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[ IRR REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11767, September 09, 2022 ]
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11767, THE FOUNDLING RECOGNITION AND PROTECTION ACT
(a) A licensed child-caring agency;(b) A licensed child-placing agency;(c) A church: Provided, That, for purposes of these rules, a church and other places known/recognized shall be defined as a place devoted to religious worship held with regularity;(d) Department of Health (DOH)-accredited health facilities, including hospitals, infirmaries, city health offices, birthing homes, rural health units, lying-in clinics and barangay health stations;(e) A Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO); and(f) DSWD managed residential care facilities and LGU managed residential care facilities.
(a) Act appropriately to provide care to the infant;(b) Act as a temporary custodian of the infant;(c) Inform the parent that they may, but is not required to answer questions regarding the identity and medical history of the infant;(d) Confirm, if practicable, that the parent wishes to permanently relinquish parental rights and release the infant for adoption; and(e) Within forty-eight (48) hours from the rime of relinquishment of the child by the birth parent/s to the safe haven or from the report of a finder that a foundling was discovered, as applicable, inform the NACC through the RACCO that a child has been relinquished in its custody, including all information surrounding the identity and circumstances of abandonment of the child. The safe haven provider may use the fastest means available in reporting the case and in sending a written report.
a) Immediately report within forty-eight (48) hours, the discovery of the foundling to either the LSWDO, or Punong Barangay or police station or any safe haven provider where the foundling was discovered. Provided, That in the event that the foundling is found in a different barangay from the residence of the finder, both Punong Barangays or police stations shall be informed. The finder may use the fastest means available in reporting the case. Provided, Further that if the foundling was relinquished to a safe haven provider, the Head of the safe haven provider shall, within forty-eight (48) hours, report the circumstances of the foundling to the LSWDO, or Punong Barangay or police station;b) Execute an affidavit attesting to the facts of the case of the foundling; andc) Cooperate in any way possible with the proper authorities in the conduct of a proactive and diligent search and inquiry to establish the identity of a foundling.
A. Barangay Officials:
1. Take custody of the foundling until referral to the LSWDO, conduct a search and inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the foundling within twenty-four (24) hours;2. Report and refer the case of the foundling to the LSWDO who shall within forty-eight (48) hours submit an initial report to the NACC through the RACCO regarding the presence of a foundling within their jurisdiction. The barangay officials may use the fastest means available in reporting and referring the case;3. Ensure and/or follow-up with the finder on the execution of an affidavit;4. Issue a blotter report on the result of the search and inquiry and endorse the same to the LSWDO; and5. Submit a Quarterly report to the LSWDO with a summary of cases of foundlings reported to their office on or before the 5th day of the succeeding month.
B. COMPAC/Police Stations
1. Upon receipt of the report of the finder regarding the foundling, conduct a search and inquiry to investigate the circumstances of the foundling within twenty-four (24) hours;2. Report and refer the case of the foundling to the LSWDO who shall within forty-eight (48) hours, submit an initial report to the NACC through the RACCO regarding the presence of a foundling within their jurisdiction. The COMPAC/Police stations may use the fastest means available in reporting and referring the case;3. Assist the barangay officials and the LSWDO in the conduct of search and inquiry on the circumstances of the foundling;4. Issue a blotter report on the result of the search and inquiry and endorse the same to the barangay officials and/or LSWDO;5.Issue a certification on the circumstances surrounding the foundling's discovery, and the results of the search and inquiry conducted; and6. Submit a Quarterly report to the LSWDO with a summary of cases of foundlings reported to their office on or before the 5th day of succeeding month.
C. LSWDO
1. Within twenty-four (24) hours from receipt of the report from the finder, barangay officials or COMPAC/Police stations, submit an initial report to the NACC through the RACCO regarding the presence of a foundling within their jurisdiction. The LSWDO may use the fastest means available in reporting and referring the case;2. Coordinate with the NACC through the RACCO and facilitate the provision of appropriate care and services in line with the foundling's needs and best interests, including but not limited to placement to licensed foster parent or, if a foster parent is not available, referral to the nearest safe haven provider, consistent with existing laws;3. Within fifteen (15) working days, prepare a comprehensive and exhaustive report on the foundling describing the manner by which the foundling was found, when and where the foundling was found, who is the finder, and efforts done including television, radio or print media or tri-media or social media to locate the biological parents of the foundling and submit the report to the NACC through the RACCO;4. Coordinate and facilitate the provision to foundlings of appropriate government care and services, including but not limited to assistance in registration, facilitation of documents for adoption, education, legal and police protection, proper nourishment, medical care for survival and development, and admission to safe and secure child care centers, in their respective local government units; and5. Submit a Quarterly report to the NACC through the RACCO with a summary of cases of foundlings reported to their office on or before the 15th day of the succeeding month.
D. DOH Accredited Health facilities - Within twenty-four (24) hours, report and refer the foundling to the LSWDO, residential care facilities and/or registered, licensed and accredited child caring agency/child-placing agencies together with the medical report on the foundling.E. Child-Caring/Child-Placing Agency
1. Within 24 hours from receipt of the foundling, report to the LSWDO regarding the admission of the foundling in their facility. The child-caring/child-placing agency may use the fastest means available in reporting the case;2. Provide appropriate care and services in line with the foundling's needs and best interest, including but not limited to placement to licensed foster parent consistent with existing laws;3. Within fifteen (15) working days, prepare a comprehensive and exhaustive report on the foundling describing the manner by which the foundling was found, when and where the foundling was found, who is the finder, and efforts done including television, radio or print media or tri-media or social media to locate the biological parents of the foundling and submit the report to the NACC through the RACCO;4. Coordinate and facilitate the provision to foundlings of appropriate government care and services, including but not limited to assistance in registration, facilitation of documents for adoption, education, legal and police protection, proper nourishment, medical care for survival and development; and5. Submit a Quarterly report to the NACC through the RACCO with a summary of cases of foundlings admitted in their facility on or before the 5th day of the succeeding month.
F. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) - Coordinate with the Philippine Embassy/Consulate or Offices abroad for the return of the foundling to the Philippines, and to the NACC for the referral of the foundling to a registered, licensed and accredited child caring agency or a residential care facility.
(a) Conduct investigation as to the facts of birth of the foundling found within the premises of the Embassy/Consulate or office and within the territories and reports the foundling's circumstances to the head of the embassy/consulate or office;(b) Within fifteen (15) working days, prepare a comprehensive and exhaustive report on the foundling describing the manner by which the foundling was found, when and where the foundling was found, who is the finder, and efforts done to locate the biological parent/s of the foundling;(c) Facilitate the registration and issuance of the COLB of the foundling; and(d) Coordinate with the DFA for the return of the foundling to the Philippines, and to the NACC for the referral of the foundling to a licensed and accredited child caring agency or a residential care facility.
(a) Certification from radio/or TV stations or proof of publication in newspapers of general circulation or tri-media whichever is applicable that the case was aired on three (3) different occasions;(b) Proof of search through the official social media account of the concerned LGU, and safe haven twice in two (2) consecutive weeks; and(c) If the foundling is found abroad, certification from the finder, or Head of the Philippine Embassy/Consulate or Office that the biological parent/s have not been found despite diligent search and inquiry.
A. If found within the Philippines
1. The finder shall report within forty-eight (48) hours upon discovery of the foundling to the Barangay Officials or COMPAC/Police Stations. Provided, That in informing the Barangay officials or COMPAC?police Stations, the finder may use the fastest means available to report and the date of reporting shall be the date when the initial report was made.2. The finder shall also execute an Affidavit of the Finder stating the circumstances of the discovery of the foundling within forty-eight (48) hours.
B. If found abroad
1. The finder shall, within forty-eight (48) hours upon discovery of the foundling, report to the Philippine Consulate/Embassy or Office regarding the foundling and his/her circumstances.2. The finder shall execute an Affidavit of the Finder stating the circumstances of the discovery of the foundling within forty-eight (48) hours before the head of the Philippine Consulate/Embassy or Office and endorse the same to the latter.3. Within forty-eight (48) hours upon receipt of the report of the finder, the Philippine Consulate/Embassy or Office shall report to the DFA Office regarding the foundling. The DFA shall coordinate with the NACC for the referral of the foundling to a registered, licensed and accredited child-caring agency or a residential care facility.
A. Infant/Child
(a) Affidavit of the finder;(b) Certification/blotter from the barangay captain or police authority on the circumstances surrounding the foundling's discovery: Provided, That, in the event that the child is found in a different barangay from the residence of the finder, both barangay officials shall issue a certification/blotter; and
(c) Report of the NACC duly signed by the authorized officer.
B. Adult Foundling
(a) Affidavit of the finder; and
(b) LSWDO case study report on the foundling's background, including the estimated age of the foundling, and qualifications as a foundling under the Act.
SECTION 21. Procedure for the Registration of a Foundling. - The following procedure shall be followed:
(a) The NACC through the RACCO or social worker or the safe haven provider shall fill out and submit the application for registration to the LCR which shall issue the COLB on the foundling after receipt of the requirements: Provided, That one who has an existing certificate of foundling or a similar official document issued before the implementation of the Act may secure a COLB before the LCR, which shall immediately issue one, without cost, on the basis of such document alone: Provided, Further, That a certificate of foundling or a similar official document shall continue to have the same legal effect as a COLB.
For adult foundling, they shall fill out and submit the application for registration to the LRC which shall issue the COLB after receipt of the requirements.
(b) The LCR shall review and approve the COLB based on the initial draft of the COLB prepared by the registrant. Four (4) copies of the COLB shall be prepared by the LRC.
(c) Thereafter, the LCR shall cause the registration of the COLB of a person with no known parent/s in the Registry of Book of Foundlings.
(d) Within five (5) working days from the registration in the Registry of Book of Foundlings Live Birth of the COLB of a person with no known parent/s, the LCR shall provide the copies of the COLB bearing the civil registry number as follows:
1. The first copy shall be given to the registrant.
2. The second copy shall be given to the document owner.
3. The third copy together with a copy of the Case Study Report shall be forwarded to the PSA-Office of the Civil Registrar General (OCRG).
4. The fourth copy shall be retained by the LCR Office for safekeeping.
(e) The PSA-OCRG, upon receipt of all the requested documents, shall verify the authenticity, accuracy, and completeness of the documents.
(f) Thereafter, the PSA-OCRG shall either upload the COLB in the Civil Registration Service database or, if applicable, provide feedback to the LCR Office, the registrant and the document owner.
The concerned agencies shall streamline the registration process for a foundling, regardless of age and circumstances, in order to expedite the issuance of a COLB and without placing any unnecessary burden on the foundling: Provided, That the foundling has the right to access all the documentary requirements submitted for registration: Provided, Further, that in the COLB and succeeding public documents, the foundling shall not be referred to as such, or in any other discriminatory manner: Provided, Furthermore, that the foundling shall not be considered stateless between the period of finding or discovery and the issuance of the order of confirmation of citizenship: Provided, Finally, that the privacy and the best interest of the foundling shall be protected at all times.
SECTION 22. Revocation of Issued COLB. - The biological parent/s, the NACC through its RACCO or the LSWDO or the safe haven provider may at any time file a petition for the revocation of the COLB before the LCR where the COLB was originally registered based on the following grounds:
(a) The parentage of the foundling has been established; or
(b) Fraud to conceal the material facts of birth or parentage of the person that would otherwise not render the person as a foundling.
If the parentage of one foundling is established but cannot acquire the citizenship of the parents which will result in statelessness, the foundling shall retain Philippine citizenship until such time that it can be established that the foundling is able to benefit from the citizenship of either parent.
SECTION 23. Recovering Legal Custody and Restoring Parental Authority. - The biological parent/s or legal guardian of a foundling may petition the NACC to recover the legal custody and restore parental authority over the foundling child: Provided, That if the child was voluntarily committed, or if any of the following is pending with the NACC:
(a) Petition for issuance of Certificate Declaring a Child Legally Available for Adoption (CDCLAA);
(b) Supervised Trial Custody; or
(c) Petition for Adoption.
The relevant provisions of Republic Act No. 11642 specifically, Section 27 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Republic Act No. 11642, otherwise known as the "Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act" shall apply.
The NACC through its RACCO or the LSWDO or the safe haven provider shall provide counseling and other necessary programs and services to the biological parents, and the intervention/assistance to authorities when the biological parents of a foundling are identified and express the desire to take custody or exercise parental authority over the foundling.
SECTION 24. Requirements and procedures for recovering legal custody and restoring parental authority. The following requirements and procedures shall apply:
A. Requirements
(a) Genetic test result;
(b) Parenting Capability Assessment Report duly signed by the LSWDO;
(c) Notarized petition for recovering legal custody and restoring parental authority; and/or
(d) Court Decision of Legal Guardianship
B. Procedures
(a) The petition for recovering legal custody and restoring parental authority shall be filed only by the biological parent/s or legal guardian to the RACCO not later than three (3) months after relinquishment to the safe haven provider or knowledge that the child has been relinquished to a safe haven provider;
(b) The biological parent/s shall submit a result of genetic testing, which shall mean deoxyribonucleic acid tests, from a government laboratory. The cost of the genetic testing shall be shouldered by the biological parent/s or legal guardian. If the petition is filed by the legal guardian, submission of a court decision granting legal guardianship shall be submitted.
(c) Within fifteen (15) workings days from receipt of the petition, the RACCo shall investigate the merits of the petition for recovering legal custody and restoring parental authority; render a recommendation, and transmit a copy of such recommendation, together with the supporting documents to the NACC Executive Director.
(d) Within ten (10) working days from receipt of the petition and recommendation from the RACCO, the NACC social worker shall review the petition and endorse recommendation to the NACC Executive Director for approval.
(e) Within ten (10) working days from receipt of the recommendation of the social worker, the NACC Executive Director shall approve the recommendation and endorse the same to the Secretary of the DSWD for approval during the transition period. If no action was taken by the DSWD Secretary or his representative within then (1) calendar days from receipt of the endorsement, the NACC Executive Director's Decision shall be deemed approved. After the transition period, all recommendations shall be signed by the NACC Executive Director.
SECTION 25. Standard Forms, documentation and reporting Requirements. - The NACC, together with the PSA, shall formulate and produce official, uniform, and standard forms of the documentary requirements that will easily used and submitted.
ARTICLE V
VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
SECTION 26. Violations and Penalties. - The following penalties shall be imposed:
(a) The penalty of imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more than six (6) years shall be imposed on any person who falsifies or is involved in the falsification of the registration of the supposed foundling, including the documents required therefor: Provided, That a public officer found to have been involved in such act of falsification shall be punished by the penalty next higher in degree;
(b) The penalty of imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more than five (5) years shall be imposed on the finder, the concerned NACC or RACCO employees, staff of child-caring and child-placing facilities, safe haven providers, police officers, city, municipality and barangay officers, health employees, hospital staff and any other concerned person who refuses, delays, or obstructs the conduct of search and inquiry into the facts of birth and parentage of the foundling;
(c) A fine ranging from Five Hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) to One million pesos (P1,000,000.00) shall be imposed on a safe haven provider that does not report within forty-eight hours that an infant was relinquished within its premises;
(d) Without prejudice to criminal liability under other laws, a fine ranging from One million pesos (1,000,000.00) to Five million pesos (P5,000,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than three (3) months but not more than two (2) years, or both, shall be imposed on any person who falsifies or is involved in the falsification of the registration of the supposed foundling, including the documents required therefor, to facilitate the crime of kidnapping or trafficking in persons: Provided, That a public officer found to have been involved in such act of falsification shall be punished by the penalty next higher in degree and shall be perpetually disqualified from office.
The penalties under this section are without prejudice to other liabilities arising from existing civil, administrative, and criminal laws for the same act or violation.
ARTICLE VI
FINAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 27. Advocacy and Information Dissemination. - The NACC, in coordination with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), together with LSWDOs, Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other relevant stakeholders shall conceptualize, conduct, and coordinate the information dissemination and advocacy campaigns which includes but not limited to the provisions and implementation of this Act, and the issued and concerns affecting a foundling through the different media platforms.
SECTION 28. Data Collection. - In order to develop and implement more responsive policies, plans, and programs for foundlings, regular and synchronized data collection shall be conducted by the LGUs in coordination with the PSA, NACC, and other relevant stake holders. The collection, preservation, and sharing of data shall be conducted pursuant to Republic Act No. 10173, otherwise known as the "Data Privacy Act of 2012".
SECTION 29. Retroactive Application. - The Act shall have retroactive effect for any foundling insofar as it does not prejudice or impair vested or acquired rights pursuant to existing laws.
SECTION 30. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from the approval of the Act, the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD) and the Executive Secretary of the Inter-Country Adoption Board shall, in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Justice, Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), and two (2) representatives from child-caring agencies catering to abandoned children and foundlings, formulate the rules and regulations to implement the Act.
SECTION 31. Transitory Provision. - All the benefits of this Act shall also apply to foundlings duly registered as such during their childhood, but have reached the age of majority without benefiting from adoption procedures: Provided, That such foundling shall undergo the procedure and comply with the requirements outlined in the IRR within ten (10) years from its effectivity.
Before the establishment of the NACC as provided under Section 56 of Republic Act No. 11642, the functions of the NACC relating to foundlings shall remain with the DSWD. The functions of the RACCO shall, during the three (3) year period, be performed by the DSWD field offices in coordination with the LSWDOs.
SECTION 32. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, decrees, executive orders, issuances, rules, and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby likewise repealed or amended accordingly.
SECTION 33. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any section or provision of there IRR is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 34. Suppletory Clause. - Republic Act No. 11642, otherwise known as the "Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act:, Republic Act No. 11222 or the "Simulated Birth Rectification Act", Executive Order No. 209, s. 1987 or "The Family Code of the Philippines", and other existing and applicable laws on adoption and on child welfare, care and protection shall have a suppletory application to these IRR.
SECTION 35. Effectivity. - These IRR shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the completion of the publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or the Official Gazette. Three (3) certified true copies must be filed with the University of the Philippines Law Center's Office of the National Administrative Registrar (UPLC-ONAR).
Approved in the City of Manila this 9th day of September 2022.
ERWIN T. TULFO | JANELLA MARIE V. EJERCITO |
Secretary | Executive Director |
Department of Social Welfare and Development | National Authority for Child Care |
BENJAMIN C. ABALOS, JR. | JESUS CRISPIN C. REMULLA |
Secretary | Executive Director |
Department of Interior and Local Government | Department of Justice |
CLAIRE DENNIS S. MAPA | ANGELO M. TAPALES |
National Statisticial | Executive Director |
Philippine Statistics Authority | Council for the Welfare of Children |
GWENDOLYN LI. PIMENTEL-GANA | CHRISLER A. GO |
President | Vice President, External Affairs |
Association of Child Caring Agencies of the Philippines | Association of Child Caring Agencies of the Philippines |
MENARDO I. GUEVARRA |
Solicitor General |
Office of the Solicitor General |