Solon open on refining Parents Welfare Act

Senator Panfilo Lacson said Monday he is open to constructive public discourse to improve his proposed Parents Welfare Act, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in crafting meaningful legislation.

In a radio interview, Lacson acknowledged that while online debates have included misinformation, he values concerns raised respectfully and constructively by citizens.

“I still do appreciate those who articulated their concerns in a constructive manner,” Lacson said. “Whether we admit it or not, the online discourse has shed light on the evolving nuances of family relationships, likely shaped by modern times.”

The senator stressed that a key responsibility of lawmakers is to thoroughly examine all concerns while refining proposed legislation. “The discourse on the subject is welcome, along with constructive criticisms, arguments and counter-arguments, if they will enrich the measure,” he added.

Lacson said that he is dedicating the bill to his late parents, Maxima and Buenaventura, who he said taught him and his siblings the value of integrity and selflessness.

“Whatever happens, I am dedicating this piece of legislation, including my commitment to refine it in the committee and defend it in the plenary should it go that far, to all the helplessly struggling parents who have given their all for their children, yet are not as fortunate as they are,” said the lawmaker.

Lacson clarified the bill aims to protect struggling elderly parents who, despite sacrificing greatly, are later neglected by their children and stressed the bill does not tolerate a “culture of dependency” or perpetrate the suffering of the “sandwich generation” — those torn between supporting aging parents and their own children.

He cited a case where parents were evicted from their own home after transferring ownership to their child as an example of why penalties, including imprisonment, might be justified.

“Isn’t it abominable that despite the care you gave your children, they just kick you out? To me, the bill’s provision of one to six months’ imprisonment would be justified in this case,” said the senator.

However, Lacson clarified the measure will not protect abusive or neglectful parents, nor does it intend to unjustly burden children.

“It (the bill) is for the parents who are sick and physically incapacitated, struggling to even have enough to eat, yet are heartlessly abandoned by their financially able children for whom they sacrificed so much,” he explained.

Lacson intends to actively pursue the bill’s passage, even requesting to lead a subcommittee to shepherd it through the legislative process, similar to his past efforts with the National ID law.

“I want to pursue this because this has a basis in the Constitution, the Family Code, and my personal experience where I did everything to support them until they breathed their last,” he shared.

The senator also mentioned that the bill includes safeguards, such as exemptions for abused, neglected, or abandoned children, as well as those who are financially incapable.