Senator Ping Lacson has proposed the Parents Welfare Act of 2025 to establish homes for the elderly in provinces and in highly urbanized cities, as well as criminalize the abandonment of elderly parents.
Under the bill, a parent in need may file a petition before a court and pray for the issuance of a support order against a child who failed or refused to provide such support, with legal assistance and representation provided by the Public Attorney’s Office at no cost.
If the respondent fails to give support for three consecutive months after a hearing, they shall face imprisonment of one to six months or a fine of P100,000. Additionally, whoever has the care or protection of a parent in need of support and abandons them will face six to 10 years in jail and a fine of P300,000.
‘Government’s Responsibility’
News of the proposed bill was not well-received by the public. Many X users said the bill does not consider the realities of people who are not financially capable and who have also been abused or neglected by their parents.
Other netizens pointed out that the bill rids the government of responsibilities, such as free healthcare and improving existing government programs geared towards elderly welfare and retirement support.
Lacson, who had filed the Parents Welfare Act in previous congresses, said he aimed to strengthen filial responsibility in the country through the bill.
“We, Filipinos, are well-known for our close family ties. Because of this, it is not surprising that we have the usual inclination to care for our elderly,” he said. “However, even with this close family ties, there are cases of elderly, sick, and incapacitated parents who were abandoned by their own children.”
He added that the government is already “doing its best in providing support [to the elderly]” through food, shelter, and the Senior Citizens Act.”
