SENATE, Pasay City — The refiled proposal of Senator Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson entitled 'Parents Welfare Act of 2025', which seeks to penalize children who neglect their aging parents, has run into stiff opposition as it has revived ongoing discussions about intergenerational responsibility and the role of legislation in enforcing family obligations.

Lacson's bill has sparked concern from various sectors with several critics that include the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) warning that it could strain rather than strengthen family relationships.

If passed into law, the proposal provides that children who abandon their parents in times of need would face imprisonment of six to ten years, along with a fine of no less than PhP300,000.
The NCSC expressed serious reservations about the proposed bill, cautioning against the use of punitive measures to compel children to care for their aging parents.

"Imagine that—if my children are unable to support me when I’m old, sick, and broke, I could take them to court and they might end up behind bars for at least six years, plus pay a hefty fine. It's a harsh penalty that raises serious questions about fairness, compassion and the role of the state in private family matters," the Commission pointed out.

Furthermore, it cited that "caregiving is a deeply personal and moral responsibility that should be nurtured through love, understanding and cultural values—not imposed through the threat of imprisonment or heavy fines."

"Such a coercive approach could create more harm than good, potentially straining already fragile family relationships and jeopardizing the emotional and financial well-being of both parents and children," the NCSC likewise noted.