RepublicofthePhilippines CongressofthePhilippines MetroManila FourthSpecialSession Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Wednesday, the eleventh dayofFebruary,nineteenhundredandninetyeight. REPUBLICACTNO.

LICACTNO.8552 AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE RULES AND POLICIES ON THE DOMESTICADOPTIONOFFILIPINOCHILDRENANDFOROTHER PURPOSES BeitenactedbytheSenateandHouseofRepresentativesofthe PhilippinesinCongressassembled: ARTICLEI GeneralProvisions SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "DomesticAdoptionActof1998." SEC.2.DeclarationofPolicies. a) It is hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure that everychildremainsunderthecareofhis/herparent(s)andbe providedwithlove,care,understandingandsecuritytowards thefullandharmonious developmentofhis/herpersonality. Onlywhensucheffortsproveinsufficientandnoappropriate placement or adoption within the child's extended family is availableshalladoptionbyanunrelatedpersonbeconsidered. b) Inallmattersrelatingtothecare,custodyandadoptionofa child, his/her interest shall be paramount consideration in accordancewiththetenetssetforthintheUnitedNations(UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child; UN Declaration on Social and Legal Principles Relating to the Protection and WelfareofChildrenwithSpecialReferencetoFosterPlacement andAdoption,NationallyandInternationally;andtheHague ConventionontheProtectionofChildrenandCooperationin RespectofIntercountryAdoption.Towardsthisend,theState shall provide alternative protection and assistance through foster care or adoption for every child who is neglected, orphanedorabandoned. c) ItshallalsobeaStatepolicyto:

(i)

Safeguard the biological parent(s) from making hurried decisions to relinguish his/her parental authority over his/herownchild;

(ii) Prevent the child from unnecessary separation from his/herbiologicalparent(s); (iii) Protectadoptiveparent(s)fromattemptstodisturbhis/her parentalauthorityandcustodyoverhis/heradoptedchild. Any voluntary or involuntary termination of parental authorityshallbeadministrativelyorjudiciallydeclaredso astoestablishthestatusofthechildas"legallyavailable for adoption" and his/her custody transferred to the DepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopmentortoany dulylicensedandaccreditedchildplacingorchildcaring agency,whichentityshallbeauthorizedtotakestepsfor thepermanentplacementofthechild; (iv) Conductpublicinformationandeducationalcampaignsto promoteapositiveenvironmentforadoption; (v) Ensure that sufficient capacity exists within government andprivatesectoragenciestohandleadoptioninquiries, process domestic adoption applications, and offer adoptionrelated services including but not limited to, parent preparation and postadoption education and counselling;and (vi) Encouragedomesticadoptionsoastopreservethechild's identityandcultureinhis/hernativeland,andonlywhen this is not available shall intercountry adoption be consideredasalastresort. SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Act, the followingtermsshallbedefinedas: a) "Child"isapersonbeloweighteen(18)yearsofage. b) "Achildlegallyavailableforadoption"referstoachildwhohas beenvoluntarilyorinvoluntarilycommittedtotheDepartment or to a duly licensed and accredited childplacing or child caring agency, freed of the parental authority of his/her biological parent(s) or guardian or adopter(s) in case of rescissionofadoption. c) "Voluntarilycommittedchild"isonewhoseparent(s)knowingly and willingly relinguishes parental authority to the Department. d) "Involuntarilycommittedchild"isonewhoseparent(s),known orunknown,hasbeenpermanentlyandjudiciallydeprivedof parental authority due to abandonment; substantial,

continuous, or repeated neglect; abuse; or incompetence to dischargeparentalresponsibilities. e) "Abandoned child"referstoone whohas noproper parental careorguardianshiporwhoseparent(s)hasdesertedhim/her foraperiodofatleastsix(6)continuousmonthsandhasbeen judiciallydeclaredassuch. f) "Supervisedtrialcustody"isaperiodoftimewithinwhicha social worker overseas the adjustment and emotional readiness of both adopter(s) and adoptee in stabilizing their filialrelationship. g) "Department" refers to theDepartmentof SocialWelfareand Development. h) "Childplacingagency"isadulylicensedandaccreditedagency by the Department to provide comprehensive child welfare servicesincluding,butnotlimitedto,receivingapplicationsfor adoption, evaluating the prospective adoptive parents, and preparingtheadoptionhomestudy. i) "Childcaringagency"isadulylicensedandaccreditedagency by the Department that provides twenty four (24) hour residentialcareservicesforabandoned,orphaned,neglected, orvoluntarilycommittedchildren. j) "Simulation of birth" is the tampering of the civil registry makingitappearinthebirthrecordsthatacertainchildwas borntoapersonwhoisnothis/herbiologicalmother,causing suchchildtolosehis/hertrueidentityandstatus. ARTICLEII PreAdoptionServices SEC. 4. Counselling Services. The Department shall provide theservicesoflicensedsocialworkerstothefollowing: a) Biological Parent(s) Counselling shall be provided to the parent(s) before and after birth of his/her child. No binding commitmenttoanadoptionplanshallbepermittedbeforethe birth of his/her child. a period of six (6) months shall be allowedforthebiologicalparent(s)toreconsideranydecision to relinguish his/her child for adoption before the decision becomes irrevocable. Counselling and rehabilitation services shallalsobeofferedtothebiologicalparent(s)afterhe/shehas relinguishedhis/herchildforadoption. Steps shall be taken by the department to ensure that no hurrieddecisionsaremadeandallalternativesforthechild's future and the implications of each alternative have been provided.

b) ProspectiveAdoptiveParent(s)Counsellingsessions,adoption fora and seminars, among others, shall be provided to prospective adoptive parent(s) to resolve possible adoption issuesandtopreparehim/herforeffectiveparenting. c) ProspectiveAdopteeCounsellingsessionsshallbeprovidedto ensure that he/she understands the nature and effects of adoptionandisabletoexpresshis/herviewsonadoptionin accordancewithhis/herageandlevelofmaturity. SEC.5.LocationofUnknownParent(s).Itshallbethedutyof theDepartmentorthechildplacingorchildcaringagencywhich has custody of the child to exert all efforts to locate his/her unknownbiologicalparent(s).Ifsucheffortsfail,thechildshallbe registeredasafoundlingandsubsequentlybethesubjectoflegal proceedingswherehe/sheshallbedeclaredabandoned. SEC.6.SupportServices.TheDepartmentshalldevelopapre adoption program which shall include, among others, the above mentionedservices. ARTICLEIII Eligibility SEC.7.WhoMayAdopt.Thefollowingmayadopt: a) Any Filipino citizen of legal age, in possession of full civil capacity and legal rights, of good moral character, has not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude, emotionallyandpsychologicallycapableofcaringforchildren, atleastsixteen(16)yearsolderthantheadoptee,andwhois in a position to support and care for his/her children in keeping with the means of the family. The requirement of sixteen (16) years difference between the age of the adopter and the adoptee may be waived when the adopter is the biological parent of the adoptee, or is the spouse of the adoptee'sparent; b) Anyalienpossessingthesamequalificationasabovestatedfor Filipino nationals: Provided, That his/her country has diplomaticrelationswiththeRepublicofthePhilippines,that he/shehasbeenlivinginthePhilippinesforatleastthree(3) continuous years prior to the filing of the application for adoption and maintains such residence until the adoption decreeisentered,thathe/she hasbeencertifiedbyhis/her diplomatic or consular office or any appropriate government agencythathe/shehasthelegalcapacitytoadoptinhis/her country, and that his/her government allows the adoptee to enter his/her country as his/her adopted son/daughter: Provided, further, That the requirements on residency and

certification of the alien's qualifications to adopt in his/her countrymaybewaivedforthefollowing: (i) a former Filipino citizen who seeks to adopt a relative withinthefourth(4th)degreeofconsanguinityoraffinity; or

(ii) one who seeks to adopt the legitimate son/daughter of his/herFilipinospouse;or (iii) onewhoismarriedtoaFilipinocitizenandseekstoadopt jointly with his/her spouse a relative within the fourth (4th) degree of consanguinity or affinity of the Filipino spouse;or c) Theguardianwithrespecttothewardaftertheterminationof the guardianship and clearance of his/her financial accountabilities. Husbandandwifeshalljointlyadapt,exceptinthefollowing cases: (i) ifonespouseseekstoadoptthelegitimateson/daughter oftheother;or

(ii) if one spouse seeks to adopt his/her own illegitimate son/daughter: Provided, however, That the other spouse hassignifiedhis/herconsentthereto;or (iii) ifthespousesarelegallyseparatedfromeachother. Incasehusbandandwifejointlyadopt,oronespouseadoptsthe illegitimateson/daughteroftheother,jointparentalauthorityshall beexercisedbythespouses. SEC.8.WhoMayBeAdopted.Thefollowingmaybeadopted: a) Any person below eighteen (18) years of age who has been administrativelyorjudiciallydeclaredavailableforadoption; b) The legitimate son/daughter of one spouse by the other spouse; c) Anillegitimateson/daughterbyaqualifiedadoptertoimprove his/herstatustothatoflegitimacy; d) Apersonoflegalage,ifpriortotheadoption,saidpersonhas beenconsistentlyconsideredandtreatedbytheadopter(s)as his/herownchildsinceminority; e) Achildwhoseadoptionhasbeenpreviouslyrescinded;or f) A child whose biological or adoptive parent(s) has died: Provided,Thatnoproceedingsshallbeinitiatedwithinsix(6) monthsfromthetimeofdeathofsaidparent(s).

SEC.9. WhoseConsentisNecessarytotheAdoption.After beingproperlycounselledandinformedofhis/herrighttogiveor withhold his/herapprovaloftheadoption, thewrittenconsentof thefollowingtotheadoptionisherebyrequired: a) Theadoptee,iften(10)yearsofageorover; b) The biological parent(s) of the child, if known, or the legal guardian,orthepropergovernmentinstrumentalitywhichhas legalcustodyofthechild; c) Thelegitimateandadoptedsons/daughters,ten(10)yearsof ageorover,oftheadopter(s)andadoptee,ifany: d) Theillegitimatesons/daughters,ten(10)yearsofageorover, of the adopter if living with said adopter and the latter's spouse,ifany;and e) Thespouse,ifany,ofthepersonadoptingortobeadopted. ARTICLEIV Procedure SEC. 10. Hurried Decisions. In all proceedings for adoption, thecourtshallrequireproofthatthebiologicalparent(s)hasbeen properly counselled to prevent him/her from making hurried decisionscausedbystrainoranxietytogiveupthechild,andto sustain that all measures to strengthen the family have been exhaustedandthatanyprolongedstayofthechildinhis/herown homewillbeinimicaltohis/herwelfareandinterest. SEC.11. CaseStudy.Nopetitionforadoptionshallbesetfor hearing unless a licensed social worker of the Department, the social service office of the local government unit, or any child placing or childcaring agency had made a case study of the adoptee,his/herbiologicalparent(s),aswellastheadopter(s),and has submitted the report and recommendations on the matter to thecourthearingsuchpetition. At the time of preparation of the adoptee's case study, the concerned social worker shall confirm with the civil Registry the realidentityandregisterednameoftheadoptee.Ifthebirthofthe adopteewasnotregisteredwiththeCivilRegistry,itshallbethe responsibility of the concerned social worker to ensure that the adopteeisregistered. The case study on the adoptee shall establish that he/she is legally available for adoption and that the documents to support this fact are valid and authentic. Further, the case study of the adopter(s)shallascertainhis/hergenuineintentionsandthatthe adoptioninthebestinterestofthechild.

The Department shall intervene on behalf of the adoptee if it finds,aftertheconductofthecasestudies,thatthepetitionshould be denied. The case studies and other relevant documents and records pertaining to the adoptee and the adoption shall be preservedbytheDepartment. SEC.12. SupervisedTrialCustody.Nopetitionforadoption shallbefinallygranteduntiltheadopter(s)hasbeengivenbythe courtasupervisedtrialcustodyperiodforatleastsix(6)months withinwhichthepartiesareexpectedtoadjustpsychologicallyand emotionally to each other and establish a bonding relationship. Duringsaidperiod,temporaryparentalauthorityshallbevestedin theadopter(s). Thecourtmaymotupropriooruponmotionofanypartyreduce thetrialperiodifitfindsthesametobeinthebestinterestofthe adoptee, stating the reasons for the reduction of the period. However, for alien adopter(s), he/she must complete the six (6) monthtrialcustodyexceptforthoseenumeratedinSec.7(b)(i)(ii) (iii). Ifthechildisbelowseven(7)yearsofageandisplacedwiththe prospectiveadopter(s)throughapreadoptionplacementauthority issuedbytheDepartment,theprospectiveadopter(s)shallenjoyall thebenefitstowhichbiologicalparent(s)isentitledfromthedate theadopteeisplacedwiththeprospectiveadopter(s). SEC. 13. Decree of Adoption. If, after the publication of the order of hearing has been complied with, and no opposition has beeninterposedtothepetition,andafterconsiderationofthecase studies,thequalificationsoftheadopter(s),trialcustodyreportand theevidencesubmitted,thecourtisconvincedthatthepetitioners arequalifiedtoadopt,andthattheadoptionwouldredoundtothe bestinterestoftheadoptee,adecreeofadoptionshallbeentered whichshallbeeffectiveasofthedatetheoriginalpetitionwasfiled. Thisprovisionshallalsoapplyincasethepetitioner(s)diesbefore theissuanceofthedecreeofadoptiontoprotecttheinterestofthe adoptee.Thedecreeshallstatethenamebywhichthechildistobe known. SEC.14.CivilRegistryRecord.Anamendedcertificateofbirth shallbeissuedbytheCivilRegistry,asrequiredbytheRulesof Court, attesting to the fact that the adoptee is the child of the adopter(s)bybeingregisteredwithhis/hersurname.Theoriginal certificateofbirthshallbestamped"cancelled"withtheannotation oftheissuanceofanamendedbirthcertificateinitsplaceandshall besealedinthecivilregistryrecords.Thenewbirthcertificatetobe issued to the adoptee shall not bear any notation that it is an amendedissue.

SEC.15. ConfidentialNatureofProceedingsandRecords. Allhearingsinadoptioncasesshallbeconfidentialandshallnotbe opentothepublic.Allrecords,books,andpapersrelatingtothe adoption cases in the files of the court, the Department, or any other agency or institution participating in the adoption proceedingsshallbekeptstrictlyconfidential. Ifthecourtfindsthatthedisclosureoftheinformationtoathird personisnecessaryforpurposesconnectedwithorarisingoutof the adoption andwill beforthe best interestof theadoptee, the court may merit the necessary information to be released, restrictingthepurposesforwhichitmaybeused. ARTICLEV EffectsofAdoption SEC. 16. Parental Authority. Except in cases where the biologicalparentisthespouseoftheadopter,alllegaltiesbetween the biological parent(s) and the adoptee shallbe severed and the sameshallthenbevestedontheadopter(s). SEC. 17. Legitimacy. The adoptee shall be considered the legitimate son/daughter of the adopter(s) for all intents and purposes as such is entitled to all the rights and obligations providedbylawtolegitimatesons/daughtersborntothemwithout discriminationofanykind.Tothisend,theadopteeisentitledto love,guidanceandsupportinkeepingwiththemeansofthefamily. SEC. 18. Succession. In legal and intestate succession, the adopter(s)andtheadopteeshallhavereciprocalrightsofsuccession withoutdistinctionfromlegitimatefiliation.However,iftheadoptee and his/her biological parent(s) had left a will, the law on testamentarysuccessionshallgovern. ARTICLEVI RescissionofAdoption SEC.19.GroundforRescissionofAdoption.Uponpetitionof theadoptee,withtheassistanceoftheDepartmentifaminororif overeighteen(18)yearsofagebutisnotincapacitated,asguardian orcounsel,theadoptionmayberescindedonanyofthefollowing grounds committed by the adopter(s): (a) repeated physical and verbal maltreatment by the adopter(s) despite having undergone counselling;(b)attemptonthelifeoftheadoptee;(c)sexualassault orviolence;or(d)abandonmentandfailuretocomplywithparental obligations. Adoption,beingintheinterestofthechild,shallnotbesubject to rescission by the adopter(s). However, the adopter(s) may

disinherittheadopteeforcausesprovidedinArticle919oftheCivil Code. SEC.20. EffectsofRescission.Ifthepetitionisgranted,the parentalauthorityoftheadoptee'sbiologicalparent(s),ifknown,or thelegalcustodyoftheDepartmentshallberestorediftheadoptee is still a minor or incapacitated. The reciprocal rights and obligationsoftheadopter(s)andtheadopteetoeachothershallbe extinguished. ThecourtshallordertheCivilRegistrartocanceltheamended certificateofbirthoftheadopteeandrestorehis/heroriginalbirth certificate. Successionrightsshallreverttoitsstatuspriortoadoption,but onlyasofthedateofjudgmentofjudicialrescission.Vestedrights acquiredpriortojudicialrescissionshallberespected. Alltheforegoingeffectsofrescissionofadoptionshallbewithout prejudice to the penalties imposable under the Penal Code if the criminalactsareproperlyproven. ARTICLEVII ViolationsandPenalties SEC.21.ViolationsandPenalties. a) The penalty of imprisonment ranging from six (6) years and one(1)daytotwelve(12)yearsand/orafineofnotlessthan Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00), but not more than Two hundredthousandpesos(P200,000.00)atthediscretionofthe courtshallbeimposedonanypersonwhoshallcommitanyof thefollowingacts: i) obtaining consent for an adoption through coercion, undueinfluence,fraud,impropermaterialinducement,or othersimilaracts; noncompliance with the procedures and safeguards providedbythelawforadoption;or

ii)

iii) subjectingorexposingthechildtobeadoptedtodanger, abuse,orexploitation. b) Any personwhoshallcausethe fictitious registration ofthe birthofachildunderthename(s)ofaperson(s)whoisnot his/her biological parent(s) shall be guilty of simulation of birth,andshallbepunishedbyprisonmayorinitsmedium period and a fine not exceeding Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00).

Anyphysicianornurseorhospitalpersonnelwho,inviolationof his/heroathofoffice,shallcooperateintheexecutionoftheabove mentioned crime shall suffer the penalties herein prescribed and alsothepenaltyofpermanentdisqualification. Anypersonwhoshallviolateestablishedregulationsrelatingto the confidentiality and integrity of records, documents, and communications of adoption applications, cases, and processes shallsufferthepenaltyofimprisonmentrangingfromone(1)year andone(1)daytotwo(2)yearsand/orafineofnotlessthanFive thousandpesos(P5,000.00)butnotmorethanTenthousandpesos (P10,000.00)atthediscretionofthecourt. Apenaltylowerbytwo(2)degreesthanthatprescribedforthe consummatedoffenseunderthisArticleshallbeimposeduponthe principals of the attempt to commit any of the acts herein enumerated. Acts punishable under this Article, when committed by a syndicate or when it involves two (2) or more children shall be considered as an offense constituting child trafficking and shall meritthepenaltyofreclusionpepetua. ActspunishableunderthisArticlearedeemedcommittedbya syndicate if carried out by a group of three (3) or more persons conspiringand/orconfederatingwithoneanotherincarryingout anyoftheunlawfulactsdefinedunderthisArticle.Penaltiesasare hereinprovided,shallbeinadditiontoanyotherpenaltieswhich may be imposed for the same acts punishable under other laws, ordinances,executiveorders,andproclamations. When the offender is an alien, he/she shall be deported immediatelyafterserviceofsentenceandperpetuallyexcludedfrom entrytothecountry. Any government official, employee or functionary who shall be foundguiltyofviolatinganyoftheprovisionsonthisAct,orwho shall conspire with private individuals shall, in addition to the aboveprescribedpenalties,bepenalizedinaccordancewithexisting civilservicelaws,rulesandregulations: Provided, Thatuponfiling ofacase,eitheradministrativeorcriminal,saidgovernmentofficial, employee, or functionary concerned shall automatically suffer suspensionuntiltheresolutionofthecase. SEC. 22. Rectification of Simulated Births. A person who has,priortotheeffectivityofthisAct,simulatedthebirthofachild shallnotbepunishedforsuchact:Provided,Thatthesimulationof birthwasmadeforthebestinterestofthechildandthathe/she has been consistently considered and treated by that person as his/herownson/daughter: Provided,further, Thattheapplication

forcorrectionofthebirthregistrationandpetitionforadoptionshall be filed within five (5) years from the effectivity of this Act and completedthereafter: Provided,finally, Thatsuchpersoncomplies withtheprocedureasspecifiedinArticleIVofthisActandother requirementsasdeterminedbytheDepartment. ARTICLEVIII FinalProvisions SEC.23.AdoptionResourceandReferralOffice.Thereshall beestablishedanAdoptionResourcesandReferralOfficeunderthe Departmentwiththefollowingfunctions:(a)monitortheexistence, number, and flow of children legally available for adoption and prospectiveadopter(s)soastofacilitatetheirmatching;(b)maintain a nationwide information and educational campaign on domestic adoption; (c) keep records of adoption proceedings; (d) generate resourcestohelpchildcaringandchildplacingagenciesandfoster homesmaintainviability;and(e)dopolicyresearchincollaboration with the Intercountry Adoption Board and other concerned agencies.Theofficeshallbemannedbyadoptionexpertsfromthe publicandprivatesectors. SEC.24.ImplementingRulesandRegulations.Withinsix(6) monthsfromthepromulgationofthisAct,theDepartment,withthe CouncilfortheWelfareofChildren,theOfficeoftheCivilRegistry General,theDepartmentofJustice,OfficeoftheSolicitorGeneral, andtwo(2)privateindividualsrepresentingchildplacingandchild caring agencies shall formulate the necessary guidelines to make theprovisionsofthisActoperative. SEC.25. Appropriations.Suchsumasmaybenecessaryfor theimplementationoftheprovisionsofthisActshallbeincludedin theGeneralAppropriationsActoftheyearfollowingitsenactment intolawandthereafter. SEC. 26. Repealing Clause. Any law, presidential decree or issuance,executiveorder,letterofinstruction,administrativeorder, ruleorregulationcontraryto,orinconsistentwiththeprovisionsof thisActisherebyrepealed,modified,oramendedaccordingly. SEC.27. Separability Clause.Ifany provisionofthisActis held invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected therebyshallremainvalidandsubsisting. SEC.28. EffectivityClause.ThisActshalltakeeffectfifteen (15) days following its complete publication in any newspaper of generalcirculationorintheOfficialGazette. Approved,

(Sgd.)JoseDeVenecia,Jr.(Sgd.)NeptaliA.Gonzales Speakerofthe PresidentoftheSenate HouseofRepresentatives ThisAct,whichisaconsolidationofSenate BillNo.1523and House Bill No. 10378, was finally passed by the Senate and the HouseofRepresentativesonFebruary13,1998. (Sgd.)RobertoP.Nazareno(Sgd.)HezelP.Gacutan SecretaryGeneral SecretaryoftheSenate HouseofRepresentatives Approved:25February1998 (Sgd.)FidelV.Ramos PresidentofthePhilippines