Manila, Philippines – A new Senate proposal is stirring conversations across the country. Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has filed the Parents Welfare Act of 2025, a measure that seeks to make it a legal obligation for adult children to support their elderly, sick, or incapacitated parents. The bill also includes penalties for those who abandon them. While rooted in the Filipino value of caring for one’s elders, the proposal has sparked debates about fairness, feasibility, and the role of the state in family affairs.

Key Provisions of the Parents Welfare Act

The proposed law requires adult children to provide support for parents who can no longer support themselves because of age, illness, or incapacity. If there are several siblings, the obligation is to be shared according to each one’s financial ability. In cases where the direct children cannot support their parents, the responsibility may extend to grandchildren.

Support can be provided in two ways: through financial assistance as determined by the court or by taking in the parent and personally caring for them. An indigent parent may file a petition for support in court, and the Public Attorney’s Office will represent them for free. No filing fees will be required, and mediation will be offered to help resolve disputes before a case moves forward.

Once a support order is issued, it becomes immediately enforceable. Failure to provide support for three consecutive months without a valid reason can lead to imprisonment of one to six months or a fine of up to ₱100,000. In extreme cases where a child willfully abandons a parent, penalties increase to six to ten years of imprisonment and a ₱300,000 fine. The proposal also mandates that each province and highly urbanized city establish at least one government-run home for the aged, each accommodating at least 50 senior citizens.

Historical Context

This is not the first time Lacson has pushed for such legislation. He previously filed similar measures in 2016 and 2019, both aimed at strengthening the legal responsibility of children toward their parents. Those earlier proposals did not become law, but they laid the groundwork for the current version. Other lawmakers, such as former Representative Roy Loyola, have also introduced similar measures in the past, reflecting a long-standing concern about elder neglect in the country. Lacson has noted that over 30 U.S. states already have similar filial responsibility laws.

Clarifications and Safeguards

Some initial reactions to the bill raised concerns about unfairly burdening children who grew up in abusive households or who are struggling financially. Lacson clarified that the proposed law would not apply to children who can prove that their parents abused, abandoned, or neglected them in the past. In such cases, courts may dismiss a petition for support or reduce the required amount.

The senator also emphasized that children who lack the financial capacity to provide support will not be penalized. The intent is to hold accountable only those who have the means but refuse to help. Lacson further explained that caring for the elderly should be seen as a shared responsibility between families and government, not as a way for the state to avoid its own obligations. The planned “Old Age Homes” are intended to complement, not replace, family support.

Public Reaction

Public sentiment on the proposal is mixed. Many Filipinos agree with the principle that parents who cared for their children in youth deserve support in old age. Some believe the bill reinforces important values and could deter neglect. Supporters argue that the law would help prevent cases where elderly parents are left destitute or abandoned.

On the other hand, critics warn that the bill might be used to pressure children who cannot afford support or those who suffered abuse. Social media buzzed with the phrase “children are not retirement plans,” reflecting a widespread belief that parents should also plan for their own future. Others fear that bringing family disputes into the courtroom could cause further trauma.

Some personalities, like actor John Arcilla, shared nuanced views. Arcilla said caring for parents should come from love, not obligation, noting that within a family, support is something done naturally rather than enforced by law. His comments resonated with those who believe that genuine care cannot be legislated.

What Happens Next

The Parents Welfare Act of 2025 is currently awaiting committee discussions in the Senate, where lawmakers, advocacy groups, and members of the public will be invited to give their input. Amendments are expected as the bill moves through the legislative process, particularly around definitions of financial capacity and exemptions for abusive parents.

Whether or not the bill passes, it has already sparked meaningful conversations about how Filipino families care for their elderly members in a changing society. For many, it raises the question: how do we balance compassion, responsibility, and practicality when it comes to those who raised us?