CHR backs bill penalizing deadbeat dads

MANILA, Philippines —  The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) supports the passage of a bill that aims to punish fathers who refuse to pay child support.

“This bill will help a lot of single moms to get a source of livelihood from their ex so that they can take care of the child, or their children and send them to school. There have been a lot of single moms who sought help from us on this,” CHR Commissioner Faydah Maniri Dumarpa said.

Dumarpa said they are hoping that House Bill 8987, after being approved by the committee on the welfare of children, will hurdle the House plenary and the Senate and eventually be signed into law by President Marcos.

She pointed out that under the law, neglecting to provide support to a child is a violation that falls under Violence Against Women and Children because it is considered an economic deprivation.

Under the proposed law filed by ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, any father who refuses or is unable to provide support to his child, even if he has the financial capability to do so, may face imprisonment of up to six years.

“This is a very big help and will be a big boost to our cause, knowing fully well that CHR is fully behind our single moms on this issue,” Tulfo said.

HB 8987 or “An Act Punishing the Willful Failure to Pay Paternal Child Support” was filed in August 2023. Tulfo’s co-authors include Reps. Jocelyn Tulfo and Edvic Yap; Benguet Rep. Eric Go Yap and Rep. Ralph Tulfo of Quezon City’s second district.

The bill is now undergoing review at the House appropriations committee to assess the funding needed to establish a Department of Social Welfare and Development office that will oversee the law’s implementation.

“We need this law very badly because the law has to have teeth against these irresponsible parents who consistently refuse (to pay) child support, especially during critical times when these fathers leave their family behind,” Tulfo said.

The legislators proposed a penalty of up to six years of imprisonment for “deadbeat” fathers.

It was also agreed during hearings that the financial support fathers must provide will depend on the child’s needs. The law will mandate the DSWD, in collaboration with the National Economic and Development Authority, to determine the amount fathers must provide as child support.

“This bill will help our solo parents, numbering around 15 million in our population, and serve as their tool to secure the support their children need. Mothers will no longer have to beg or plead with their ex-partners or the fathers of their children for financial support,” Tulfo said.