Foundling law transmitted to Malacañang
CONGRESS has ratified and transmitted to the President the proposed law that seeks to consider deserted or abandoned children as natural-born Filipinos, a solon said in a statement on Monday.
Ang Probinsyano Rep. Ronnie L. Ong, who authored the House version of the Foundling Welfare Act, said the measure did not have to go through a bicameral conference as the House of Representatives adopted the Senate version.
“The Foundling law is a signature away from becoming law. There is no longer a need to go to the bicameral council committee because we have just adopted the Senate version considering that both versions are almost the same, if not completely identical,” he said in a statement.
Under the bill, foundlings who are found in Philippine embassies will also be granted protection and access to government services, including processing their adoption.
The measure also mandates finders within the country to report their discovery to the nearest social welfare office within 48 hours.
People who forge registration documents, refuse to look into the family history or report their discovery of a foundling will be penalized.
The bill will lapse into law if not signed nor vetoed by the President within 30 days from transmittal. — Jaspearl Emerald G. Tan
