RA11767: FOUNDLING RECOGNITION AND PROTECTION ACT
Republic Act No. 11767, also known as the "Foundling Recognition and Protection Act," is a landmark legislation that promotes the rights and provides greater protections to deserted or abandoned children with unknown parents, formally recognizing them as natural-born Filipino citizens from birth. This law has a profound impact on one of the most vulnerable groups in society, ensuring that foundlings are accorded the same rights and protections as other citizens, including access to government programs and services such as registration, education, legal and police protection, proper nourishment, and medical care. It also proactively addresses the issue of statelessness, affirming that a foundling is presumed a natural-born Filipino citizen regardless of the circumstances of their birth.
The Act streamlines the process for the registration of foundlings, requiring an affidavit from the finder, a certification from local authorities, and a report from the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) for the issuance of a Certificate of Live Birth. It further introduces a "Safe Haven" provision, exempting parents from criminal liability if they relinquish an infant 30 days old or younger to designated entities like licensed child-caring agencies or DOH-accredited health facilities, thereby encouraging safe relinquishment rather than abandonment. By establishing these protections, streamlined processes, and safe haven provisions, the law aims to ensure the welfare, identity, and future of foundlings, emphasizing that their best interest shall always be the paramount consideration.