them incorporating the barangay development plans; 
 
(b) 
Develop and maintain a comprehensive, age, and sex-disaggregated 
database of all citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not 
living with them within the jurisdiction of the LGU that shall include all relevant 
information as contained in the IRR of this Act. Provided, That laws on privacy and 
confidentiality shall be fully complied with. Provided, further, That the database 
shall include information on payments collected from citizens below 21 years of age 
whose parent or both parents are not living with them, and their organizations; 
 


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(c) 
Establish a one-stop shop center for citizens below 21 years of age 
whose parent or both parents are not living with them which handles all 
transactions and processes within their respective jurisdiction; 
 
 
(d) 
Perform other similar functions and undertakings pursuant to the 
provisions of this Act. 
 
In the performance of the functions of The Office, the principle of preferential 
treatment to the poorest and most vulnerable shall be observed. 
 
SEC. 27. Composition. – The local chief executives (LCEs) are the primary 
overseers of the operations of the Local Development Office for Citizens Below 21 
Years of Age Whose Parent or Both Parents Are Not Living With Them, otherwise 
referred to as The Office. The IRR of this Act shall provide for the composition of 
The Office. The representatives of citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or 
both parents are not living with them shall form at least fifty percent (50%) of the 
membership of The Office: Provided, That the said representatives are not less than 
five (5) and at least thirty percent (30%) of the members of The Office are women. 
Other relevant guidelines on The Office’s operations shall be included in the IRR of 
this Act. 
 
SEC. 28. Local Government Unit.   Development Fund for Citizens Below 
21 Years Of Age Whose Parent Or Both Parents Are Not Living With Them. – A local 
government unit - Development Fund for Citizens Below 21 Years Of Age Whose 
Parent Or Both Parents Are Not Living With Them, otherwise known as The Fund, 
shall be established in every municipality and city. Such fund shall be supervised 
and managed by the concerned LGU through the The Office and subject to audit 
by the Commission on Audit (COA). 
 
For the initial operations of The Office, each LGU shall allocate a portion from 
its internal revenue allotment or IRA. 
 
Thereafter, the The Fund shall be funded with the following: 
 
(a) 
Annual allocations from LGUs’ development fund the percentage of 
which shall be determined by LGUs. 
 
Following the principle of merit and equity, LGUs that fulfill such allocations 
may receive additional assistance from the national government as recommended 
by The Council: Provided, That the LGUs have sufficiently complied with all 
requirements by The Council. 
 
SEC. 29. Registration and Non-Registration. – In no case shall registration 
be construed as a basis for rights and entitlements under this Act. Non-registration 
shall not deprive any citizen below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents 


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are not living with him/her of his/her rights stated in this Act. Registration as a 
citizen below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not living with 
him/her in the LGU is voluntary and shall not be considered a prerequisite to work 
in any private enterprise or government unit. However, registration shall guarantee 
prioritization and immediate recognition of the rights and benefits due to them. 
 
TITLE III 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
SEC. 30. Prohibited Acts. – The following are prohibited acts: 
 
(a) 
Hazardous living conditions. –  Citizens below 21 years of age whose 
parent or both parents are not living with them shall not be engaged to do 
hazardous work, activity or undertaking, or be exposed to hazardous or 
inappropriate situations or living conditions that may lead them to substance 
abuse, drug dependence, drug addiction, alcoholism, and other similar forms of 
drug or substance misuse, including the forming of gambling and/or gaming 
habits, smoking habits, abuse of prescription medicine, other addictions, and other 
harmful habits, in accordance with existing laws; 
 
(b) 
Interference and coercion. – Any person is prohibited from committing 
any of the following acts of interference or coercion: 
 
(1) Preventing any citizen below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents 
are not living with him/her from upholding or exercising his/her rights, especially 
his/her right to avoid becoming a victim of substance abuse, drug dependence, 
drug addiction, alcoholism, and other similar forms of drug or substance misuse, 
including the forming of gambling and/or gaming habits, smoking habits, abuse of 
prescription medicine, other addictions, and other harmful habits; 
 
(2) Preventing any citizen below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents 
are not living with him/her from joining or assisting an organization for purposes 
not contrary to law; 
 
(3) Preventing any citizen below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents 
are not living with him/her from carrying out his/her duties or functions in an 
organization, or penalizing the same for any lawful action performed in that 
capacity; 
 
(4) Harassing, threatening, coercing, or intimidating any citizen below 21 years 
of age whose parent or both parents are not living with him/her that result in 
preventing him/her from performing his/her duties and functions; and 
 
(6) Other acts that threaten to diminish the independence and freedom of an 
organization of citizens below 21 years of age whose parent or both parents are not 
living with them, to direct its own affairs. 


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(7) Non-compliance with RA 7610, as amended, otherwise known as the “Special 
Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act,” 
in the employment of minors. – In cases where minors are contracted or hired to 
render work or services, the age must be at least fifteen (15) years old, and there 
shall be a parental or legal guardian’s consent in the employment contract, which 
is presented and attested to by any representative of the LGU or duly-elected 
barangay official where the work is to be done, and that the employers of these 
children must provide them with access to at least elementary or secondary 
education, either through traditional schooling or alternative learning systems. 
 
SEC. 31. Penalties. – (a) Any person who in violation of any of the Prohibited 
Acts in Section 30 of this of this Act, except Section (30) (b) (7) thereof,  shall, upon 
conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos 
(P200,000.00), but not more than Three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000.00), 
or imprisonment of one (1) month and one (1) day to six (6) months, or both  at the 
discretion of the court. 
 
(c) Any person who fails to comply with RA 7610 in the employment of minors 
under Section 30 (b) (7) of this Act shall, in addition to the penalty of imprisonment 
imposed by RA 7610, be punished by a fine of not less than Three hundred 
thousand pesos (P300,000.00), but not more than Five hundred thousand pesos 
(P500,000.00). 
 
If the offender is a public official or employee, the court may impose the 
penalty of disqualification to hold public office, in addition to the penalties provided 
in the preceding paragraph. 
 
If the offender is a juridical entity, the person criminally liable shall be its 
board of directors, officers or employees who participated in the illegal acts. 
 
SEC. 32. Transitory Clause. – Within five (5) years from the effectivity of 
this Act, all workers in the informal economy are entitled to the same labor 
standards as workers in the formal economy, in accordance with Section 22 of this 
Act. 
 
SEC. 33. Appropriations. – Such sums as may be necessary for the initial 
implementation of this Act shall be charged from the existing respective 
appropriations of the LGUs, government agencies, government-owned and/or 
controlled corporations and other State entities concerned. Thereafter, such sums 
as may be necessary for its continued implementation shall be included in the 
annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
SEC. 34. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within ninety (90) days 
from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare 
and Development, shall, in consultation with the Director-General of NEDA, 


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concerned government agencies, and organizations of citizens below 21 years old, 
whose parent or both parents are not living with them, promulgate the necessary 
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. 
 
SEC. 35. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the provisions not affected shall continue to be in full 
force and effect. 
 
SEC. 36. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, rules and 
regulations or other issuances inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 37. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 
Approved,