THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
SENATE 
S. No. 
2340 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Article XV, Section 3(2) of the Constitution provides that: 
“The State shall defend the flght of children to assistance, 
including proper care and nutrifion, and special protection from all 
forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation and other conditions 
prejudicial to their development.” 
Articles 276, 277 and 278 of the Revised Penal Code penalize the acts of 
abandoning a child under seven (7) years of age by a person who has the 
custody of such child; indifference of parents; and exploitation of minors. These 
provisions of the Revised Penal Code aim to enforce Article XV, Section 3 (2) of 
the Constitution. However, the dramatic increase in the number of abandoned 
children as well as the increasing rate of juvenile delinquency committed by 
abandoned children necessitate the amendment of the penalties prescribed by 
the Revised Penal Code. The amendment aims to prescribe stiffer penalties 
when the offenses are committed by the parents of the child. 
In view of the urgent need to rectify the laws against delinquent parents 
and to better instill consciousness of their parental duties, the passage of this bill 
is earnestly sought. 
MANNYVILL R 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
6 JUIJ -7 P3 352 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT 
STRENGTHENING THE PENAL PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO 
DELIQUENT PARENTS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE ARTICLES 276, 
277, AND 278 OF THE REVISED PENAL CODE, AS AMENDED 
fY 
Benenacfed by fhe Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in congress assembled: 
SECTION I. 
Article 276 of the Revised Penal Code is hereby amended to 
read as follows: 
“Art. 276. Abandoning a minor- 
The penalty of atresto 
mayor and a fine not exceeding five hundred pesos (Php 500.00) 
shall be imposed upon anyone who shall abandon [a child under 
seven years of age] A MINOR, the custody of which is incumbent 
upon him. 
“THE PENALTY OF PRISON CORRECCIONAL IN ITS 
MINIMUM PERIOD AND A FINE [OF AT LEAST 15,000.00 BUT 
NOT MORE THAN 20,000.00] SHALL BE IMPOSED ON THE 
CULPRIT IF HE IS THE PARENT OF THE MINOR. 
“When the death of the minor shall result from such 
abandonment, the culprit shall be punished by prision correccional 
in its medium and maximum periods[;]. IF THE CULPRIT BE THE 
PARENT OF THE DECEASED, HE SHALL BE PUNISHED BY 


in life require] THE CONSTITUTION GUARANTEES. [and financial 
conditions permit.]” 
SECTION 3. There shall be incorporated after Article 278 (5) of the same 
Code a new paragraph (6), to read as follows: 
“6. ANY PARENT WHO SHALL GIVE HIS MINOR CHILD 
CORRUPTING ORDERS, COUNSEL, OR EXAMPLE SHALL BE 
PUNISHED BY ARREST0 MAYOR IN ITS MAXIMUM PEROID 
AND A FINE _. THIS SHALL INCLUDE CASES WHICH HAVE 
RESULTED FROM CULPABLE NEGLIGENCE OF THE PARENT. 
“IN THE CASE OF THE PARAGRAPH IMMEDIATELY 
PRECEDING, THE DELINQUENT PARENT SHALL, IN ADDITION 
TO THE PENALTY THAT WILL BE IMPOSED UPON HIM, LOSE 
PARENTAL AUTHORITY, HEREDITARY RIGHTS AND CUSTODY 
OF THE CHILD.” 
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved.