1 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session  
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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 “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 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 
August 27, 2025
11:40 am
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session  
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
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 
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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. 
 
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. 
 


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(d) Drugs - Chemicals that affect a person in such a way as to bring about physiological, emotional, or 
behavioral change. 
 
(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. 


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(n) Substance – Chemical or biological or plant-based element, component or mixture such as marijuana, 
heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine, which are illegal, or it 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 


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and others, substance abuse, substance dependence, substance addiction, alcoholism, abuse of 
prescription medicine, etc.; 
 
(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 
 


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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 (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 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. 


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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. 
 
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 


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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; 
 
(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; 
 


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(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 privacy and confidentiality including other pertinent information specified 
in the IRR of this Act; 
 


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(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. 
 
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. 


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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 parents 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; 
 
(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; 


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(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 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 


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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. 
 
(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. 


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– 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, 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. 
 


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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,