The days of fathers who do not want to support their children from their ex-wife, ex-partner, or girlfriend, are numbered.
This, after a memorandum of agreement was signed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Erwin Tulfo and Public Attorney's Office Chief Persida Acosta last Monday.
In the agreement, the two agencies vowed to pursue fathers who do not want to support their children with their exes.
"It's not only a warning, but we will file charges against fathers who refuse to give support to their children. We will first write them a letter. If they refuse to cooperate, the PAO will take care of helping the single moms file charges before the court," Tulfo said.
Atty. Acosta said, "The days of these irresponsible fathers are numbered. They will face possible criminal charges."
she said there is no reason why a father should not support his son or daughter, especially if he has a job or earns money.
Tulfo and Acosta urged the mothers to approach the DSWD and file a complaint against the father of their children.
Tulfo said, "it does not matter if the wife already has a new relationship. According to the law, it is the father's responsibility to support his children under 18 years old."
It was learned that these negligent fathers may face charges of violation of Article 194 and 195 of the Family Code of the Philippines and Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, which carries a penalty of imprisonment from one to 20 years and a penalty of P100,000 to P300,000.
