1. THE 1987 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ARTICLE XV THE FAMILY Section 1.

The State recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation. Accordingly, it shall strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total development. Section 2. Marriage, as an inviolable social institution, is the foundation of the family and shall be protected by the State. Section . The State shall defend! "1# The right of spouses to found a family in accordance $ith their religious convictions and the demands of responsible parenthood% "2# The right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, e&ploitation and other conditions pre'udicial to their development% " # The right of the family to a family living $age and income% and "(# The right of families or family associations to participate in the planning and implementation of policies and programs that affect them. Section (. The family has the duty to care for its elderly members but the State may also do so through 'ust programs of social security. 2. PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 603. THE CHILD AND YOUTH WELFARE CODE Art. . )ights of the *hild. + All children shall be entitled to the rights herein set forth $ithout distinction as to legitimacy or illegitimacy, se&, social status, religion, political antecedents, and other factors. "1# ,very child is endo$ed $ith the dignity and $orth of a human being from the moment of his conception, as generally accepted in medical parlance, and has, therefore, the right to be born $ell. "2# ,very child has the right to a $holesome family life that $ill provide him $ith love, care and understanding, guidance and counseling, and moral and material security. The dependent or abandoned child shall be provided $ith the nearest substitute for a home. " # ,very child has the right to a $ell+rounded development of his personality to the end that he may become a happy, useful and active member of society.

The gifted child shall be given opportunity and encouragement to develop his special talents. The emotionally disturbed or socially malad'usted child shall be treated $ith sympathy and understanding, and shall be entitled to treatment and competent care. The physically or mentally handicapped child shall be given the treatment, education and care re-uired by his particular condition. "(# ,very child has the right to a balanced diet, ade-uate clothing, sufficient shelter, proper medical attention, and all the basic physical re-uirements of a healthy and vigorous life. ".# ,very child has the right to be brought up in an atmosphere of morality and rectitude for the enrichment and the strengthening of his character. "/# ,very child has the right to an education commensurate $ith his abilities and to the development of his s0ills for the improvement of his capacity for service to himself and to his fello$men. "1# ,very child has the right to full opportunities for safe and $holesome recreation and activities, individual as $ell as social, for the $holesome use of his leisure hours. "2# ,very child has the right to protection against e&ploitation, improper influences, hazards, and other conditions or circumstances pre'udicial to his physical, mental, emotional, social and moral development. "3# ,very child has the right to live in a community and a society that can offer him an environment free from pernicious influences and conducive to the promotion of his health and the cultivation of his desirable traits and attributes. "14# ,very child has the right to the care, assistance, and protection of the State, particularly $hen his parents or guardians fail or are unable to provide him $ith his fundamental needs for gro$th, development, and improvement. "11# ,very child has the right to an efficient and honest government that $ill deepen his faith in democracy and inspire him $ith the morality of the constituted authorities both in their public and private lives. "12# ,very child has the right to gro$ up as a free individual, in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, tolerance, and universal brotherhood, and $ith the determination to contribute his share in the building of a better $orld.