Congress ratifies bill simplifying adoption process

Congress ratifies bill simplifying adoption process

ABS-CBN News

Posted at Jan 13 2019 03:13 AM

Congress has ratified a measure eliminating a lengthy court procedure in adopting children. File/Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA—Congress has ratified a measure eliminating a lengthy court procedure in adopting children.

In a statement Saturday, the Senate said the “Simulated Birth Rectification Act of 2018” aims to fast-track adoption and “grants amnesty and allow the rectification of the simulated birth of a child where simulation was made for the best interest of the child, and that such child has been consistently considered and treated by the person.”

“Birth simulation” refers to the tampering of the birth record to make it appear that a child was born to a person who was not the child’s biological mother.

Under the Domestic Adoption Act, however, penalties are due those who cause fictitious registration of the birth of a child.

Instead of going to the courts, those who want to file a petition to adopt a child may do so through the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The DSWD secretary will decide on the petition within 30 days from receipt of the recommendation of the agency’s regional director.

Some 6,500 children are awaiting adoption, according to the DSWD.

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