CHR lauds new law protecting foundlings

The Commission on Human Rights has lauded the recent signing of the law which seeks to recognize the right and protect foundlings.

President Rodrigo Duterte inked into law the Republic Act No. 11767 or the Foundling Recognition and Protection Act.

The said law states that a foundling found in the country or in Philippine embassies, consulates and territories abroad, is presumed a natural-born Filipino citizen regardless of the status or circumstances of the child’s birth.

While CHR has previously explained that, as enshrined in Article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a foundling’s right to nationality at birth is self-executing, it also emphasized the vulnerability of deserted children in our society.

"Thus, we duly welcome this development as it provides abandoned children relief from unprepared parents," said CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said.

"The Commission feels more assured by the existence of a national law that will ensure their access to government programs and services such as healthcare, education, facilitation of documents for adoption, and security, among many others," she added.

The commission also vowed to "strongly advocate" for more institutionalized provisions to safeguard children’s access to a good and healthy life.