Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 603)
The Code applies to persons below twenty-one years of age except those emancipated in accordance with law.
Every child is entitled to rights including dignity from conception, wholesome family life, well-rounded personality development, protection against exploitation, right to education, safe recreation, and care by the State, among others.
Both the father and mother jointly exercise just and reasonable parental authority and responsibility over their legitimate or adopted children.
An adopter must be of legal age, in full possession of civil rights, able to support and care for the child, and at least fifteen years older than the adoptee.
Parents may be punished with imprisonment from two to six months or a fine up to five hundred pesos, or both, for acts like abandonment, neglect, refusal to enroll the child in school, exploitation, or allowing vices.
The Department is responsible for case studies, custody and care, voluntary or involuntary commitment, supervision, and ensuring the welfare of such children.
A youthful offender is one who is over nine years but under twenty-one years of age at the time of the commission of the offense.
The civil personality of the child commences from the time of conception for all purposes favorable to the child, subject to the Civil Code requirements.
Barangay councils may enact ordinances for child welfare, organize local Councils for Protection of Children, encourage youth associations, and appropriate funds for scholarships.
Grounds include immoral use, insolvency, neglect or undernourishment of children, unsanitary conditions, unsafe location, or incompetence of the agency.