Real Talk
Tulfo Reminds Fathers To Provide Child Support in Accordance with the Law
Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo encourages mothers to approach the DSWD with concerns regarding child support from fathers who have not been helping them.
Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Erwin Tulfo urged mothers, most especially single mothers, to approach the DSWD in getting child support from fathers not giving any sustainment.
In a press release on July 21, Tulfo said that he has directed all Field Officers to help mothers who are seeking child support from the fathers of their children. According to Article 203 of the Philippine Family Code, it states that, “The obligation to give support shall be demandable from the time the person who has a right to receive the same needs if not for maintenance. But it shall not be paid except from the date of judicial or extra-judicial demand.”
It also states that “payment shall be made within the first five days of each corresponding month. Or when the recipient dies, his heirs shall not be obliged to return what he has received in advance.”
“You may reach out to us at the DSWD if there are fathers who refuse to give child support. Even if they have sources of income. We (DSWD) will write to demand that they provide child support. Otherwise, we will submit it to the court and let the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) handle it. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) can also help us file a case,” Tulfo said in Filipino.
Just a reminder
Tulfo clarified that they will not just be filing cases out of nowhere if the father has not done its obligations to provide child support.
“I just want to clarify that I did not say we will immediately file a case against those who will not give child support. The law mandates fathers to automatically give child support. It may be financial or the father sends the child to school. What I want to say is that if the father has work or a source of livelihood, and we usually get that information from the mothers, then, he should provide support,” he added.
In addition, the department is ready to help mothers with regard to child custody. Under Article 213 of the Family Code, it states that the court will consider the best interest of the child or children in designating a parent who shall have parental authority.
Moreover, Tulfo adds that they will exhaust all means to help mothers in need. Most especially with the recent enactment of Republic Act No. 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.
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