Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
ENSURING CHILD SUPPORT AND PENALIZING 
PARENTAL REFUSAL OR NEGLECT THEREOF 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
As indicated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it is the duty of the 
State to defend a child’s right to assistance, including proper care and 
nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, 
exploitation and other condition prejudicial to their development. 
This is further enshrined in several laws, including the Presidential 
Decree No.603 or the Child and Youth Welfare Code, the Republic Act No. 
7610 or the Special Protection of Children against Child Abuse, Exploitation 
and Discrimination Act, and the Republic Act.No.9262 or the Anti-Violence 
against Women and Children Act. 
Every child, whether legitimate or illegitimate, has the right to receive 
support from their parents. Support, as defined in Section 194 of the Family 
Code of the Philippines, comprises everything indispensable for sustenance, 
dwelling, clothing, medical attendance, education, and transportation, in 
keeping with the financial capacity of the family. 
On February 18, 2022, the Philippines signed the Convention on the 
International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family 
Maintenance (known as the Child Support Convention), which was negotiated 
under the authority of the Hague Conference on Private International Law. 
This convention is but one of the affirmation of the country’s commitment to 
protecting children’s rights by ensuring child support. 
September 14, 2022
8:19 pm
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While the State have enacted and implemented several laws that protect 
a child’s right to support, these laws do not penalize parents’ who willfully 
fails to provide child support. 
 
This bill seeks to penalize any person who willfully fails to pay child 
support for at least one year or has an outstanding amount due of Fifty 
Thousand Pesos (Php 50,000.00) or more. It is the hope of this measure to 
protect children’s rights and ensure child support growing up by penalizing 
parental refusal or neglect of child support. 
 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought.  
 
 
 
 
REP. PM VARGAS   
 
Fifth District, Quezon City 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
ENSURING CHILD SUPPORT AND PENALIZING 
PARENTAL REFUSAL OR NEGLECT THEREOF 
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 "Ensuring Child 
Support Act". 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote 
the best interests of children and to protect and defend the right of children 
to child support. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Child Support. – For the purpose of this Act, 
“child support” refers to any amount determined by a court in judgment, 
decree, or order to be due from a person for the support and maintenance of 
a child. It includes a permanent or temporary order and an initial order or a 
modification of an order for child support. 
SECTION 4. Willful Refusal or Neglect to Pay Child Support. – Any person 
who willfully refuses or neglects to pay child support, if such an obligation 
has remained unpaid for at least one (1) year or has an outstanding amount 
due of fifty thousand pesos (Php50,000.00) or more, shall be punished by 
prison correctional under the Revised Penal Code. 
SECTION 5. Presumption. – The existence of a child support obligation that 
has remained unpaid for at least one (1) year or has an outstanding amount 
due of fifty thousand pesos (Php50,000.00) or more, in spite of demand, as 
alleged in the Complaint or Information creates a disputable presumption that 
the person has willfully refused or neglected to pay child support. 
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SECTION 6. Probation. – Should the parent avail of probation after 
conviction and sentence under this Act, the probationer shall meet his or her 
family responsibilities and pay child support as part of the condition for 
probation. 
 
SECTION 7. 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. 
 
SECTION 8. 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. 
 
SECTION 9. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,