Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___________ 
Introduced by Representative Ma. Rene Ann Lourdes G. Matibag 
AN ACT AMENDING ARTICLE 211 OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 209, SERIES OF 1987, 
OR THE FAMILY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
According to the 1987 Constitution, the State recognizes the Filipino family as the 
foundation of the nation. Accordingly, it shall strengthen its solidarity and actively promote 
its total development. The State shall defend the right of spouses to found a family in 
accordance with their religious convictions and the demands of responsible parenthood, and 
the right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection 
from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their 
development. 
Parental authority is governed by the Family Code of the Philippines, which was 
drafted in 1987. Under Section 211 of the Code, any disagreements between father and mother 
shall be judicially resolved in favor of the father. 
However, economic realities and growing social consciousness have put the wisdom 
behind this provision in question. As more mothers enter the workforce, their contribution to 
family resources have also increased. There is also a growing recognition of women’s rights, 
and the rights of mothers with respect to family decisions involving their children. 
It should also be worth noting that there have been rarely any judicial decisions 
resolving disagreements between fathers and mothers. These matters should not be put to 
courts in the first place, which potentially clogs the dockets, and diminishes the privacy of 
certain family matters. This bill seeks to remedy this situation by deleting the sentence in 
Section 211 of the Code resolving disagreements in favor of fathers in court. 
Considering the rationale stated above, passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
MA. RENE ANN LOURDES G. MATIBAG 
July 21, 2022
4:28 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___________ 
Introduced by Representative Ma. Rene Ann Lourdes G. Matibag 
AN ACT AMENDING ARTICLE 211 OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 209, SERIES OF 1987, 
OR THE FAMILY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. – Article 211 of Executive Order No. 209, Series of 1987, or the Family 
Code of the Philippines is hereby amended as follows:  
“The father and the mother shall jointly exercise parental authority over the 
persons of their common children. [In case of disagreement, the father’s decision shall prevail, 
unless there is a judicial order to the contrary.]” 
SEC. 2. Separability Clause. – If for any reason, any part or provision of this Act is 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other parts or provisions not affected shall remain in 
full force and effect.  
SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. – All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or 
modified accordingly. 
SEC. 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following the 
completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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