By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is supporting the proposed House Bill Penalizing Child Support Violators.
The CHR expressed its strong support for the passage of House Bill (HB) No. 8987, also known as “An Act Ensuring Child Support and Penalizing Parental Refusal or Neglect Thereof”.
“We acknowledge the efforts of our legislators and their commitment to advancing children’s welfare through this significant proposal,” the CHR stressed.
The proposed legislative measure is seeking to penalize the parent who fails to provide essential support for their children’s education, food, clothing, and other basic needs.
Article XV, Section 3(2) of the 1987 Constitution mandates that “the State shall defend 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.”
The CHR upholds that parents have a fundamental responsibility to ensure the welfare of their children, regardless of status, personal circumstances, or differences. By imposing penalties on those who neglect these obligations, this bill not only safeguards children’s rights but also fosters a culture of accountability and responsible parenting across the country.