8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

1/42

Republic Act No. 9262 March 08, 2004

AN ACT DEFININ !I"#ENCE AAIN$T %"MEN AND T&EIR C&I#DREN, 'R"!IDIN F"R 

'R"TECTI!E MEA$(RE$ F"R !ICTIM$, 'RE$CRI)IN 'ENA#TIE$ T&EREF"RE, AND F"R 

"T&ER '(R'"$E$

$ECTI"N *. Short Title.- This Act shall be known as the "Anti-Violence Against Women and Their ChildrenAct of 2004".

$ECTI"N 2.  Declaration of Policy.- It is hereb declared that the !tate al#es the dignit of women andchildren and g#arantees f#ll res$ect for h#man rights. The !tate also recogni%es the need to $rotect the famil

and its members $artic#larl women and children& from iolence and threats to their $ersonal safet and

sec#rit.

Towards this end& the !tate shall e'ert efforts to address iolence committed against women and children inkee$ing with the f#ndamental freedoms g#aranteed #nder the Constit#tion and the (roisions of the )niersal

*eclaration of +#man ,ights& the conention on the limination of all forms of discrimination Against

Women& Conention on the ,ights of the Child and other international h#man rights instr#ments of which the

(hili$$ines is a $art.

$ECTI"N +.  Definition of Terms.- As #sed in this Act&

a/ "Violence against women and their children" refers to an act or a series of acts committed b an $erson against a woman who is his wife& former wife& or against a woman with whom the $erson has

or had a se'#al or dating relationshi$& or with whom he has a common child& or against her child

whether legitimate or illegitimate& within or witho#t the famil abode& which res#lt in or is likel to

res#lt in $hsical& se'#al& $schological harm or s#ffering& or economic ab#se incl#ding threats of

s#ch acts& batter& assa#lt& coercion& harassment or arbitrar de$riation of libert. It incl#des& b#t is

not limited to& the following acts

A. " Physical Violence" refers to acts that incl#de bodil or $hsical harm1. "Sexual violence" refers to an act which is se'#al in nat#re& committed against a womanor her child. It incl#des& b#t is not limited to

a/ ra$e& se'#al harassment& acts of lasciio#sness& treating a woman or her child

as a se' ob3ect& making demeaning and se'#all s#ggestie remarks& $hsicall

attacking the se'#al $arts of the ictims bod& forcing her5him to watch obscene

 $#blications and indecent shows or forcing the woman or her child to do indecent

acts and5or make films thereof& forcing the wife and mistress5loer to lie in the

con3#gal home or slee$ together in the same room with the ab#ser1

 b/ acts ca#sing or attem$ting to ca#se the ictim to engage in an se'#al ac tiit

 b force& threat of force& $hsical or other harm or threat of $hsical or other

harm or coercion1

c/ (rostit#ting the woman or child.

C. " Psychological violence" refers to acts or omissions ca#sing or likel to ca#se mental oremotional s#ffering of the ictim s#ch as b#t not limited to intimidation& harassment&

stalking& damage to $ro$ert& $#blic ridic#le or h#miliation& re$eated erbal ab#se and

mental infidelit. It incl#des ca#sing or allowing the ictim to witness the $hsical& se'#al

or $schological ab#se of a member of the famil to which the ictim belongs& or to

witness $ornogra$h in an form or to witness ab#sie in3#r to $ets or to #nlawf#l or

#nwanted de$riation of the right to c#stod and5or isitation of common children.

*. " Economic abuse" refers to acts that make or attem$t to make a woman financiallde$endent which incl#des& b#t is not limited to the following

6. withdrawal of financial s#$$ort or $reenting the ictim from engaging in an

legitimate $rofession& occ#$ation& b#siness or actiit& e'ce$t in cases wherein

the other s$o#se5$artner ob3ects on alid& serio#s and moral gro#nds as defined in

Article 78 of the 9amil Code1

2. de$riation or threat of de$riation of financial reso#rces and the right to the

#se and en3oment of the con3#gal& comm#nit or $ro$ert owned in common1

8. destroing ho#sehold $ro$ert1

4. controlling the ictims own mone or $ro$erties or solel controlling the

con3#gal mone or $ro$erties.

b/ " Battery" refers to an act of inflicting $hsical harm #$on the woman or her child res#lting to the $hsical and $schological or emotiona l distress.

c/ " Battered Woman Syndrome" refers to a scientificall defined $attern of $schological and

 behaioral sm$toms fo#nd in women liing in battering relationshi$s as a res#lt of c#m#latieab#se.

d/ "Stalking " refers to an intentional act committed b a $erson who& knowingl and witho#t lawf#l 3#stification follows the woman or her chi ld or $laces the woman or her child #nder s#reill ance

directl or indirectl or a combination thereof.

e/ " Dating relationshi" refers to a sit#ation wherein the $arties lie as h#sband and wife witho#tthe benefit of marriage or are romanticall inoled oer time and on a contin#ing basis d#ring the

co#rse of the relationshi$. A cas#al ac:#aintance or ordinar sociali%ation between two indiid#als in

a b#siness or social conte't is not a dating relationshi$.

f/ "Sexual relations" refers to a single se'#al act which ma or ma not res#lt in the bearing of acommon child.

g/ "Safe lace or shelter " refers to an home or instit#tion maintained or managed b the*e$artment of !ocial Welfare and *eelo$ment *!W*/ or b an other agenc or ol#ntar

organi%ation accredited b the *!W* for the $#r$oses of this Act or an other s#itable $lace the

resident of which is willing tem$oraril to receie the ictim.

h/ "!hildren" refers to those below eighteen 6;/ ears of age or older b#t are inca$able of takingcare of themseles as defined #nder ,e$#blic Act

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

2/42

2/ *e$riing or threatening to de$rie the woman or her children of financial s#$$ort

legall d#e her or her famil& or deliberatel $roiding the womans children ins#fficient

financial s#$$ort1

8/ *e$riing or threatening to de$rie the woman or her child of a legal right1

4/ (reenting the woman in engaging in an legitimate $rofession& occ#$ation& b#siness or 

actiit or controlling the ictims own mon4e or $ro$erties& or solel controlling the

con3#gal or common mone& or $ro$erties1

f/ Inflicting or threatening to inflict $hsical harm on oneself for the $#r$ose of controlling her

actions or decisions1

g/ Ca#sing or attem$ting to ca#se the woman or her child to engage in an se'#al actiit which

does not constit#te ra$e& b force or threat of force& $hsical harm& or thro#gh intimidation directedagainst the woman or her child or her5his immediate famil1

h/ ngaging in $#r$osef#l& knowing& or reckless cond#ct& $ersonall or thro#gh another& that alarms

or ca#ses s#bstantial emotional or $schological distress to the woman or her child. This shall

incl#de& b#t not be limited to& the following acts

6/ !talking or following the woman or her child in $#blic or $riate $laces1

2/ (eering in the window or lingering o#tside the residence of the woman or her child1

8/ ntering or remaining in the dwelling or on the $ro$ert of the woman or her child

against her5his will1

4/ *estroing the $ro$ert and $ersonal belongings or inflicting harm to animals or $ets of 

the woman or her child1 and

>/ ngaging in an form of harassment or iolence1

i/ Ca#sing mental or emotional ang#ish& $#blic ridic#le or h#miliation to the woman or her child&incl#ding& b#t not limited to& re$eated erbal and emotional ab#se& and denial of financial s#$$ort or

c#stod of minor children of access to the womans child5children.

$ECTI"N 6.  Penalties.- The crime of iolence against women and their children& #nder !ection > hereof shall be $#nished according to the following r#les

a/ Acts falling #nder !ection >a/ constit#ting attem$ted& fr#strated or cons#mmated $arricide or

m#rder or homicide shall be $#nished in accordance with the $roisions of the ,eised (enal Code.

If these acts res#lted in m#tilation& it shall be $#nishable in accordance with the ,eised (enal Code1

those constit#ting serio#s $hsical in3#ries shall hae the $enalt of $rison maor1 those constit#ting

less serio#s $hsical in3#ries shall be $#nished b $rision correccional1 and those constit#ting slight

 $hsical in3#ries shall be $#nished b arresto maor.

Acts falling #nder !ection >b/ shall be $#nished b im$risonment of two degrees lower than the

 $rescribed $enalt for the cons#mmated crime as s$ecified in the $receding $aragra$h b#t shall in no

case be lower than arresto maor.

b/ Acts falling #nder !ection >c/ and >d/ shall be $#nished b arresto maor1

c/ Acts falling #nder !ection >e/ shall be $#nished b $rision correccional1

d/ Acts falling #nder !ection >f/ shall be $#nished b arresto maor1

e/ Acts falling #nder !ection >g/ shall be $#nished b $rision maor1

f/ Acts falling #nder !ection >h/ and !ection >i/ shall be $#nished b $rision maor.

If the acts are committed while the woman or child is $regnant or committed in the $resence of her

child& the $enalt to be a$$lied shall be the ma'im#m $eriod of $enalt $rescribed in the section.

In addition to im$risonment& the $er$etrator shall a/ $a a fine in the amo#nt of not less than ?ne

h#ndred tho#sand $esos (600&000.00/ b#t not more than three h#ndred tho#sand $esos

800&000.00/1 b/ #ndergo mandator $schological co#nseling or $schiatric treatment and shall

re$ort com$liance to the co#rt.

$ECTI"N -. Venue.- The ,egional Trial Co#rt designated as a 9amil Co#rt shall hae original and e'cl#sie 3#risdiction oer cases of iolence against women and their children #nder th is law. In the absence of s#ch

co#rt in the $lace where the offense was committed& the case shall be filed in the ,egional Trial Co#rt where

the crime or an of its elements was committed at the o$tion of the com$liant.

$ECTI"N 8.  Protection #rders.- A $rotection order is an order iss#ed #nder this act for the $#r$ose of $reenting f#rther acts of iolence against a woman or her child s$ecified in !ection > of this Act and granting

other necessar relief. The relief granted #nder a $rotection order sere the $#r$ose of safeg#arding the ictim

from f#rther harm& minimi%ing an disr#$tion in the ictims dail life& and facilitating the o$$ort#nit and

abilit of the ictim to inde$endentl regain control oer her life. The $roisions of the $rotection order shall

 be enforced b law enforcement agencies. The $rotection orders that ma be iss#ed #nder this Act are the baranga $rotection order (?/& tem$orar $rotection order T(?/ and $ermanent $rotect ion order ((?/.

The $rotection orders that ma be iss#ed #nder this Act shall incl#de an& some or all of the following reliefs

a/ (rohibition of the res$ondent from threatening to commit or committing& $ersonall or thro#gh

another& an of the acts mentioned in !ection > of this Act1

b/ (rohibition of the res$ondent from harassing& annoing& tele$honing& contacting or otherwise

comm#nicating with the $etitioner& directl or indirectl1

c/ ,emoal and e'cl#sion of the res$ondent from the residence of the $etitioner& regardless of

ownershi$ of the residence& either tem$oraril for the $#r$ose of $rotecting the $etitioner& or

 $ermanentl where no $ro$ert rights are iolated& and if res$ondent m#st remoe $ersonal e ffects

from the residence& the co#rt shall direct a law enforcement agent to accom$an the res$ondent has

gathered his things and escort res$ondent from the residence1

d/ *irecting the res$ondent to sta awa from $etitioner and designated famil or ho#sehold

member at a distance s$ecified b the co#rt& and to sta awa from the residence& school& $lace ofem$loment& or an s$ecified $lace fre:#ented b the $etitioner and an designated famil or

ho#sehold member1

e/ *irecting lawf#l $ossession and #se b $etitioner of an a#tomobile and other essential $ersonal

effects& regardless of ownershi$& and directing the a$$ro$riate law enforcement officer to accom$an

the $etitioner to the residence of the $arties to ens#re that the $etitioner is safel restored to the

 $ossession of the a#tomobile and other essential $ersonal effects& or to s#$erise the $etitioners or

res$ondents remoal of $ersonal belongings1

f/ @ranting a tem$orar or $ermanent c#stod of a child5children to the $etitioner1

g/ *irecting the res$ondent to $roide s#$$ort to the woman and5or her child if entitled to legal

s#$$ort.

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

3/42

k/ (roision of s#ch other forms of relief as the co#rt deems necessar to $rotect and $roide for the

safet of the $etitioner and an designated famil or ho#sehold member& $roided $etitioner and an

designated famil or ho#sehold member consents to s#ch relief.

An of the reliefs $roided #nder this section shall be granted een in the absence of a decree of

legal se$aration or ann#lment or declaration of absol#te n#llit of marriage.

The iss#ance of a (? or the $endenc of an a$$lication for (? shall not $recl#de a $etitioner

from a$$ling for& or the co#rt from granting a T(? or ((?.

$ECTI"N 9. Who may file Petition for Protection #rders. A $etition for $rotection order ma be filed ban of the following

a/ the offended $art1

b/ $arents or g#ardians of the offended $art1

c/ ascendants& descendants or collateral relaties within the fo#rth ciil degree of consang#init or

affinit1

d/ officers or social workers of the *!W* or social workers of local goernment #nits B@)s/1

e/ $olice officers& $referabl those in charge of women and childrens desks1

f/ Punong Barangay or Barangay $agawad 1

g/ lawer& co#nselor& thera$ist or healthcare $roider of the $etitioner1

h/ At least two 2/ concerned res$onsible citi%ens of the cit or m#nici$alit where the iolence

against women and their children occ#rred and who has $ersonal knowledge of the offense

committed.

$ECTI"N *0. Where to "ly for a Protection #rder . A$$lications for (?s shall follow the r#les on en#e#nder !ection 40 of the Bocal @oernment Code of 66 and its im$lementing r#les and reg#lations. An

a$$lication for a T(? or ((? ma be filed in the regional trial co#rt& metro$olitan trial co#rt& m#nici$al trial

co#rt& m#nici$al circ#it trial co#rt with territorial 3#risdiction oer the $lace of residence of the $etitioner

(roided& howeer& That if a famil co#rt e'ists in the $lace of residence of the $etitioner& the a$$lication shall

 be filed with that co#rt.

$ECTI"N **.  %ow to "ly for a Protection #rder . The a$$lication for a $rotection order m#st be inwriting& signed and erified #nder oath b the a$$licant. It ma be filed as an inde$endent action or as

incidental relief in an ciil or criminal case the s#b3ect matter or iss#es thereof $artakes of a iolence as

described in this Act. A standard $rotection order a$$lication form& written in nglish with translation to the

ma3or local lang#ages& shall be made aailable to facilitate a$$lications for $rotections order& and shall contain&

among other& the following information

a/ names and addresses of $etitioner and res$ondent1

b/ descri$tion of relationshi$s between $etitioner and res$ondent1

c/ a statement of the circ#mstances of the ab#se1d/ descri$tion of the reliefs re:#ested b $etitioner as s$ecified in !ection ; herein1

e/ re:#est for co#nsel and reasons for s#ch1

f/ re:#est for waier of a$$lication fees #ntil hearing1 and

g/ an attestation that there is no $ending a$$lication for a $rotection order in another co#rt.

If the a$$licants is not the ictim& the a$$lication m#st be accom$anied b an affidait of the a$$licant attesting

to a/ the circ#mstances of the ab#se s#ffered b the ictim and b/ the circ#mstances of consent gien b the

ictim for the filling of the a$$lication. When disclos#re of the address of the ictim will $ose danger to her

life& it shall be so stated in the a$$lication. In s#ch a case& the a$$licant shall attest that the ictim is residing in

the m#nici$alit or cit oer which co#rt has territorial 3#risdiction& and shall $roide a mailing address for

 $#r$ose of serice $rocessing.

An a$$lication for $rotection order filed with a co#rt shall be considered an a$$lication for both a T(? and

((?.

aranga officials and co#rt $ersonnel shall assist a$$licants in the $re$aration of the a$$lication. Baw

enforcement agents shall also e'tend assistance in the a$$lication for $rotection orders in cases bro#ght to their 

attention.

$ECTI"N *2.  Enforceability of Protection #rders. All T(?s and ((?s iss#ed #nder this Act shall beenforceable anwhere in the (hili$$ines and a iolation thereof shall be $#nishable with a fine ranging from

9ie Tho#sand (esos (>&000.00/ to 9ift Tho#sand (esos (>0&000.00/ and5or im$risonment of si' =/

months.

$ECTI"N *+.  &egal 'eresentation of Petitioners for Protection #rder . If the woman or her child re:#estsin the a$$lications for a $rotection order for the a$$ointment of co#nsel beca#se of lack of economic means to

hire a co#nsel de $arte& the co#rt shall immediatel direct the (#blic Attornes ?ffice (A?/ to re$resent the $etitioner in the hearing on the a$$lication. If the (A? determines that the a$$licant can afford to hire the

serices of a co#nsel de $arte& it shall facilitate the legal re$resentation of the $etitioner b a co#nsel de $arte.

The lack of access to famil or con3#gal reso#rces b the a$$licant& s#ch as when the same are controlled b

the $er$etrator& shall :#alif the $etitioner to legal re$resentation b the (A?.

+oweer& a $riate co#nsel offering free legal serice is not barred from re$resenting the $etitioner.

$ECTI"N *4.  Barangay Protection #rders (BP#s)* Who +ay ,ssue and %ow- . aranga (rotection ?rders(?s/ refer to the $rotection order iss#ed b the  Punong Barangay ordering the $er$etrator to desist fromcommitting acts #nder !ection > a/ and b/ of this Act. A Punong Barangay who receies a$$lications for a(? shall iss#e the $rotection order to the a$$licant on the date of filing after ex arte determination of the basis of the a$$lication. If the  Punong Barangay is #naailable to act on the a$$lication for a (?& thea$$lication shall be acted #$on b an aailable Barangay $agawad- If the (? is iss#ed b a Barangay $agawad the order m#st be accom$anied b an attestation b the  Barangay $agawad that the Punong

 Barangay was #naailable at the time for the iss#ance of the (?. (?s shall be effectie for fifteen 6>/das. Immediatel after the iss#ance of an ex arte (?& the Punong Barangay or Barangay $agawad shall $ersonall sere a co$ of the same on the res$ondent& or direct an baranga official to effect is $ersonal

serice.

The $arties ma be accom$anied b a non-lawer adocate in an $roceeding before the (#nong aranga.

$ECTI"N *. Temorary Protection #rders- / Tem$orar (rotection ?rders T(?s/ refers to the $rotectionorder iss#ed b the co#rt on the date of filing of the a$$lication after ex arte determination that s#ch ordersho#ld be iss#ed. A co#rt ma grant in a T(? an& some or all of the reliefs mentioned in this Act and shall be

effectie for thirt 80/ das. The co#rt shall sched#le a hearing on the iss#ance of a ((? $rior to or on the date

of the e'$iration of the T(?. The co#rt shall order the immediate $ersonal serice of the T(? on the

res$ondent b the co#rt sheriff who ma obtain the assistance of law enforcement agents for the serice. The

T(? shall incl#de notice of the date of the hearing on the merits of the iss#ance of a ((?.

$ECTI"N *6.  Permanent Protection #rders. (ermanent (rotection ?rder ((?/ refers to $rotection order

iss#ed b the co#rt after notice and hearing.,es$ondents non-a$$earance des$ite $ro$er notice& or his lack of a lawer& or the non-aailabilit of his lawer 

shall not be a gro#nd for resched#ling or $ost$oning the hearing on the merits of the iss#ance of a ((?. If the

res$ondents a$$ears witho#t co#nsel on the date of the hearing on the ((?& the co#rt shall a$$oint a lawer for 

the res$ondent and immediatel $roceed with the hearing. In case the res$ondent fails to a$$ear des$ite $ro$er

notice& the co#rt shall allow e' $arte $resentation of the eidence b the a$$licant and render 3#dgment on the

 basis of the eidence $resented. The co#rt shall allow the introd#ction of an histor of ab#sie cond#ct of a

res$ondent een if the same was not directed against the a$$licant or the $erson for whom the a$$licant is

made.

The co#rt shall& to the e'tent $ossible& cond#ct the hearing on the merits of the iss#ance of a ((? in one 6/

da. Where the co#rt is #nable to cond#ct the hearing within one 6/ da and the T(? iss#ed is d#e to e'$ire&

the co#rt shall contin#o#sl e'tend or renew the T(? for a $eriod of thirt 80/ das at each $artic#lar time

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

4/42

#ntil final 3#dgment is iss#ed. The e'tended or renewed T(? ma be modified b the co#rt as ma be

necessar or a$$licable to address the needs of the a$$licant.

The co#rt ma grant an& some or all of the reliefs s$ecified in !ection ; hereof in a ((?. A ((? shall be

effectie #ntil reoked b a co#rt #$on a$$lication of the $erson in whose faor the order was iss#ed. The co#rt

shall ens#re immediate $ersonal serice of the ((? on res$ondent.

The co#rt shall not den the iss#ance of $rotection order on the basis of the la$se of time between the act of

iolence and the filing of the a$$lication.

,egardless of the coniction or ac:#ittal of the res$ondent& the Co#rt m#st determine whether or not the ((?

shall become final. en in a dismissal& a ((? shall be granted as long as there is no clear showing that the act

from which the order might arise did not e'ist.

$ECTI"N *-.  0otice of Sanction in Protection #rders. The following statement m#st be $rinted in bold-faced t$e or in ca$ital letters on the $rotection order iss#ed b the Punong Barangay or co#rt

"!I"#ATI"N "F T&I$ "RDER I$ '(NI$&A)#E ) #A%."

$ECTI"N *8.  +andatory Period 1or "cting on "lications 1or Protection #rders  9ail#re to act on ana$$lication for a $rotection order within the reglementar $eriod s$ecified in the $reio#s section witho#t

 3#stifiable ca#se shall render the official or 3#dge administratiel liable.

$ECTI"N *9.  &egal Searation !ases. In cases of legal se$aration& where iolence as s$ecified in this Actis alleged& Article >; of the 9amil Code shall not a$$l. The co#rt shall $roceed on the main case and other

incidents of the case as soon as $ossible. The hearing on an a$$lication for a $rotection order filed b the

 $etitioner m#st be cond#cted within the mandator $eriod s$ecified in this Act.

$ECTI"N 20.  Priority of "lication for a Protection #rder-  ' $arte and adersarial hearings to determinethe basis of a$$lications for a $rotection order #nder this Act shall hae $riorit oer all other $roceedings.

aranga officials and the co#rts shall sched#le and cond#ct hearings on a$$lications for a $rotection order

#nder this Act aboe all other b#siness and& if necessar& s#s$end other $roceedings in order to heara$$lications for a $rotection order.

$ECTI"N 2*. Violation of Protection #rders. A com$laint for a iolation of a (? iss#ed #nder this Actm#st be filed directl with an m#nici$al trial co#rt& metro$olitan trial co#rt& or m#nici$al circ#it trial co#rt

that has territorial 3#risdiction oer the baranga that iss#ed the (?. Violation of a (? shall be $#nishable

 b im$risonment of thirt 80/ das witho#t $re3#dice to an other criminal or ciil action that the offended

 $art ma file for an of the act s committed.

A 3#dgement of iolation of a (? ma be a$$ealed according to the ,#les of Co#rt. *#ring trial and #$on

 3#dgment& the trial co#rt ma mot# $ro$rio iss#e a $rotection order as it deems necessar witho#t need of an

a$$lication.

Violation of an $roision of a T(? or ((? iss#ed #nder this Act shall constit#te contem$t of co#rt $#nishable

#nder ,#le 76 of the ,#les of Co#rt& witho#t $re3#dice to an other criminal or ciil action that the offended

 $art ma file for an of the act s committed.

$ECTI"N 22.  "licability of Protection #rders to !riminal !ases-  The foregoing $roisions on $rotectionorders shall be a$$licable in im$liedl instit#ted with the criminal actions inoling iolence against women

and their children.

$ECTI"N 2+.  Bond to $ee the Peace. The Co#rt ma order an $erson against whom a $rotection order isiss#ed to gie a bond to kee$ the $eace& to $resent two s#fficient s#reties who shall #ndertake that s#ch $erson

will not commit the iolence so#ght to be $reented.

!ho#ld the res$ondent fail to gie the bond as re:#ired& he shall be detained for a $eriod which shall in no case

e'ceed si' =/ months& if he shall hae been $rosec#ted for acts $#nishable #nder !ection >a/ to >f/ and not

e'ceeding thirt 80/ das& if for acts $#nishable #nder !ection >g/ to >I/.

The $rotection orders referred to in this section are the T(?s and the ((?s iss#ed onl b the co#rts.

$ECTI"N 24.  Prescritive Period-  Acts falling #nder !ections >a/ to >f/ shall $rescribe in twent 20/ears. Acts falling #nder !ections >g/ to >I/ shall $rescribe in ten 60/ ears.

$ECTI"N 2.  Public !rime. Violence against women and their children shall be considered a $#blic offensewhich ma be $rosec#ted #$on the filing of a com$laint b an citi%en haing $ersonal knowledge of the

circ#mstances inoling the commission of the crime.

$ECTI"N 26.  Battered Woman Syndrome as a Defense. Victim-s#riors who are fo#nd b the co#rts to bes#ffering from battered woman sndrome do not inc#r an criminal and ciil liabilit notwithstanding the

absence of an of the elements for 3#stifing circ#mstances of self-defense #nder the ,eised (enal Code.

In the determination of the state of mind of the woman who was s#ffering from battered woman sndrome at

the time of the commission of the crime& the co#rts shall be assisted b e'$ert $schiatrists5 $schologists.

$ECTI"N 2-.  Prohibited Defense. eing #nder the infl#ence of alcohol& an illicit dr#g& or an other mind-altering s#bstance shall not be a defense #nder this Act.

$ECTI"N 28. !ustody of children. The woman ictim of iolence shall be entitled to the c#stod ands#$$ort of her child5children. Children below seen 7/ ears old older b#t with mental or $hsical disabilities

shall a#tomaticall be gien to the mother& with right to s#$$ort& #nless the co#rt finds com$elling reasons to

order otherwise.

A ictim who is s#ffering from battered woman sndrome shall not be dis:#alified from haing c#stod of her

children. In no case shall c#stod of minor children be gien to the $er$etrator of a woman who is s#ffering

from attered woman sndrome.

$ECTI"N 29.  Duties of Prosecutors2!ourt Personnel . (rosec#tors and co#rt $ersonnel sho#ld obsere thefollowing d#ties when dealing with ictims #nder this Act

a/ comm#nicate with the ictim in a lang#age #nderstood b the woman or her child1 and

 b/ inform the ictim of her5his rights incl#ding legal remedies aailable and $roced#re& and

 $riileges for indigent litigants.

$ECTI"N +0.  Duties of Barangay #fficials and &aw Enforcers. aranga officials and law enforcers shallhae the following d#ties

a/ res$ond immediatel to a call for hel$ or re:#est for assistance or $rotection of the ictim b

entering the necessar whether or not a $rotection order has been iss#ed and ens#re the safet of the

ictim5s1

b/ confiscate an deadl wea$on in the $ossession of the $er$etrator or within $lain iew1

c/ trans$ort or escort the ictim5s to a safe $lace of their choice or to a clinic or hos$ital1

d/ assist the ictim in remoing $ersonal belongs from the ho#se1

e/ assist the baranga officials and other goernment officers and em$loees who res$ond to a call

for hel$1

f/ ens#re the enforcement of the (rotection ?rders iss#ed b the  Punong Barangy or the co#rts1g/ arrest the s#s$ected $er$etrator wiitho#t a warrant when an of the acts of iolence defined b

this Act is occ#rring& or when he5she has $ersonal knowledge that an act of ab#se has 3#st been

committed& and there is imminent danger to the life or limb of the ictim as defined in this Act1 and

h/ immediatel re$ort the call for assessment or assistance of the *!W*& social Welfare *e$artment

of B@)s or accredited non-goernment organi%ations

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

5/42

a/ $ro$erl doc#ment an of the ictims $hsical& emotional or $schological in3#ries1

b/ $ro$erl record an of ictims s#s$icions& obserations and circ#mstances of the e'amination or

isit1

c/ a#tomaticall $roide the ictim free of charge a medical certificate concerning the e'amination

or isit1

d/ safeg#ard the records and make them aailable to the ictim #$on re:#est at act#al cost1 and

e/ $roide the ictim immediate and ade:#ate notice of rights and remedies $roided #nder this Act&

and serices aailable to them.

$ECTI"N +2.  Duties of #ther 3overnment "gencies and &34s  ?ther goernment agencies and B@)s shallestablish $rograms s#ch as& b#t not limited to& ed#cation and information cam$aign and seminars or sm$osia

on the nat#re& ca#ses& incidence and conse:#ences of s#ch iolence $artic#larl towards ed#cating the $#blicon its social im$acts.

It shall be the d#t of the concerned goernment agencies and B@)s to ens#re the s#stained ed#cation and

training of their officers and $ersonnel on the $reention of iolence against women and their children #nder

the Act.

$ECTI"N ++.  Prohibited "cts- / A Punong Barangay5 Barangay $agawad or the co#rt hearing an a$$licationfor a $rotection order shall not order& direct& force or in an wa #nd#l infl#ence he a$$licant for a $rotection

order to com$romise or abandon an of the reliefs so#ght in the a$$lication for $rotection #nder this Act.

!ection 7 of the 9amil Co#rts Act of 67 and !ections 460& 466& 462 and 468 of the Bocal @oernment Code

of 66 shall not a$$l in $roceedings where relief is so#ght #nder this Act.

9ail#re to com$l with this !ection shall render the official or 3#dge administratiel liable.

$ECTI"N +4.  Persons ,ntervening Exemt from &iability- / In eer case of iolence against women and their children as herein defined& an $erson& $riate indiid#al or $olice a#thorit or baranga official who& acting in

accordance with law& res$onds or interenes witho#t #sing iolence or restraint greater than necessar to ens#rethe safet of the ictim& shall not be liable for an criminal& ciil or administratie liabilit res#lting therefrom.

$ECTI"N +.  'ights of Victims- / In addition to their rights #nder e'isting laws& ictims of iolence againstwomen and their children shall hae the following rights

a/ to be treated with res$ect and dignit1

b/ to aail of legal assistance form the (A? of the *e$artment of D#stice *?D/ or an $#blic legal

assistance office1

c/ To be entitled to s#$$ort serices form the *!W* and B@)s

d/ To be entitled to all legal remedies and s#$$ort as $roided for #nder the 9amil Code1 and

e/ To be informed of their rights and the serices aailable to them incl#ding their right to a$$l for

a $rotection order.

$ECTI"N +6.  Damages- / An ictim of iolence #nder this Act shall be entitled to act#al& com$ensator&moral and e'em$lar damages.

$ECTI"N +-.  %old Dearture #rder- / The co#rt shall e'$edite the $rocess of iss#ance of a hold de$art#reorder in cases $rosec#ted #nder this Act.

$ECTI"N +8.  Exemtion from Payment of Docket 1ee and #ther Exenses- / If the ictim is an indigent orthere is an immediate necessit d#e to imminent danger or threat of danger to act on an a$$lication for a

 $rotection order& the co#rt shall acce$t the a$$lication witho#t $ament of the filing fee and other fees and o f

transcri$t of stenogra$hic notes.

$ECTI"N +9.  ,nter."gency !ouncil on Violence "gainst Women and Their !hildren (,"!.V"W!)- In $#rs#ance of the aboementioned $ol ic& there is hereb established an Inter-Agenc Co#ncil on Violence

Against Women and their children& hereinafter known as the Co#ncil& which shall be com$osed of the

following agencies

a/ *e$artment of !ocial Welfare and *eelo$ment *!W*/1

b/

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

6/42

An em$loer who shall $re3#dice the right of the $erson #nder this section shall be $enali%ed in accordance

with the $roisions of the Babor Code and Ciil !erice ,#les and ,eg#lations. Bikewise& an em$loer who

shall $re3#dice an $erson for assisting a co-em$loee who is a ictim #nder this Act shall likewise be liable

for discrimination.

$ECTI"N 44. !onfidentiality- / All records $ertaining to cases of iolence against women and their childrenincl#ding those in the baranga shall be confidential and all $#blic officers and em$loees and $#blic or $riate

clinics to hos$itals shall res$ect the right to $riac of the ictim. Whoeer $#blishes or ca#ses to be $#blished&

in an format& the name& address& tele$hone n#mber& school& b#siness address& em$loer& or other identifing

information of a ictim or an immediate famil member& witho#t the latters consent& shall be liable to the

contem$t $ower of the co#rt.

An $erson who iolates this $roision shall s#ffer the $enalt of one 6/ ear im$risonment and a fine of not

more than 9ie +#ndred Tho#sand $esos (>00&000.00/.$ECTI"N 4.  1unding / The amo#nt necessar to im$lement the $roisions of this Act shall be incl#ded inthe ann#al @eneral A$$ro$riations Act @AA/.

The @ender and *eelo$ment @A*/ #dget of the mandated agencies and B@)s shall be #sed to im$lement

serices for ictim of iolence against women and their children.

$ECTI"N 46.  ,mlementing 'ules and 'egulations-  Within si' =/ months from the a$$roal of this Act& the*?D& the

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

7/42

Republic Act No. 9--

AN ACT DEFININ T&E CRIME "F C&I#D '"RN"RA'&, 'RE$CRI)IN 'ENA#TIE$

T&EREF"R AND F"R "T&ER '(R'"$E$

$ectio/ *. Short Title- - This Act shall be known as the "Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009."

$ectio/ 2.  Declaration of Policy- - The !tate recogni%es the ital role of the o#th in nation b#ilding and shall $romote and $rotect their $hsica l& moral& s$irit#al& intellect#al & emotional& $schological and social we ll-

 being. Towards this end& the !tate shall

a/ @#arantee the f#ndamental rights of eer child from all forms of neglect& cr#elt and other

conditions $re3#dicial to his5her deelo$ment1

b/ (rotect eer child from all forms of e'$loitation and ab#se incl#ding& b#t not limited to

6/ the #se of a child in $ornogra$hic $erformances and materials1 and

2/ the ind#cement or coercion of a child to engage or be inoled in $ornogra$h thro#gh

whateer means1 and

c/ Com$l with international treaties to which the (hili$$ines is a signator or a !tate $art

concerning the rights of children which incl#de& b#t not limited to& the Conention on the ,ights of

the Child& the ?$tional (rotocol to the Conention on the ,ights of the Child of the Child on the !ale

of Children& Child (rostit#tion and Child (ornogra$h& the International Babor ?rgani%ation IB?/

Conention a/ of this Act.

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

8/42

$ectio/ 6. Who +ay 1ile a !omlaint- - Com$laints on cases of an form of child $ornogra$h and otheroffenses $#nishable #nder this Act ma be filed b the following

a/ ?ffended $art1

b/ (arents or g#ardians1

c/ Ascendant or collateral relatie within the third degree of consang#init1

d/ ?fficer& social worker or re$resentatie of a licensed child-caring instit#tion1

e/ ?fficer or social worker of the *e$artment of !ocial Welfare and *eelo$ment *!W*/1

f/ Bocal social welfare deelo$ment officer1

g/ aranga chairman1

h/ An law enforcement officer1

i/ At least three 8/ concerned res$onsible citi%ens residing in the $lace where the iolation

occ#rred1 or 

3/ An $erson who has $ersonal knowledge of the circ#mstances of the commission of an offense

#nder this Act.

$ectio/ -.  "ointment of Secial Prosecutors- - The *e$artment of D#stice *?D/ shall a$$oint or designates$ecial $rosec#tors to $rosec#te cases for the iolation of this Act.

$ectio/ 8.  6urisdiction- - D#risdiction oer cases for the iolation of this Act shall be ested in the 9amil Co#rtwhich has territorial 3#risdiction oer the $lace where the offense or an of its essential elements was

committed $#rs#ant to ,e$#blic Act

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

9/42

 $rotection order1 that he5she s#bmits to the 3#risdiction of the co#rt with res$ect to the

 $rotectie order1 and that& in case of iolation thereof& he5she wil l be s#b3ect to the

contem$t $ower of the co#rt1 and

e/ In cases when $rosec#tion or trial is cond#cted behind closed doors& it shall be #nlawf#l for an

editor& $#blisher and re$orter or col#mnist in case of $rinted materials& anno#ncer or $rod#cer in case

of teleision and radio& $rod#cer and director of a film in case of the moie ind#str& or an $erson

#tili%ing the tri-media facilities or information technolog to $#blish or broadcast the names of the

ictims of an case of child $ornogra$h.

An iolation of this $roision shall be s#b3ect to the $enalt $roided for #nder !ection 6>m/ of this Act.

$ectio/ *4. !are5 !ustody and Treatment of a !hild Victim- - The *!W* shall ens#re that the child who is aictim of an form of child $ornogra$h is $roided a$$ro$riate care& c#stod and s#$$ort for their recoer

and reintegration in accordance with e'isting laws.

The child and his famil shall be entitled to $rotection as well as to the rights and benefits of witnesses #nder

,e$#blic Act of this Act shall

s#ffer the $enalt of reclusion eretua and a fine of not less than Two million $esos(h$2&000&000.00/ b#t not more than 9ie million $esos (h$>&000&000.00/1

b/ An $erson fo#nd g#ilt of iolating !ection 4a/& b/ and c/ of this Act shall s#ffer the $enaltof reclusion temoral  in its ma'im#m $eriod and a fine of not less than ?ne million $esos(h$6&000&000.00/ b#t not more than Two million (h$2&000&000.00/1

c/ An $erson fo#nd g#ilt of iolating !ection 4d/& e/ and f/ of this Act shall s#ffer the $enalt of 

reclusion temoral  in its medi#m $eriod and a fine of not less than !een h#ndred fift tho#sand $esos (h$7>0&000.00/ b#t not more than ?ne million $esos (h$6&000&000.00/1

d/ An $erson fo#nd g#ilt of iolating !ection 4g/ of this Act shall s#ffer the $enalt of reclusiontemoral  in its minim#m $eriod and a fine of not less than 9ie h#ndred tho#sand $esos(h$>00&000.00/ b#t not more than !een h#ndred tho#sand $esos (h$700&000.00/1

e/ An $erson fo#nd g#ilt of iolating !ection 4h/ of this Act shall s#ffer the $enalt of  risionmayor  in its ma'im#m $eriod and a fine of not less than Three h#ndred tho#sand $esos(h$800&000.00/ b#t not more than 9ie h#ndred tho#sand $esos (h$>00&000.00/1

f/ An $erson fo#nd g#ilt of iolating !ection 4I/ of this Act shall s#ffer the $enalt of  rision

mayor  in its minim#m $eriod and a fine of not less than Three h#ndred tho#sand $esos$h$800&000.00/ b#t not more than 9ie h#ndred tho#sand $esos (h$>00&000.00/1

g/ An $erson fo#nd g#ilt of iolating !ection 43/ of this Act shall s#ffer the $enalt of  risioncorreccional  in its ma'im#m $eriod and a fine of not less than Two h#ndred tho#sand $esos(h$200&000.00/ b#t not more than Three h#ndred tho#sand $esos (h$800&000.00/1

h/ An $erson fo#nd g#ilt of iolating !ection 4k/ of this Act shall s#ffer the $enalt of  risioncorreccional  in its medi#m $eriod and a fine of not less than ?ne h#ndred tho#sand $esos$h$600&000.00/ b#t not more than Two h#ndred fift tho#sand $esos $h$2>0&000.00/1

i/ An $erson fo#nd g#ilt of iolating !ection 4l/ of this Act shall s#ffer the $enalt of arrestomayor  in its minim#m $eriod and a fine of not less than 9ift tho#sand $esos (h$>0&000.00/ b#t notmore than ?ne h#ndred tho#sand $esos (h$600&000.00/1

3/ An $erson fo#nd g#ilt of iolating !ection 66 of this Act shall s#ffer the $enalt of  risioncorreccional  in its medi#m $eriod and a fine of not less than ?ne million $esos (h$6&000&000.00/ b#t not more than Two million $esos (h$2&000&000.00/ for the first offense. In the case of a

s#bse:#ent offense& the $enalt shall be a fine not less than Two million $esos (h$2&000&000.00/ b#t

not more than Three million $esos (h$8&000&000.00/ and reocation of its license to o$erate and

immediate clos#re of the establishment1

k/ An I!( fo#nd g#ilt of willf#ll and knowingl failing to com$l with the notice and installation

re:#irements #nder !ection of this Act shall s#ffer the $enalt of a fine of not less than 9ie

h#ndred tho#sand $esos (h$>00&000.00/ b#t not more than ?ne million $esos (h$6&000&000.00/ for 

the first offense. In case of s#bse:#ent offense& the $enalt shall be a fine of not less than ?ne million

 $esos (h$6&000&000.00/ b#t not more than Two million $esos (h$2&000&000.00/ and reocation of

its license to o$erate1

l/ An mall owner-o$erator and owner or lessor of other b#siness establishments incl#ding $hoto

deelo$ers& information technolog $rofessionals& credit card com$anies and banks& fo#nd g#ilt of

willf#ll and knowingl failing to com$l with the notice re:#irements #nder !ection 60 of this Act

shall s#ffer the $enalt of a fine of not less than ?ne million $esos (h$6&000&000.00/ b#t not more

than Two million $esos (h$2&000&000.00/ for the first offense. In the case of a s#bse:#ent offense&

the $enalt shall be a fine of not less than Two million $esos (h$2&000&000.00/ b#t not more than

Three million $esos (h$8&000&000.00/ and reocation of its license to o$erate and immediate clos#re

of the establishment1 and

m/ An $erson fo#nd g#ilt of iolating !ection 68 of this Act shall s#ffer the $enalt of arrestomayor  in its minim#m $eriod and a fine of not less than ?ne h#ndred tho#sand $esos(h$600&000.00/ b#t not more than Three h#ndred tho#sand $esos (h$800&000.00/.

$ectio/ *6. !ommon Penal Provisions- -

a/ If the offender is a $arent& ascendant& g#ardian& ste$-$arent or collateral relatie within the thirddegree of consang#init or affinit or an $erson haing control or moral ascendanc oer the child&

the $enalt $roided herein shall be in its ma'im#m d#ration1 Provided5 That this $roision shall nota$$l to !ection 4g/ of this Act1

b/ If the offender is a 3#ridical $erson& the $enalt shall be im$osed #$on the owner& manager&

 $artner& member of the board of directors and5or an res$onsible officer who $artici$ated in the

commission of the crime or shall hae knowingl $ermitted or failed to $reent its commissions1

c/ If the offender is a foreigner& he5she shall be immediatel de$orted after the com$lete serice of

his5her sentence and shall foreer be barred from entering the co#ntr1 and

d/ The $enalt $roided for in this Act shall be im$osed in its ma'im#m d#ration if the offender is a

 $#blic officer or em$loee.

$ectio/ *-. !onfiscation and 1orfeiture of the Proceeds5 Tools and ,nstruments 4sed in !hild Pornograhy- -In addition to the $enalt im$osed for the iolation of this Act& the co#rt shall order the confiscation and

forfeit#re in faor of the goernment of all the $roceeds& tools and instr#ments #sed in the commission of thecrime& #nless the are the $ro$ert of a third $erson not liable for the #nlawf#l act1  Provided5 howeer& That allawards for damages shall be taken from the $ersonal and se$arate $ro$erties of the offender1  Provided5 f#rther&That if s#ch $ro$erties are ins#fficient& the deficienc shall be taken from the confiscated and forfeited

 $roceeds& tools and instr#ments.

All $roceeds deried from the sale of $ro$erties #sed for the commission of an form of child $ornogra$h

shall accr#e to the s$ecial acco#nt of the *!W* which shall be #sed e'cl#siel for the im$lementation of this

Act.

When the $roceeds& tools and instr#ments #sed in the commission of the offense hae been destroed

diminished in al#e or otherwise rendered worthless b an act or omission& directl or indirectl& of the

offender& or it has been concealed& remoed& conerted or transferred to $reent the same from being fo#nd or

http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1991/ra_6981_1991.htmlhttp://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1991/ra_6981_1991.htmlhttp://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1992/ra_7309_1992.htmlhttp://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1992/ra_7309_1992.htmlhttp://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1992/ra_7309_1992.htmlhttp://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1992/ra_7309_1992.htmlhttp://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1991/ra_6981_1991.html

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

10/42

to aoid forfeit#re or confiscation& the offender shall be ordered to $a the amo#nt e:#al to the al#e of the

 $roceeds& tools and instr#ments #sed in the commission of the offense.8avvhi8

$ectio/ *8.  +andatory Services to Victims of !hild Pornograhy- - To ens#re recoer& rehabilitation andreintegration into the mainstream of societ concerned goernment agencies and the B@)s shall make

aailable the following serices to ictims of an form of child $ornogra$h

a/ mergenc shelter or a$$ro$riate ho#sing1

b/ Co#nseling1

c/ 9ree legal serices& which shall incl#de information abo#t the ictims rights and the $roced#re

for filing of com$laints& claims for com$ensation and s#ch other legal remedies aailable to them in a

lang#age #nderstood b the child1

d/ Fedical or $schological serices1e/ Bielihood and skills training1 and

f/ d#cational assistance.

!#stained s#$erision and follow thro#gh mechanism that will track the $rogress of recoer& rehabilitation

and reintegration of the child ictims shall ado$ted and carried o#t.

$ectio/ *9.  Programs for Victims of !hild Pornograhy- The Inter-Agenc Co#ncil Against Child (ornogra$hcreated #nder !ection 20 of this Act shall deelo$ and im$lement the necessar $rograms that will $reent an

form of child $ornogra$h& as well as $rotect& heal and reintegrate the child into the mainstream of societ.

!#ch $rograms shall incl#de beat b#t not limited to the following

a/ (roision of mandator serices incl#ding co#nseling free legal serices& medical or

 $schological serices& lielihood and skills training and ed#cational assistance to the child $#rs#ant

to !ection 6; of this Act1

b/ !$onsorshi$ of a national research $rogram on an form of child $ornogra$h and other actscoered b the law and the establishment of a data collection sstem for monitoring and eal#ation

 $#r$oses1

c/ (roision of necessar technical and material s#$$ort serices to a$$ro$riate goernment

agencies and nongoernmental organi%ations

d/ !$onsorshi$ of conferences and seminars to $roide en#e for consens#s b#ilding amongst the

 $#blic& the academe & goernment& nongoernmental and international organi%ations and

e/ (romotion of information and ed#cation cam$aign.

$ectio/ 20.  ,nter . "gency !ouncil against !hild Pornograhy- - There is hereb established an Inter-AgencCo#ncil against Child (ornogra$h to be com$osed of the !ecretar of the *!W* as chair$erson and the

following as members

a/ !ecretar of the *e$artment of D#stice

b/ !ecretar of the *e$artment of Babor and m$loment

c/ !ecretar of the *e$artment of !cience and Technolog

d/ Chief of the (hili$$ine

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

11/42

$ectio/ 22. !hild Pornograhy as a Transnational !rime-  - (#rs#ant to the Conention on transnational?rgani%ed Crime& the *?D ma e'ec#te the re:#est of a foreign state for assistance in the inestigation or

 $rosec#tion of an form of child $ornogra$h b 6/ cond#cting a $reliminar inestigation against the

offender and& if a$$ro$riate& to file the necessar charges in co#rt1 2/ giing information needed b the foreign

state1 and 8/ to a$$l for an order of forfeit#re of an $roceeds or monetar instr#ment or $ro$erl located in

the (hili$$ines #sed in connection with child $ornogra$h in the co#rt1 Provided5 That if the *?D ref#ses to acton the re:#est of for delaing the e'ec#tion thereof Provided5 f#rther& That the $rinci$les of m#t#alit andreci$rocit shall& for this $#r$ose& be at all times recogni%ed.

$ectio/ 2+.  Extradition- - The *?D& in cons#ltation with the *e$artment of 9oreign Affairs *9A/& shallendeaor to incl#de child $ornogra$h among e'traditable offenses in f#t#re treaties.

$ectio/ 24. !ongressional #versight !ommittee- -There is hereb created a Congressional ?ersight

Committee com$osed of fie >/ members from the !enate and fie >/ members from the +o#se of,e$resentaties. The members from the !enate shall be a$$ointed b the !enate (resident based on

 $ro$ortional re$resentation o f the $arties or coalition therein with at least one 6/ member re$resenting the

Finorit. The members from the +o#se of ,e$resentatie shall be a$$ointed b the !$eaker& also based on

 $ro$ortional re$resentation o f the $arties or coalitions therein wi th the Chair of the +o#se of Committee on

Welfare of Children and at least one 6/ member re$resenting the Finorit

The Committee shall be headed b the res$ectie Chairs of the !enate Committee on Go#th& Women and

9amil relations and the +o#se of ,e$resentaties Committee on D#stice. The !ecretariat of the Congressional

?ersight Committee shall come from the e'isting !ecretariat $ersonnel of the Committees of the !enate and

the +o#se of ,e$resentaties concerned.

The Committee shall monitor and ens#re the effectie im$lementation of this Act& determine inherent weakness

and loo$holes in the law. ,ecommend the necessar remedial legislator or administratie meas#res and

 $erform s#ch other d#ties and f#nctions as ma be necessar to attain the ob3ecties of this Act.

$ectio/ 2.  "roriations- - The amo#nt necessar to im$lement the $roisions of the Anti-Child(ornogra$h Act and the o$erationali%ation of the Inter-Agenc Co#ncil Against Child (ornogra$h shall beincl#ded in the ann#al @eneral A$$ro$riations Act.

$ectio/ 26.  ,mlementing 'ules and 'egulations- - The Inter- Agenc Co#ncil Against Child $ornogra$hshall $rom#lgate the necessar im$lementing r#les and reg#lations within ninet 0/ das from the effectiit

of this Act.

$ectio/ 2-. Suletory "lication of the 'evised Penal !ode-  - The ,eised $enal Code shall be s#$$letorila$$licable to this Act.

$ectio/ 28. Searability !lause- - If an $art of this Act is declared #nconstit#tional or inalid& the other $roisions not affected thereb shall contin#e to be in f#ll force and effect.

$ectio/ 29.  'eealing !lause- - All laws& $residential decrees& e'ec#tie orders& administratie orders& r#lesand reg#lations inconsistent with or contrar to the $roisions of this Act are deemed amended& modified or

re$ealed accordingl.

$ectio/ +0.  Effectivity- - This Act shall effect after fifteen 6>/ das following its com$lete $#blication in the?fficial @a%ette or in at least two 2/ news$a$ers of general circ#lation.

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

12/42

RE'()#IC ACT No. 8049

AN ACT RE(#ATIN &AIN AND "T&ER F"RM$ "F INITIATI"N RITE$ IN

FRATERNITIE$, $"R"RITIE$, AND "T&ER "RANIATI"N$ AND 'R"!IDIN 'ENA#TIE$

T&EREF"R 

$ectio/ *. +a%ing& as #sed in this Act& is an initiation rite or $ractice as a $rere:#isite for admission into

membershi$ in a fraternit& sororit or organi%ation b $lacing the recr#it& neo$hte or a$$licant in some

embarrassing or h#miliating sit#ations s#ch as forcing him to do menial& sill& foolish and other similar tasks or 

actiities or otherwise s#b3ecting him to $hsical or $schological s#ffering or in3#r.

The term "organi%ation" shall incl#de an cl#b or the Armed 9orces of the (hili$$ines& (hili$$ine . The $enalt of $rison maor in its ma'im#m $eriod 60 ears and one da to 62 ears/ if in

conse:#ence of the ha%ing the ictim shall hae been ill or inca$acitated for the $erformance on the

actiit or work in which he was habit#all engaged for a $eriod of more than thirt 80/ das.

=. The $enalt of $rison maor in its medi#m $eriod ; ears and one da to 60 ears/ if in

conse:#ence of the ha%ing the ictim shall hae been ill or inca$acitated for the $erformance on the

actiit or work in which he was habit#all engaged for a $eriod of ten 60/ das or more& or that the

in3#r s#stained shall re:#ire medical assistance for the same $eriod.

7. The $enalt of $rison maor in its minim#m $eriod = ears and one da to ; ears/ if in

conse:#ence of the ha%ing the ictim shall hae been ill or inca$acitated for the $erformance on the

actiit or work in which he was habit#all engaged from one 6/ to nine / das& or that the in3#rs#stained shall re:#ire medical assistance for the same $eriod.

;. The $enalt of $rison correccional in its ma'im#m $eriod 4 ears& 2 months and one da to =

ears/ if in conse:#ence of the ha%ing the ictim s#stained $hsical in3#ries which do not $reent

him from engaging in his habit#al actiit or work nor re:#ire medical attendance.

The res$onsible officials of the school or of the $olice& militar or citi%ens arm training organi%ation& ma

im$ose the a$$ro$riate administratie sanctions on the $erson or the $ersons charged #nder this $roision een

 before their coniction. The ma'im#m $enal t herein $roided shall be im$osed in an of the following

instances

a/ when the recr#itment is accom$anied b force& iolence& threat& intimidation or deceit on the $erson of the recr#it who ref#ses to 3oin1

b/ when the recr#it& neo$hte or a$$licant initiall consents to 3oin b#t #$on learning that ha%ing

will be committed on his $erson& is $reented from :#itting1

c/ when the recr#it& neo$hte or a$$licant haing #ndergone ha%ing is $reented from re$orting the

#nlawf#l act to his $arents or g#ardians& to the $ro$er school a#thorities& or to the $olice a#thorities&

thro#gh force& iolence& threat or intimidation1

d/ when the ha%ing is committed o#tside of the school or instit#tion1 or

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

13/42

e/ when the ictim is below twele 62/ ears of age at the time of the ha%ing.

The owner of the $lace where ha%ing is cond#cted shall be liable as an accom$lice& when he has act#al

knowledge of the ha%ing cond#cted therein b#t failed to take an action to $reent the same from occ#rring. If

the ha%ing is held in the home of one of the officers or members of the fraternit& gro#$& or organi%ation& the

 $arents shall be held liable as $rinci$als when the hae act#al knowledge of the ha%ing cond#cted the rein b#t

failed to take an action to $reent the same from occ#rring.

The school a#thorities incl#ding fac#lt members who consent to the ha%ing or who hae act#al knowledge

thereof& b#t failed to take an action to $reent the same from occ#rring shall be $#nished as accom$lices for

the acts of ha%ing committed b the $er$etrators.

The officers& former officers& or al#mni of the organi%ation& gro#$& fraternit or sororit who act#all $lanned

the ha%ing altho#gh not $resent when the acts constit#ting the ha%ing were committed shall be liable as

 $rinci$als. A fraternit or sororits adiser who is $resent when the acts constit#ting the ha%ing were

committed and failed to take action to $reent the same from occ#rring shall be liable as $rinci$al.

The $resence of an $erson d#ring the ha%ing is $rima facie eidence of $artici$ation therein as $rinci$al

#nless he $reented the commission of the acts $#nishable herein.

An $erson charged #nder this $roision shall not be entitled to the mitigating circ#mstance that there was no

intention to commit so grae a wrong.

This section shall a$$l to the $resident& manager& director or other res$onsible officer of a cor$oration

engaged in ha%ing as a re:#irement for em$loment in the manner $roided herein.

$ectio/ . If an $roision or $art of this Act is declared inalid or #nconstit#tional& the other $arts or

 $roisions thereof shall remain alid and effectie.

$ectio/ 6. All laws& orders& r#les or reg#lations which are inconsistent with or contrar to the $roisions of this

Act are hereb amended or re$ealed accordingl.

$ectio/ -. This Act shall take effect fifteen 6>/ calendar das after its $#blication in at least two 2/ national

news$a$ers of general circ#lation.

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

14/42

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

15/42

c/ Those who derie $rofit or adantage therefrom& whether as manager or owner of the

establishment where the $rostit#tion takes $lace& or of the sa#na& disco& bar& resort& $lace of

entertainment or establishment sering as a coer or which engages in $rostit#tion in addition to the

actiit for which the license has been iss#ed to said establishment.

$ectio/ 6. Atte#pt To Co##it Child Prostitution.  There is an attem$t to commit child $rostit#tion #nder

!ection >& $aragra$h a/ hereof when an $erson who& not being a relatie of a child& is fo#nd alone with the

said child inside the room or c#bicle of a ho#se& an inn& hotel& motel& $ension ho#se& a$artelle or other similar

establishments& essel& ehicle or an other hidden or secl#ded area #nder circ#mstances which wo#ld lead a

reasonable $erson to beliee that the child is abo#t to be e'$loited in $rostit#tion and other se'#al ab#se.

There is also an attem$t to commit child $rostit#tion& #nder $aragra$h b/ of !ection > hereof when an $erson

is receiing serices from a child in a sa#na $arlor or bath& massage clinic& health cl#b and other similar

establishments. A $enalt lower b two 2/ degrees than that $rescribed for the cons#mmated felon #nder!ection > hereof shall be im$osed #$on the $rinci$als of the attem$t to commit the crime of child $rostit#tion

#nder this Act& or& in the $ro$er case& #nder the ,eised (enal Code.

ARTIC#E I!

Chil5 Traic;i/

$ectio/ -. Child Traffic&ing .  An $erson who shall engage in trading and dealing with children incl#ding&

 b#t not limited to& the act of b#ing and selling of a child for mone& or for an other considerat ion& or barter&

shall s#ffer the $enalt of recl#sion tem$oral to recl#sion $er$et#a. The $enalt shall be im$osed in its

ma'im#m $eriod when the ictim is #nder twele 62/ ears of age.

$ectio/ 8. Atte#pt to Co##it Child Traffic&ing .  There is an attem$t to commit child trafficking #nder

!ection 7 of this Act8awhi89alf 

a/ When a child traels alone to a foreign co#ntr witho#t alid reason therefor and witho#t

clearance iss#ed b the *e$artment of !ocial Welfare and *eelo$ment or written $ermit or

 3#stification from the child s $arents or legal g#ardian1

c/ When a $erson& agenc& establishment or child-caring instit#tion recr#its women or co#$les to

 bear children for the $#r$ose of chi ld trafficking1 or 

d/ When a doctor& hos$ital or clinic official or em$loee& n#rse& midwife& local ciil registrar or an

other $erson sim#lates birth for the $#r$ose of child trafficking1 or 

e/ When a $erson engages in the act of finding children among low-income families& hos$itals&

clinics& n#rseries& da-care centers& or other child-d#ring instit#tions who can be offered for the

 $#r$ose of child trafficking.

A $enalt lower two 2/ degrees than that $rescribed for the cons#mmated felon #nder !ection 7 hereof shall

 be im$osed #$on the $rinci$als of the at tem$t to commit child trafficking #nder thi s Act.

ARTIC#E !

"bce/e 'ublicatio/ a/5 I/5ece/t $ho of (residential *ecree 0&000/& and the loss of $arental a#thorit oer the minor.

d/ An $erson& owner& manager or one entr#sted with the o$eration of an $#blic or $riate $lace of

accommodation& whether for occ#$anc& food& drink or otherwise& incl#ding residential $laces& who

allows an $erson to take along with him to s#ch $lace or $laces an minor herein described shall be

im$osed a $enalt of $rision maor in its medi#m $eriod and a fine of not less than 9ift tho#sand

 $esos (>0&000/& and the loss of the license to o$erate s#ch a $lace or establishment.

e/ An $erson who shall #se& coerce& force or intimidate a street child or an other child to1

6/ eg or #se begging as a means of liing1

2/ Act as cond#it or middlemen in dr#g trafficking or $#shing1 or 

8/ Cond#ct an illegal actiities& shall s#ffer the $enalt of $rision correccional in its

medi#m $eriod to recl#sion $er$et#a.

9or $#r$oses of this Act& the $enalt for the commission of acts $#nishable #nder Articles 24;& 24& 2=2&

 $aragra$h 2& and 2=8& $aragra$h 6 of Act & as amended& the ,eised (enal Code& for the crimes of

m#rder& homicide& other intentional m#tilation& and serio#s $hsical in3#ries& res$ectiel& shall be recl#sion

 $er$et#a when the ictim is #nder twele 62/ ears of age. The $enalt for the commission of ac ts $#nishable

#nder Article 887& 88& 840 and 846 of Act & as amended& the ,eised (enal Code& for the crimes of

:#alified sed#ction& acts of lasciio#sness with the consent of the offended $art& corr#$tion of minors& and

white slae trade& res$ectiel& shall be one 6/ degree higher than that im$osed b law when the ictim is

#nder twele 62/ ears age.

The ictim of the acts committed #nder this section shall be entr#sted to the care of the *e$artment of !ocialWelfare and *eelo$ment.

ARTIC#E !II

$a/ctio/ or Etablih7e/t or E/terprie

$ectio/ **. Sanctions of stablish#ents or nterprises (hich Pro#ote, $acilitate, or Conduct Actiities

Constituting Child Prostitution and %ther Se!ual Abuse, Child Traffic&ing, %bscene Publications and

 'ndecent Sho(s, and %ther Acts of Abuse.  All establishments and enter$rises which $romote or facilitate

child $rostit#tion and other se'#al ab#se& child trafficking& obscene $#blications and indecent shows& and other

acts of ab#se shall be immediatel closed and their a#thorit or license to o$erate cancelled& witho#t $re3#dice

to the owner or manager thereof being $rosec#ted #nder this Act and5or the ,eised (enal Code& as amended&

or s$ecial laws. A sign with the words "off limits" shall be cons$ic#o#sl dis$laed o#tside the establishments

or enter$rises b the *e$artment of !ocial Welfare and *eelo$ment for s#ch $eriod which shall not be less

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

16/42

than one 6/ ear& as the *e$artment ma determine. The #na#thori%ed remoal of s#ch sign shall be

 $#nishable b $rision correcciona l.

An establishment shall be deemed to $romote or facilitate child $rostit#tion and other se'#al ab#se& child

trafficking& obscene $#blications and indecent shows& and other acts of ab#se if the acts constit#ting the same

occ#r in the $remises of said establishment #nder this Act or in iolation of the ,eised (enal Code& as

amended. An enter$rise s#ch as a sa#na& trael agenc& or recr#itment agenc which $romotes the

aforementioned acts as $art of a to#r for foreign to#rists1 e'hibits children in a lewd or indecent show1 $roides

child masse#rs for ad#lts of the same or o$$osite se' and said serices incl#de an lasciio#s cond#ct with the

c#stomers1 or solicits children or actiities constit#ting the aforementioned acts shall be deemed to hae

committed the acts $enali%ed herein.

ARTIC#E !III

%or;i/ Chil5re/$ectio/ *2. #ploy#ent of Children.  Children below fifteen 6>/ ears of age ma be em$loed e'ce$t

6/ When a child works directl #nder the sole res$onsibilit of his $arents or legal g#ardian and

where onl members of the em$loers famil are em$loed (roided& howeer& That his

em$loment neither endangers his life& safet and health and morals& nor im$airs his normal

deelo$ment (roided& f#rther& That the $arent or legal g#ardian shall $roide the said minor child

with the $rescribed $rimar and5or secondar ed#cation1 or 

2/ When a childs em$loment or $artici$ation in $#blic H entertainment or information thro#gh

cinema& theater& radio or teleision is essential (roided& The em$loment contract concl#ded b the

childs $arent or g#ardian& with the e'$ress agreement of the child concerned& if $ossible& and the

a$$roal of the *e$artment of Babor and m$loment (roided& That the following re:#irements in

all instances are strictl com$lied with

a/ The em$loer shall ens#re the $rotection& health& safet and morals of the child1

b/ the em$loer shall instit#te meas#res to $reent the childs e'$loitation or discrimination takinginto acco#nt the sstem and leel of rem#neration& and the d#ration and arrangement of working

time1 and1

c/ The em$loer shall form#late and im$lement& s#b3ect to the a$$roal and s#$erision of

com$etent a#thorities& a contin#ing $rogram for training and skill ac:#isition of the child.

In the aboe e'ce$tional cases where an s#ch child ma be em$loed& the em$loer shall first sec#re& before

engaging s#ch child& a work $ermit from the *e$artment of Babor and m$loment which shall ens#re

obserance of the aboe re:#irement.

The *e$artment of Babor m$loment shall $rom#lgate r#les and reg#lations necessar for the effectie

im$lementation of this !ection.

$ectio/ *+. )on-for#al ducation for or&ing Children.  The *e$artment of d#cation& C#lt#re and !$orts

shall $rom#lgate a co#rse design #nder its non-formal ed#cation $rogram aimed at $romoting the intellect#al&

moral and ocational efficienc of working children who hae not #ndergone or finished elementar orsecondar ed#cation. !#ch co#rse design shall integrate the learning $rocess deemed most effectie #nder

gien circ#mstances.

$ectio/ *4. Prohibition on the #ploy#ent of Children in Certain Adertise#ents.  &000/ more than Ten

tho#sand $esos (60&000/.

$ectio/ 2*. Participation.  Indigeno#s c#lt#ral comm#nities& thro#gh their d#l-designated or a$$ointed

re$resentaties shall be inoled in $lanning& decision-making im$lementation& and eal#ation of all

goernment $rograms affecting children of indigeno#s c#lt#ral comm#nities. Indigeno#s instit#tion shall also be recogni%ed and res$ected.

ARTIC#E

Chil5re/ i/ $ituatio/ o Ar7e5 Co/lict

$ectio/ 22. Children as /ones of Peace.  Children are hereb declared as ones of (eace. It shall be the

res$onsibilit of the !tate and all other sectors concerned to resole armed conflicts in order to $romote the

goal of children as %ones of $eace. To attain this ob3ectie& the following $olicies shall be obsered.

a/ Children shall not be the ob3ect of attack and shall be entitled to s$ecial res$ect. The shall be

 $rotected from an form of threat& assa#lt& tort#re or other cr#el& inh#mane or degrading treatment1

b/ Children shall not be recr#ited to become members of the Armed 9orces of the (hili$$ines of its

ciilian #nits or other armed gro#$s& nor be allowed to take $art in the fighting& or #sed as g#ides&

co#riers& or s$ies1

c/ *elier of basic social serices s#ch as ed#cation& $rimar health and emergenc relief sericesshall be ke$t #nham$ered1

d/ The safet and $rotection of those who $roide serices incl#ding those inoled in fact-finding

missions from both goernment and non-goernment instit#tions shall be ens#red. The shall not be

s#b3ected to #nd#e harassment in the $erformance of their work1

e/ (#blic infrastr#ct#re s#ch as schools& hos$itals and r#ral health #nits shall not be #tili%ed for

militar $#r$oses s#ch as command $osts& barracks& detachments& and s#$$l de$ots1 and

f/ All a$$ro$riate ste$s shall be taken to facilitate the re#nion of families tem$oraril se$arated d#e

to armed conflict.

$ectio/ 2+. acuation of Children uring Ar#ed Conflict .  Children shall be gien $riorit d#ring

eac#ation as a res#lt of armed conflict. 'isting comm#nit organi%ations shall be ta$$ed to look after the

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

17/42

safet and well-being of children d#ring eac#ation o$erations. Feas#res shall be taken to ens#re that children

eac#ated are accom$anied b $ersons res$onsible for their safet and well-being.

$ectio/ 24. $a#ily ife and Te#porary Shelter .  Wheneer $ossible& members of the same famil shall be

ho#sed in the same $remises and gien se$arate accommodation from other eac#ees and $roided with

facilities to lead a normal famil life. In $laces of tem$orar shelter& e'$ectant and n#rsing mothers and

children shall be gien additional food in $ro$ortion to their $hsiological needs. Wheneer feasible& children

shall be gien o$$ort#nities for $hsical e'ercise& s$orts and o#tdoor games.

$ectio/ 2. 1ights of Children Arrested for 1easons 1elated to Ar#ed Conflict .  An child who has been

arrested for reasons related to armed conflict& either as combatant& co#rier& g#ide or s$ is entitled to the

following rights1

a/ !e$arate detention from ad#lts e'ce$t where families are accommodated as famil #nits1

b/ Immediate free legal assistance1

c/ Immediate notice of s#ch arrest to the $arents or g#ardians of the child1 and

d/ ,elease of the child on recogni%ance within twent-fo#r 24/ ho#rs to the c#stod of the

*e$artment of !ocial Welfare and *eelo$ment or an res$onsible member of the comm#nit as

determined b the co#rt.

If after hearing the eidence in the $ro$er $roceedings the co#rt sho#ld find that the aforesaid child committed

the acts charged against him& the co#rt shall determine the im$osable $enalt& incl#ding an ciil liabilit

chargeable against him. +oweer& instead of $rono#ncing 3#dgment of coniction& the co#rt shall s#s$end all

f#rther $roceedings and shall commit s#ch child to the c#stod or care of the *e$artment of !ocial Welfare and

*eelo$ment or to an training instit#tion o$erated b the @oernment& or d#l-licensed agencies or an other

res$onsible $erson& #ntil he has had reached eighteen 6;/ ears of age or& for a shorter $eriod as the co#rt ma

deem $ro$er& after considering the re$orts and recommendations of the *e$artment of !ocial Welfare and

*eelo$ment or the agenc or res$onsible indiid#al #nder whose care he has been committed.

The aforesaid child shall s#b3ect to isitation and s#$erision b a re$resentatie of the *e$artment of !ocial

Welfare and *eelo$ment or an d#l-licensed agenc or s#ch other officer as the co#rt ma designate s#b3ect

to s#ch conditions as it ma $rescribe.

The aforesaid child whose sentence is s#s$ended can a$$eal from the order of the co#rt in the same manner as

a$$eals in criminal cases.

$ectio/ 26. onitoring and 1eporting of Children in Situations of Ar#ed Conflict .  The chairman of the

 baranga affected b the armed conflic t shall s#bmit the names of children residing in said baranga to the

m#nici$al social welfare and deelo$ment officer within twent-fo#r 24/ ho#rs from the occ#rrence of the

armed conflict.

ARTIC#E I

Re7e5ial 'roce5ure

$ectio/ 2-. ho ay $ile a Co#plaint .  Com$laints on cases of #nlawf#l acts committed against the

children as en#merated herein ma be filed b the following

a/ ?ffended $art1

b/ (arents or g#ardians1

c/ Ascendant or collateral relatie within the third degree of consang#init18awhi89,T! 

d/ ?fficer& social worker or re$resentatie of a licensed child-caring instit#tion1

e/ ?fficer or social worker of the *e$artment of !ocial Welfare and *eelo$ment1

f/ aranga chairman1 or 

g/ At least three 8/ concerned res$onsible citi%ens where the iolation occ#rred.

$ectio/ 28. Protectie Custody of the Child .  The offended $art shall be immediatel $laced #nder the

 $rotectie c#stod of the *e$ar tment of !ocial Welfare and *eelo$ment $#rs#ant to 'ec#tie ?rder =&

series of 6;=. In the reg#lar $erformance of this f#nction& the officer of the *e$artment of !ocial Welfare and

*eelo$ment shall be free from an administratie& ciil or criminal liabilit. C#stod $roceedings shall be in

accordance with the $roisions of (residential *ecree

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

18/42

$ectio/ +4. Separability Clause.  If an $roision of this Act is declared inalid or #nconstit#tional& the

remaining $roisions not affected thereb shall contin#e in f#ll force and effect.

$ectio/ +. 1epealing Clause.  All laws& decrees& or r#les inconsistent with the $roisions of this Acts are

hereb re$ealed or modified accordingl.

$ectio/ +6. ffectiity Clause.  This Act shall take effect #$on com$letion of its $#blication in at least two 2/

national news$a$ers of general circ#lation.

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

19/42

Republic Act No. 9+44

AN ACT E$TA)#I$&IN A C"M'RE&EN$I!E 1(!ENI#E 1($TICE AND %E#FARE $$TEM,

CREATIN T&E 1(!ENI#E 1($TICE AND %E#FARE C"(NCI# (NDER T&E DE'ARTMENT

"F 1($TICE, A''R"'RIATIN F(ND$ T&EREF"R AND F"R "T&ER '(R'"$E$

TIT#E I

"!ERNIN 'RINCI'#E$

C&A'TER *

TIT#E, '"#IC AND DEFINITI"N "F TERM$

$ectio/ *. Short Title and Scope. - This Act shall be known as the 1u=e/ile 1utice a/5 %elare Act o

2006. It shall coer the different stages inoling children at risk and children in conflict with the law from

 $reention to rehabilita tion and reintegration.

$EC. 2. eclaration of State Policy. - The following !tate $olicies shall be obsered at all times

a/ The !tate recogni%es the ital role of children and o#th in nation b#ilding and shall $romote and

 $rotect their $hsical& moral& s$iri t#al& intellect#al and socia l well-being. It shall inc#lcate in the

o#th $atriotism and nationalism& and enco#rage their inolement in $#blic and ciic affairs.

b/ The !tate shall $rotect the best interests of the child thro#gh meas#res that will ens#re the

obserance of international standards of child $rotection& es$eciall those to which the (hili$$ines is

a $art. (roceedings before an a#thorit shall be cond#cted in the best interest of the child and in a

manner which allows the child to $artici$ate and to e'$ress himself5herself freel. The $artici$ation

of children in the $rogram and $olic form#lation and im$lementation related to 3#enile 3#stice and

welfare shall be ens#red b the concerned goernment agenc.

c/ The !tate likewise recogni%es the right of children to assistance& incl#ding $ro$er care and

n#trition& and s$ecial $rotection from all forms of neglect& ab#se& cr#elt and e'$loitation& and other

conditions $re3#dicial to their deelo$ment.d/ (#rs#ant to Article 40 of the )nited

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

20/42

and serices for $reention& diersion& rehabilitation& re-integration and aftercare to ens#re their

normal growth and deelo$ment.

n/ "Baw nforcement ?fficer" refers to the $erson in a#thorit or his5her agent as defined in Article

6>2 of the ,eised (enal Code& incl#ding a baranga tanod.

0/ "?ffense" refers to an act or omission whether $#nishable #nder s$ecial laws or the ,eised

(enal Code& as amended.

$/ ",ecogni%ance" refers to an #ndertaking in lie# of a bond ass#med b a $arent or c#stodian who

shall be res$onsible for the a$$earance in co#rt of the child in conflict with the law& when re:#ired.

:/ ",estoratie D#stice" refers to a $rinci$le which re:#ires a $rocess of resoling conflicts with the

ma'im#m inolement of the ictim& the offender and the comm#nit. It seeks to obtain re$aration

for the ictim1 reconciliation of the offender& the offended and the comm#nit1 and reass#rance to the

offender that he5she can be reintegrated into societ. It also enhances $#blic safet b actiating theoffender& the ictim and the comm#nit in $reention strategies.

r/ "!tat#s ?ffenses" refers to offenses which discriminate onl against a child& while an ad#lt does

not s#ffer an $enalt for committing similar acts. These shall incl#de c#rfew iolations1 tr#anc&

 $arental disobedience and the like.

s/ "Go#th *etention +ome" refers to a 24-ho#r child-caring instit#tion managed b accredited local

goernment #nits B@)s/ and licensed and5or accredited nongoernment organi%ations

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

21/42

DDWC shall be chaired b an #ndersecretar of the *e$artment of !ocial Welfare and *eelo$ment. It shall

ens#re the effectie im$lementation of this Act and coordination among the following agencies

a/ Co#ncil for the Welfare of Children CWC/1

b/ *e$artment of d#cation *e$d/1

c/ *e$artment of the Interior and Bocal @oernment *IB@/1

d/ (#blic Attornes ?ffice (A?/1

e/ #rea# of Corrections )C?,/1

f/ (arole and (roba tion Administration ((A/

g/

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

22/42

$EC. *4. The 1ole of the ass edia. - The mass media shall $la an actie role in the $romotion of child

rights& and delin:#enc $reention b relaing consistent messages thro#gh a balanced a$$roach. Fedia

 $ractitioners shall& there fore& hae the d#t to maintain the highest critical and $rofessional standards in

re$orting and coering cases of children in conflict with the law. In all $#blicit concerning children& the best

interest of the child sho#ld be the $rimordial and $aramo#nt concern. An #nd#e& ina$$ro$riate and

sensationali%ed $#blicit of an case inoling a child in conflict with the law is hereb declared a iolation of

the childs rights.

$EC. *. stablish#ent and Strengthening of ocal Councils for the Protection of Children. - Bocal

Co#ncils for the (rotection of Children BC(C/ shall be established in all leels of local goernment& and

where the hae alread been established& the shall be strengthened within one 6/ ear from the effectiit of 

this Act. Fembershi$ in the BC(C shall be chosen from among the res$onsible members of the comm#nit&

incl#ding a re$resentatie from the o#th sector& as well as re$resentaties from goernment and $riate

agencies concerned with the welfare of children.

The local co#ncil shall sere as the $rimar agenc to coordinate with and assist the B@) concerned for the

ado$tion of a com$rehensie $lan on delin:#enc $reention& and to oersee its $ro$er im$lementation.

?ne $ercent 6J/ of the internal reen#e allotment of barangas& m#nici$alities and cities shall be allocated for 

the strengthening and im$lementation of the $rograms of the BC(C (roided& That the disb#rsement of the

f#nd shall be made b the B@) concerned.

$EC. *6. Appoint#ent of ocal Social elfare and eelop#ent %fficer. - All B@)s shall a$$oint a d#l

licensed social worker as its local social welfare and deelo$ment officer tasked to assist children in conflict

with the law.

$EC. *-. The Sangguniang 6abataan. - The !angg#niang Kabataan !K/ shall coordinate with the BC(C in

the form#lation and im$lementation of 3#enile interention and diersion $rograms in the comm#nit.

C&A'TER 2

C"M'RE&EN$I!E 1(!ENI#E INTER!ENTI"N 'R"RAM$EC. *8. eelop#ent of a Co#prehensie 3uenile 'nterention Progra#. - A Com$rehensie 3#enile

interention $rogram coering at least a 8-ear $eriod shall be instit#ted in B@)s from the baranga to the

 $roincial leel.

The B@)s shall set aside an amo#nt necessar to im$lement their res$ectie 3#enile interention $rograms in

their ann#al b#dget.

The B@)s& in coordination with the BC(C& shall call on all sectors concerned& $artic#larl the child-foc#sed

instit#tions& / ears old or below& the a#thorit which will hae an initial contact with the child

has the d#t to immediatel release the child to the c#stod of his5her $arents or g#ardian& or in the absence

thereof& the childs nearest relatie. !aid a#thorit shall gie notice to the local social welfare and deelo$ment

officer who will determine the a$$ro$riate $rograms in cons#ltation with the child and to the $erson haing

c#stod oer the child. If the $arents& g#ardians or nearest relaties cannot be located& or if the ref#se to take

c#stod& the child ma be released to an of the following a d#l registered nongoernmental or religio#s

organi%ation1 a baranga official or a member of the aranga Co#ncil for the (rotection of Children C(C/1

a local social welfare and deelo$ment officer1 or when and where a$$ro$riate& the *!W*. If the child referred

to herein has been fo#nd b the Bocal !ocial Welfare and *eelo$ment ?ffice to be abandoned& neglected or

ab#sed b his $arents& or in the eent that the $arents will not com$l with the $reention $rogram& the $ro$er $etition for inol#ntar commitment shall be filed b the *!W* or the Bocal !ocial Welfare and *eelo$ment

?ffice $#rs#ant to (resident ial *ecree

8/19/2019 RA 9262, 9775, 8049, 7610, 9344, 8353 and PD 603

23/42

l/ ,ecord the following in the initial inestigation

6. Whether handc#ffs or other instr#ments of restraint were #sed& and if so& the reason for

s#ch1

2. That the $arents or g#ardian of a child& the *!W*& and the (A0 hae been informed of

the a$$rehension and the details thereof1 and

8. The e'ha#stion of meas#res to determine the age of a child and the $recise details of the

 $hsical and medical e'amination or the fail#re to s#bmit a child to s#ch e'amination1 and

m/ ns#re that all statements signed b the child d#ring inestigation shall be witnessed b the

childs $arents or g#ardian& social worker& or legal co#nsel in attendance who shall affi' his5her

signat#re to the said statement.

A child in conflict with the law shall onl be searched b a law enforcement officer of the same gender andshall not be locked #$ in a detention cell.

$EC. 22. uties uring 'nitial 'nestigation. - The law enforcement officer shall& in his5her inestigation&

determine where the case inoling the child in conflict with the law sho#ld be referred.

The taking of the statement of the child shall be cond#cted in the $resence of the following 6/ childs co#nsel

of choice or in the absence thereof& a lawer from the (#blic Attornes ?ffice1 2/ the childs $arents& g#ardian&

or nearest relatie& as the case ma be1 and 8/ the local social welfare and deelo$ment officer. In the absence

of the childs $arents& g#ardian& or nearest relatie& and the local social welfare and deelo$ment officer& the

inestigation shall be cond#cted in the $resence of a re$resentatie of an / ears or below or aboe fifteen

6>/ b#t below eighteen 6;/ ears old& who acted witho#t discernment1 and

b/ If the child is aboe fifteen 6>/ ears old b#t below eighteen 6;/ and who acted with

discernment& $roceed to diersion #nder the following cha$ter.

C&A'TER 2

DI!ER$I"N

$EC. 2+. Syste# of iersion. - Children in conflict with the law shall #ndergo diersion $rograms witho#t

#ndergoing co#rt $roceedings s#b3ect to the conditions herein $roided

a/ Where the im$osable $enalt for the crime committee is not more than si' =/ ears

im$risonment& the law enforcement officer or (#nong aranga with the assistance of the local

social welfare and deelo$ment officer or other members of the BC(C shall cond#ct mediation&

famil conferencing and conciliation and& where a$$ro$riate& ado$t indigeno#s modes of conflict

resol#tion in accordance with the best interest of the child with a iew to accom$lishing the

ob3ecties of restoratie 3#stice and the form#lation of a diersion $rogram. The child and his5her

famil shall be $resent in these actiities.

b/ In ictimless crimes where the im$osable $enalt is not more than si' =/ ears im$risonment& the

local social welfare and deelo$ment officer shall meet with the child and his5her $arents or

g#ardians for the deelo$ment of th