Lacson clarifies intent of Parents Welfare Act of 2025

Senator Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson addressed on Wednesday several misconceptions and concerns regarding Senate Bill 396, also known as the proposed Parents Welfare Act of 2025.

Lacson emphasized that the bill aims to ensure that children provide support to their parents in times of genuine need. However, he clarified that the measure does not apply to parents who have mistreated, abandoned, or neglected their children.

"Abuse, abandonment or neglect by parents of their children are exempting circumstances. Under the proposed measure, walang obligasyon ang anak na magsuporta sa magulang na nang-abuso, nag-abandon at nagpabaya sa kanya (the child has no obligation to support parents who abused, abandoned, or neglected him/her)," Lacson said.

Some critics earlier argued that the bill overlooks individuals who are financially incapable or have been victims of parental abuse. In response, Lacson reiterated that the measure specifically covers parents who are elderly, seriously ill, or permanently unable to support themselves – regardless of age.

He also pointed out that the bill makes clear that children without the financial capacity to provide assistance are not obligated to do so.