THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
S.B. NO 
sENAT!t 
19 3 
Introduced by Senator Ramon B. Magsaysay, Jr. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Filipino family is known for its closely-knit relationship. It is 
for this reason that a number of Filipino values stemmed from this trait. 
Bayunihun. The show of respect ythrough “PO” and “opo”. Pugmamano. 
True enough, a cursory review of our statute books would reveal a 
coterie of provisions and policies indicating respect one’s parents and the 
elderly, viz.; 
0 “The State recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of 
nation. Accordingly, it shall strengthen its solidarity and 
actively promote its total development.” (Art. XV, Sec. 1) 
“The family has the duty to care for its elderly members but the 
State may also do so through just programs of social security.” 
(Sec. 4, Art. 15). 
Under Article 195 of the Family Code, legitimate ascendants 
and descendants are obliged to support each other. Likewise, 
parents and their legitimate and/or illegitimate children are 
bound to support each other. 
0 
However, there are cases where elderly members of the family, who 
are admittedly in the twilight of their lives are neglected and left to fend 
for themselves. There are even instances where elderly members are 
abandoned by their own children without any means of support. Thus, 
the time has come to enact laws to protect the elderly. 
This bill addresses the growing problem of neglect and 
abandonment of the elderly. Elderly members who are “in need of 
maintenance to compel their descendant whether legitimate of 
illegitimate to give support.” 
Immediate approval of this legislation is earnestly recommended. 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPU3LIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
i 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 
1193 
Introduced by Senator Ramon B, Magsaysay, Jr. 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT OF ELDERLY 
MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted bu the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Conqress assembled: 
Section 1. Declar&on---It is declared policy of the State to be 
cognizant of the debilitating financial resources of the elderly members of 
the family. Hence, the State must take positive steps to care for their 
needs through programs that strengthens the solidarity of the family and 
actively promote its total development. 
Section 2. DeBnition of Tern---For purposes of this Act the 
following terms shall mean: 
(a) “elderly member”---refers to the father or mother or other direct 
ascendants of a particular child; 
(b) “in need”---shall mean the elderly member who are already 
aged, sickly, disabled or otherwise incapable of supporting 
themselves; 
(c) ”support”---comprise everything indispensable €or sustenance, 
dwelling, clothing, medical attendance, and transportation, in 
keeping with the financial capacity of the family. 
Section 3. Maintenance of Parents--Children shall maintain and 
support their father or mother and other direct ascendants who are in 
need. 
Where an elderly member appears to be in need, he may by himself 
or through a representative of the Department of Social Welfare and 
Development (DSWD), file a petition in court for his maintenance and 
support from any or all of his children 
Upon trial elderly member shall be represented by a lawyer from 
the public attorney’s office and shall be exempt from all charges and fees. 
Section 4. Contents of the Petition--the petition for maintenance 
(a) The facts showing that the elderly member appears to be aged, 
sickly, disabled 
or 
otherwise 
incapable 
of 
supporting 
themselves; 
(b) The names of the children and their residence and current 
status in life. The petition shall be verified and shall be 
sufficient if based upon the information and belief of the 
petitioner. 
and support must state: 
Section 5. Ordering of Hearing---If the petition filed is 
sufficient in form and substance, the court, by an order reciting 


the purpose of the petition, shall fur the date for the hearing 
thereof and a copy of such order shall be served on the 
child/ children required or maintain and support such elderly 
member. 
Section 6. Order of Hearhg---The court may after notice and 
hearing, grant or deny the petition. Moreover, the court shall take 
into consideration the financial resources of the child/children and 
his obligation to maintain hi own family before its orders the 
maintenance and support of the elderly member. 
Section 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations---The 
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall make 
the rules and guidelines necessary for the proper implementation 
of this Act. 
Section 8. Repealing Clause---No laws, orders, decrees, 
proclamation, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are 
inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
Section 9. Effeedively Clause---This Act shall take effect after 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes earlier. 
Approved,