Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILL No. _1550

Introduced by Representative WALFREDO R. DIMAGUILA, JR.

AN ACT
MANDATING THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND
DEVELOPMENT TO ADJUDICATE AND ENFORCE CLAIMS FOR CHILD
SUPPORT THROUGH AN ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS AND
STRENGTHENING TITLE VIII - SUPPORT UNDER THE FAMILY CODE OF
THE PHILIPPINES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The right to receive support is a fundamental principle enshrined in the Family
Code of the Philippines, which imposes a legal obligation on certain individuals to
provide financial support to their dependents. Under the law, both legitimate and
illegitimate children are entitled to support from their parents, reflecting the State’s
commitment to the welfare and development of the family unit.

Support is not merely a legal duty but a mechanism for reinforcing family
cohesion and social stability. This principle aligns with the 1987 Philippine
Constitution, particularly Article XV, Section 1, which provides:


“Section 1. The State recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the
nation. Accordingly, it shall strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its
total development.”

Moreover, Article 201 of the Family Code sets the standard for determining the
amount of support, stating:

"The amount of support, in the cases referred to in Articles 195 and 196,
shall be in proportion to the resources or means of the giver and to the
necessities of the recipient.”

Despite these constitutional and statutory safeguards, the enforcement of this
right currently depends on the filing of a case before the regular courts—a process
that is often costly, slow, and intimidating, especially for women and children, who
are the usual beneficiaries of support.

There is a growing recognition that filing such cases through the judicial
system, while legally sound, remains impractical for many claimants who are
already in financially or emotionally vulnerable situations. This is particularly
problematic given the urgent and continuing nature of the need for financial
support among dependents, where delays in enforcement can lead to severe
hardship or deprivation.

To address this gap, this bill proposes to institutionalize a quasi-judicial,
administrative mechanism under the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), allowing qu alified claimants to file verified claims for
monetary support that may be adjudicated and enforced with appropriate legal
safeguards.

The proposed measure is consistent with the State’s constitutional mandate to
protect the family and promote the welfare of children and vuinerable sectors. It


also respects the authority of the Supreme Court over judicial processes by
providing that any judicial review shall be through certiorari, without affecting the
quasi-judicial nature of the administrative remedy.

Lone District of B


onNOannwon

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

fn
House Brit no, _ 1589

Introduced by Representative WALFREDO R. DIMAGUILA, JR.

AN ACT
MANDATING THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND
DEVELOPMENT TO ADJUDICATE AND ENFORCE CLAIMS FOR CHILD
SUPPORT THROUGH AN ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS AND
STRENGTHENING TITLE VIII — SUPPORT UNDER THE FAMILY CODE OF
THE PHILIPPINES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title - This Act shall be known as the “Administrative
Support Claims Act of 2025".

Section 2. Declaration of Policy — It is hereby declared the policy of the
State to promote the welfare and protection of the family, especially children,
spouses, and other dependents entitled to support, by ensuring that the right to
receive financial support is upheld, accessible, and enforceable in an efficient,
expeditious, and affordable manner.


Recognizing that judicial proceedings are often costly, time-consuming, and
intimidating for many claimants, particularly those in vulnerable sectors, the State
affirms its commitment to provide an alternative administrative remedy that is
consistent with due process and respects the constitutional powers of the Judiciary.
The State likewise acknowledges that timely and sustained financial support is
crucial to the survival, dignity, and development of the family unit. To this end,
this Act seeks to institutionalize a quasi-judicial mechanism for the fair and prompt.
resolution and enforcement of monetary support claims, in accordance with the
principles of social justice, equal access to justice, and the best interests of the
child.

Section 3. Definition of Terms

a) Support — refers to all forms of financial assistance necessary for sustenance,
dwelling, clothing, medical attendance, education, and transportation, in
accordance with Articles 194 to 203 of the Family Code of the Philippines, It
includes support for legitimate and illegitimate children as entitled under the
law.

b) Administrative Support Claim — refers to a verified petition or request for
monetary support filed before the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), its field offices, or the City/Municipal Social Welfare and
Development Office (CSWDO/MSWDO), outside of judicial proceedings.

©) Social Worker refers to a duly licensed social worker accredited by the DSWD
and designated to receive, assess, and facilitate support claims under this Act.
The social worker shall also be authorized to recommend the amount of support
based on a means-needs analysis and facilitate enforcement procedures as
provided herein.


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d) Support Determination Report — refers to the written findings and
recommendation of the assigned social worker concerning the amount of
support due, based on the resources or means of the giver and the necessities
of the recipient, as guided by Article 201 of the Family Code.

e) VAWC Cases — refers to incidents or situations falling under Republic Act No.
9262, or the “Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004",
including economic abuse where the withholding of support causes or threatens
to cause emotional or material harm.

f) Quasi-Judicial Authority - refers to the power granted to the DSWD or its
designated units to investigate, receive evidence, conduct hearings, and issue
determinations of support with legal effect, subject to appeal or review as
provided under this Act.

Respondent - refers to the individual legally obligated to provide support under
law who is the subject of a claim under this Act.

9g

h

Gainfully Employed Respondent - refers to a person legally obligated to provide
support who is currently engaged in lawful and remunerative employment,
whether in the public or private sector, under a fixed-term, regular, contractual,
or project-based arrangement, and who earns a salary, wage, or income
sufficient to meet basic personal and familial needs. For purposes of this Act, a
gainfully employed respondent indudes self-employed _ individuals,
professionals, and those earning regular income from trade, business, or
freelance work, and shall be subject to income assessment and possible
enforcement mechanisms such as salary deductions or employer coordination.

i) Financially Incapacitated Respondent - a formal, neutral term indicating the
respondent lacks the ability to provide financial support due to unemployment,
illness, or insufficient income.


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j) Caimant- refers to the individual entitled to support who initiates a claim under
this Act, including legal guardians acting on behalf of minors or dependents.

k) Means-Needs Assessment — refers to the process undertaken by the social
worker to evaluate the financial capacity of the respondent and the essential
needs of the claimant, used as the basis for determining the appropriate
amount of support.

!) Invitation Letter — refers to a formal written notice issued by the Department
of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), or the City/Municipal Social
Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO/MSWDO), addressed to the
respondent in a support claim. It serves as an official communication inviting
the respondent to appear for administrative proceedings, including assessment,
mediation, or conciliation, in relation to a pending claim for support. The
issuance of the invitation letter may be initiated motu proprio, upon referral by
the barangay or VAWC desk, or upon the verified application of the claimant,
and shall not be construed as a criminal charge or summons under judicial
proceedings.

m) Support Order — refers to the official written directive issued by the City or
Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO/MSWDO), based on
the Support Determination Report prepared by an accredited social welfare
officer, which has been reviewed and approved by the CSWD or MSWD.

The Support Order sets the amount and schedule of monetary support
that the respondent is required to provide, in accordance with the standards
under Article 201 of the Family Code and the findings of the means-needs
assessment. It shall have quasi-judicial effect and shall be immediately
enforceable, subject to the remedies provided under this Act, including salary
deductions, asset coordination, or referral for further legal action in cases of
willful non-compliance.


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n) Support - refers to all forms of financial assistance necessary for the
sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical care, education, and transportation of
@ person entitled thereto, as provided under Articles 194 to 203 of the Family
Code of the Philippines. It encompasses both fixed and periodic contributions
that a legally obligated individual must provide to a dependent children
(legitimate or illegitimate). Support may be in the form of cash payments, in-
kind contributions, or services with monetary equivalent, and shall be
determined in proportion to the needs of the recipient and the financial capacity
of the provider, pursuant to Article 201 of the Family Code.

0) Sheriff— refers to the officer designated by the City or Municipal Social Welfare
and Development Office (CSWDO/MSWDO), or deputized through coordination
with the local government unit or the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), who is tasked with enforcing support determinations
issued under this Act. The sheriff shall implement invitation letter, Support,
facilitate salary deductions, coordinate with employers, and undertake other
lawful measures necessary to execute the support order, similar to the
enforcement authority granted to sheriffs under the Rules of Court.

P) Accredited Social Welfare Officer -— refers to a licensed social worker who is
duly accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
and officially designated to handle cases involving support claims under this
Act. The officer shall be responsible for receiving applications, conducting
means-needs assessments, preparing Support Determination Reports, issuing
Invitation Letters, and facilitating enforcement mechanisms. Accreditation shall
be based on standards and guidelines set by the DSWD, including continuing
education, ethical compliance, and capacity to handle gender-sensitive and
child-focused interventions.

q) Declared Neglectful Parent - refers to a parent or person legally obligated to
Provide support who, after due administrative process under this Act or other
applicable laws, has been found by the Department of Social Welfare and


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Development (DSWD) or the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development
Office (CSWDO/MSWDO) to have willfully and unjustifiably failed or refused to
provide necessary financial support to a dependent, despite having the capacity
to do so. Such declaration may be made through a Support Determination
Report or other findings issued after hearing or assessment, and may be used
as a basis for further administrative enforcement, protective custody of the
child, or referral for criminal prosecution under Republic Act No. 9262 or other
applicable laws.

Sec. 4, Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within 60 days from the
approval of this Act, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),
in coordination with any appropriate government agency shall formulate the rules
and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 5. Special Support Mechanism for VAWC Cases and Enhanced
Role of Social Workers. - In cases involving women and children who are victims
of violence, abuse, or neglect, including those covered under Republic Act No.
9262, otherwise known as the “Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children
Act of 2004”, claims for monetary support may be initiated and processed through
administrative proceedings facilitated by the City or Municipal Social Welfare and
Development Office (CSWDO/MSWDO).

Sec. 6. Referral from Barangay or VAWC Desk.- Barangay officials or
Women and Children Protection Desks may refer cases involving support claims to
the CSWDO/MSWDO. Upon referral, the concerned social worker shall issue a
formal Invitation Letter to the respondent for purposes of administrative dialogue
and support assessment.

Sec. 7. Administrative Determination of Support.- The assigned social
worker shall assess the needs of the child or dependent and the financial capacity
of the respondent. Based on such assessment, the social worker shall issue a


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Support Determination Report, which shall indicate a recommended monthly
support amount.

Sec. 8. Enforceability of Support Determination Report. - 7he Support
Determination Report shall be prima facie enforceable, subject to compliance
mechanisms outlined under this Act, and may be the basis for:

a) Payroll deductions through employer cooperation or existing

company welfare policies;

b) Withholding of benefits under internal social assistance

mechanisms;

c) Referral to the sheriff or authorized enforcement officer of the

CSWDO for garnishment or collection.

Sec. 9. Protective Action for Child Safety. - In situations where non-
compliance with support obligations poses an immediate threat to the welfare of a
child, the CSWDO shall have the authority to:

a) Recommend temporary shelter or custody arrangements;

b) Coordinate with DSWD and relevant courts for emergency protective

custody;

c) Pull out the child, if necessary, to ensure safety and survival,

consistent with child welfare laws.

Sec. 10. Expansion of Social Worker Authority. - For purposes of this Act,
duly accredited social workers of the CSWDO/MSWDO are granted quasi-judicial
authority to:

a) Conduct summary proceedings on support claims;

b) Issue enforceable support recommendations;

¢) Coordinate directly with employers and barangays for

implementation;

d) File appropriate reports or complaints for noncompliance with

administrative determinations.


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Sec. 11. Sheriff and Enforcement Officers. - Each CSWDO shall designate
or coordinate with a designated enforcement officer or sheriff to implement
support determinations and perform such acts necessary to compel compliance,
including asset tagging, employer coordination, and documentation for higher-level
prosecution or court escalation.

Sec, 12. Means-Needs Assessment and Adjustment. - To ensure that the
amount of support ordered is fair, adequate, and responsive to the evolving needs
of the dependent and the financial capacity of the respondent, every support claim
filed under this Act shall undergo a Means-Needs Assessment, to be conducted by
an accredited social welfare officer.

a) Scope of Assessment.
The assessment shail consider the following factors:

i, The basic and reasonable needs of the claimant or
dependent, including but not limited to food, shelter,
clothing, education, transportation, and medica! care;

ji. The resources, income, and standard of living of the
respondent, including employment status, declared income,
lifestyle, and known assets;

iii. The presence of other dependents or obligations of the
respondent; and

iv. Any existing arrangements or past support already being
provided.

b) Presumption and Reference to Inflation.

The social worker shall base the support determination on
prevailing economic standards and current cost-of-living indices,
subject to periodic review and adjustment in accordance with the
Official inflation rate as published by the Philippine Statistics Authority
(PSA).


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Unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties, all Support Orders
issued under this Act shall be automatically adjusted annually,
without need of further application, based on the inflation rate for
the preceding calendar year.

c) Documentation and Report.

The findings of the assessment shall be recorded in a Support
Determination Report, signed by the accredited social worker and
submitted for approval by the head of the CSWDO or DSWD regional
Officer, and shall serve as the basis for the issuance of a Support
Order.

Sec. 13. Affidavit of Financial Incapacity and Penal Liability for
Misrepresentation. - A respondent who seeks to be exempted from the
obligation to provide monetary support due to alleged lack of income, employment,
or assets shall be required to submit a Notarized Affidavit of Financial Incapacity,
attesting under oath to the following:

a) That he or she is not gainfully employed or is currently without lawful
source of income;

b) That he or she has no sufficient assets, properties, or means to comply
with a support obligation; and

c) That the statements made are true and based on personal knowledge.

d) The affidavit shall be filed with the City or Municipal Social Welfare and
Development Office (CSWDO/MSWDO) and shall form part of the official
case record.

Sec. 14. Duty to Investigate and Verify. - The CSWDO/MSWDO may, motu
proprio or upon complaint, verify the truth of the declarations made in the affidavit,
including through coordination with relevant government agencies such as the
Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security System (SSS), Government


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Service Insurance System (GSIS), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and other

public or private entities.

Sec. 15. Grounds for Contesting a Claim for Support. - A respondent in
an administrative support proceeding under this Act may file a verified objection
to the claim, stating lawful and factual grounds to contest the obligation or the
amount demanded. Acceptable grounds for objection shall include, but not be

limited to, the following:

a) That the claimant is not legally entitled to receive support under the
Family Code of the Philippines;

b) That the respondent is financially incapacitated due to
unemployment, illness, disability, or any other condition which
substantially impairs earning capacity;

C) That the claim is fraudulent, excessive, or misrepresented, and not
Teflective of the actual needs of the claimant or the resources of the
respondent;

d) That the obligation to provide support has been waived, settled, or
modified by a valid agreement or prior adjudication;

e) That the claim is filed in the wrong venue, or the Social Welfare Office
lacks jurisdiction over the parties or subject matter;

f) That the respondent is already providing sufficient and regular
support either directly, indirectly, or through third-party
arrangements; and

g) That the amount of support claimed is disproportionate to the means
of the respondent or unnecessary under the circumstances.

h) The objection must be resolved by the accredited social welfare
officer within fifteen (15) days from receipt, after summary hearing
or clarification. The decision on the objection shall be incorporated
in the Support Determination Report and shall be subject to review
as provided under this Act.


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Sec. 16. Default Determination of Support in Case of Non-
Appearance. -in the event that the respondent fails or refuses to appear despite
due notice or Invitation Letter issued by the City or Municipal Social Welfare and
Development Office (CSWDO/MSWDO), the assigned accredited social welfare
officer shall proceed to evaluate the claim based on the evidence submitted by the
Claimant and any available records relating to the respondent’s employment,
assets, or earning capacity.

Based on such assessment, the social worker shall issue a Support
Determination Report recommending a default amount of support, taking into
consideration the following:

a) The necessities of the claimant, including food, shelter, education,
transportation, and medical needs;

b) The estimated income, lifestyle, or declared financial capacity of the
respondent, based on available information or presumptions of
eaming capacity;

©) The standard provided in Article 201 of the Family Code, which
requires that support be proportionate to the means of the giver and
the needs of the recipient.

The recommended amount shall be deemed a Support Order upon approval by
the CSWDO head or DSWD authorized officer, and shall be immediately
enforceable through the mechanisms provided under this Act, including employer
coordination, payroll deductions, or other administrative remedies.

Failure of the respondent to appear shall be construed as a waiver of the right
to refute the claim, without prejudice to any future motion for modification
supported by justifiable cause and new evidence.

SECTION 17. Appeal and Execution Pending Appeal. - Any party
aggrieved by the issuance of a Support Order or any final action taken by the City


357

or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO/MSWDO) under this
Act may file a verified appeat before the appropriate Regional Office of the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) within fifteen (15)
calendar days from receipt of the order or decision.

The appeal shall be in writing, verified under oath, and shall clearly state the
grounds and arguments relied upon, accompanied by supporting documents, if
any.

(a) Execution Pending Appeal.

Notwithstanding the filing of an appeal, the Support Order shall
be immediately executory, and shall be implemented pending
appeal, unless a motion to stay execution is filed and granted by the
DSWD Regional Office upon clear and convincing proof of grave
injustice or manifest error that would result from immediate
execution.

The filing of an appeal shall not suspend the obligation of the
respondent to comply with the support order nor shall it stay any
administrative enforcement action unless expressly ordered
otherwise in writing by the Regional Office.

(b) Resolution of Appeal.
The DSWD Regional Office shall resolve the appeal within thirty
(30) calendar days from receipt of the complete case record. The
decision of the Regional Office shall be final and executory, without
prejudice to the right of either party to seek judicial review through
a petition for certiorari under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court.

Sec. 18. Employer Compliance and Reporting Obligations. - Upon
issuance and approval of a Support Order under this Act, the City or Municipal
Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO/MSWDO) or the Department of


Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall issue a Notice of Support Order to
the employer or company where the respondent is currently employed.

a) Mandatory Compliance.

The employer or authorized payroll officer shall, within
fifteen (15) days from receipt of the notice, begin deducting the
amount stated in the Support Order from the respondent's salary
or compensation, and shall remit the same to the claimant or
designated payee through the mechanism prescribed by the
CSWDO/MSWDO or DSWD.

b) Failure of the employer to comply without justifiable cause shall
render the employer administratively liable and may be held jointly
liable with the respondent for unpaid support.

¢) Prohibition Against Additional Loan Deductions.

From the moment the employer receives the Notice of
Support Order, no additional deductions from the respondent's
salary or wages for loans, advances, or company liabilities shall
be allowed unless the support obligation has been fully satisfied
each payroll cycle. The support deduction shall take first priority
over all other voluntary deductions, except mandatory
government contributions (e.g., SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, tax).

d) Duty to Report Employment Changes.

In the event that the respondent resigns, is terminated, or
transfers employment, both the employer and the respondent
shall be duty-bound to notify the CSWDO/MSWDO or DSWD in
writing within ten (10) days from the date of such separation or
transfer.


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Failure to report employment changes may subject the
employer or respondent to administrative sanctions, including
contempt proceedings or enforcement actions under this Act.

e) Continuing Liability.

If the respondent obtains new employment, the obligation
to comply with the Support Order shall automatically transfer to
the new employer, who shall likewise be notified and bound under
the same terms upon formal notice.

Sec. 19. Penalties for Noncompliance by Corporations or Employers. -
Any corporation, partnership, organization, or employer who willfully refuses or
fails to comply with a duly issued and served Support Order or Notice of Support
Order under this Act shall be held administratively liable, without prejudice to any
civil or criminal liability as may be warranted by law.

a) Corporate and Employer Liability.

If the employer is a juridical entity, such noncompliance
shall render the entity solidarily liable with the respondent for the
unpaid amount of support due from the time of noncompliance
until full payment.

b) Personal Liability of Responsible Officers.

In case of willful refusal, gross negligence, or deliberate
failure to act on a Support Order, the following corporate officers
or responsible persons shall be held personally liable, jointly and
solidarily with the employer:

i. The President,
ii. The Vice President or equivalent ranking officer in charge
of operations or personnel,
iii, The Human Resource Manager, or


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iv. Any officer or employee who had actual knowledge of the

order and failed to act thereon.

Cc) Penalties.

Such persons found liable shall be subject to:

i.

A fine of not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00)
but not more than Two Hundred Thousand Pesos
(P200,000.00),

Suspension or revocation of business permits for repeated
violations, in coordination with the local government unit
and relevant regulatory agencies, and

Blacklisting from government transactions or public
bidding, where applicable.

Referral to DOJ or NLRC.

In appropriate cases, the matter may be referred to the
Department of Justice (DOJ) or the National Labor Relations
Commission (NLRC) for further investigation and
prosecution under applicable labor and criminal ‘aws,
including but not limited to obstruction of lawful orders and
violations of social protection statutes.

d) Penalties for False Declaration.

If the respondent is found to have willfully misrepresented

his or her financial status, or if assets, income, or employment
are discovered that contradict the contents of the affidavit, he or
she shall be liable for:

Perjury, under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code,
Falsification of public documents, where applicable, and
Other appropriate criminal, civil, or administrative

sanctions under existing laws, rules, and regulations.


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This shall be without prejudice to the immediate enforcement of a revised or
new Support Order based on verified capacity.

Sec. 20. Appropriations. — The amount of Twenty Million Pesos
(P20,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated for the initial implementation of this Act.
Said amount shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation
of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 21. Separability Clause. — If any portion or provision of this Act is
declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected
thereby shall remain in force and effect.

Sec. 22. Repealing Clause. — Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the

provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 23. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following
its complete publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

APPROVED.