Indifference of parents, A277 Revised Penal Code

1. Concept

Indifference of parents – under the Revised Penal Code, refers to the crime committed by parents who neglect their children by not giving them the education which their station in life requires and financial condition permits.

a. Legal basis

Art. 277. x x x Indifference of parents. - The penalty of arresto mayor and a fine not exceeding One hundred thousand pesos (₱100,000) shall be imposed x x x

The same penalty shall be imposed upon the parents who shall neglect their children by not giving them the education which their station in life requires and financial condition permits. (As amended by R.A. 10951)

(Revised Penal Code)

b. P.D. 603

Art. 59. Crimes. – Criminal liability shall attach to any parent who:

x x x

(4) Neglects the child by not giving him the education which the family’s station in life and financial conditions permit.

(P.D. 603, Child and Youth Welfare Code)

The “neglect of child” punished under Article 59(4) of PD 603 is also a crime (known as “indifference of parents”) penalized under the second paragraph of Article 277 of the Revised Penal Code.20 Hence, it is excluded from the coverage of RA 7610. (De Guzman v. Perez,...