FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
,S E N AT E 
Senate Bill No. 
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462 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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Executive Order 209, as amended by Executive 221, otherwise known as 
the Family Code of the Philippines', is one of the notable and innovative measures 
promulgated during the Administration of then President Aquino. The Family Code 
which took effect on August 3, 1988 effectuates the reforms and changes to the 
Civil Code provisions on Family Relations consistent with Filipino values, customs 
and traditions vis-a-vis recent developments in the socio-cultural scene. 
Considering the importance of marriage and family relation in our society, 
the necessity of providing our countrymen with information regarding their marital 
rights and obligations is of utmost significance. It is also important to note that in 
light of the increase in reported cases of spousal abuse, knowledge and familiarity 
with the provisions of the Family Code is important to enable either spouse to 
enforce and protect his or her rights under the law. A massive dissemination 
campaign must be effected in order to make Filipinos cognizant of their rights and 
obligations. This is even more compelling if we also take into consideration the 
approval of Republic Act No. 6809 which lowered the age of majority from 21 to 
18. 
To this end, we must instill reforms in our present educational curriculum so 
as to make our educational system responsive to the needs of society. Hence, this 
bill seeks to include the study of the Family Code as part of the curriculum in the 
tertiary or collegiate level. The proposal seeks to inculcate upon stUdents 
appreciation of the sanctity of marriage as an inviolable social institution, to 
preserve close family ties and in case of legal separation or annulment of 
marriage, to allow them to exercise their respective rights and obligations. 
Support of this bill is earnestly requested. 
, 
Senator 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
Senate Bill No. 
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INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
TO INCLUDE THE STUDY OF THE FAMILY CODE (E.O. 209, AS AMENDED 
BY E.O. 222) IN THE TERTIARY OR COLLEGIATE LEVEL CURRICULUM AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be if enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Inclusion of Family Code in the Curriculum. - The study of 
the Family Code of the Philippines (E.O. 209, as amended) is hereby required to 
be included in the curriculum of tertiary or collegiate level of all private and public 
educational institutions. 
SEC. 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Commission on 
Higher Education shall issue and publish the rules and regulations necessary for 
the effective implementation of this Act within' sixty (60) days from date of its 
effectivity. 
SEC. 3. Penalties for Violation. - Any violation or circumvention of the 
provisions of 
this Act shall be" sanctioned as a violation of the rules and 
regulations of the Commission on Higher Education. 
SEC. 4. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, decrees, rules and 
regulations inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby 
amended or repealed accordingly. 
SEC. 5. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days fter 
its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,