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TheLawphilProjectArellanoLawFoundation
NEWRULEONADOPTION

RULEONADOPTION
A.DOMESTICADOPTION
Section1.ApplicabilityoftheRule.ThisRulecoversthedomesticadoptionofFilipinochildren.
Section 2. Objectives. (a) The best interests of the child shall be the paramount consideration in all
mattersrelatingtohiscare,custodyandadoption,inaccordancewithPhilippinelaws,theUnitedNations
(UN)ConventionontheRightsoftheChild,UNDeclarationonSocialandLegalPrinciplesRelatingtothe
Protection and Welfare of Children with Special Reference to Foster Placement and Adoption, Nationally
andInternationally,andtheHagueConventionontheProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectof
IntercountryAdoption.
(b)TheStateshallprovidealternativeprotectionandassistancethroughfostercareoradoptionfor
everychildwhoisafoundling,neglected,orphaned,orabandoned.Tothisend,theStateshall:
(i)ensurethateverychildremainsunderthecareandcustodyofhisparentsandisprovided
with love, care, understanding and security for the full and harmonious development of his
personality. Only when such efforts prove insufficient and no appropriate placement or
adoptionwithinthechildsextendedfamilyisavailableshalladoptionbyanunrelatedperson
beconsidered.
(ii)safeguardthebiologicalparentsfrommakinghastydecisionsinrelinquishingtheirparental
authorityovertheirchild
(iii)preventthechildfromunnecessaryseparationfromhisbiologicalparents
(iv)conductpublicinformationandeducationalcampaignstopromoteapositiveenvironment
foradoption
(v)ensurethatgovernmentandprivatesectoragencieshavethecapacitytohandleadoption
inquiries, process domestic adoption applications and offer adoptionrelated services
including,butnotlimitedto,parentpreparationandpostadoptioneducationandcounseling
(vi)encouragedomesticadoptionsoastopreservethechildsidentityandcultureinhisnative
land,andonlywhenthisisnotavailableshallintercountryadoptionbeconsideredasalast
resortand
(vii)protectadoptiveparentsfromattemptstodisturbtheirparentalauthorityandcustodyover
theiradoptedchild.
Any voluntary or involuntary termination of parental authority shall be administratively or judicially
declaredsoastoestablishthestatusofthechildaslegallyavailableforadoptionandhiscustody
transferred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development or to any duly licensed and
accreditedchildplacingorchildcaringagency,whichentityshallbeauthorizedtotakestepsforthe
permanentplacementofthechild.
Section3.DefinitionofTerms.ForpurposesofthisRule:
(a) Child is a person below eighteen (18) years of age at the time of the filing of the petition for
adoption.
(b)Achildlegallyavailableforadoptionreferstoachildwhohasbeenvoluntarilyorinvoluntarily
committed to the Department or to a duly licensed and accredited childplacing or childcaring
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agency,freedoftheparentalauthorityofhisbiologicalparents,orincaseofrescissionofadoption,
hisguardianoradopter(s).
(c) Voluntarily committed child is one whose parents knowingly and willingly relinquish parental
authorityoverhiminfavoroftheDepartment.
(d)Involuntarilycommittedchildisonewhoseparents,knownorunknown,havebeenpermanently
andjudiciallydeprivedofparentalauthorityoverhimduetoabandonmentsubstantial,continuousor
repeatedneglectandabuseorincompetencetodischargeparentalresponsibilities.
(e) Foundling refers to a deserted or abandoned infant or child whose parents, guardian or
relativesareunknownorachildcommittedtoanorphanageorcharitableorsimilarinstitutionwith
unknownfactsofbirthandparentageandregisteredintheCivilRegisterasafoundling.
(f) Abandoned child refers to one who has no proper parental care or guardianship or whose
parentshavedesertedhimforaperiodofatleastsix(6)continuousmonthsandhasbeenjudicially
declaredassuch.
(g) Dependent child refers to one who is without a parent, guardian or custodian or one whose
parents,guardianorothercustodianforgoodcausedesirestoberelievedofhiscareandcustody
andisdependentuponthepublicforsupport.
(h) Neglected child is one whose basic needs have been deliberately not attended to or
inadequatelyattendedto,physicallyoremotionally,byhisparentsorguardian.
(i)Physicalneglectoccurswhenthechildismalnourished,illcladandwithoutpropershelter.
(j) Emotional neglect exists when a child is raped, seduced, maltreated, exploited, overworked or
madetoworkunderconditionsnotconducivetogoodhealthormadetobeginthestreetsorpublic
places, or placed in moral danger, or exposed to drugs, alcohol, gambling, prostitution and other
vices.
(k)ChildplacementagencyreferstoanagencydulylicensedandaccreditedbytheDepartmentto
providecomprehensivechildwelfareservicesincluding,butnotlimitedto,receivingapplicationsfor
adoption, evaluating the prospective adoptive parents and preparing the adoption home study
report.
(l) Childcaring agency refers to an agency duly licensed and accredited by the Department that
provides 24hour residential care services for abandoned, orphaned, neglected or voluntarily
committedchildren.
(m)DepartmentreferstotheDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopment.
(n) Deed of Voluntary Commitment refers to the written and notarized instrument relinquishing
parentalauthorityandcommittingthechildtothecareandcustodyoftheDepartmentexecutedby
the childs biological parents or in their absence, mental incapacity or death, by the childs legal
guardian,tobewitnessedbyan authorized representative of the Department after counseling and
otherserviceshavebeenmadeavailabletoencouragethebiologicalparentstokeepthechild.
(o)ChildStudyReportreferstoastudymadebythecourtsocialworkerofthechildslegalstatus,
placementhistory,psychological,social,spiritual,medical,ethnoculturalbackgroundandthatofhis
biologicalfamilyneededindeterminingthemostappropriateplacementforhim.
(p) Home Study Report refers to a study made by the court social worker of the motivation and
capacityoftheprospectiveadoptiveparentstoprovideahomethatmeetstheneedsofachild.
(q)Supervisedtrialcustodyreferstotheperiodoftimeduringwhichasocialworkeroverseesthe
adjustment and emotional readiness of both adopters and adoptee in stabilizing their filial
relationship.
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(r)LicensedSocialWorkerreferstoonewhopossessesadegreeinbachelorofscienceinsocial
work as a minimum educational requirement and who has passed the government licensure
examinationforsocialworkersasrequiredbyRepublicActNo.4373.
(s)Simulationofbirthisthetamperingofthecivilregistrytomakeitappearinthebirthrecordsthat
acertainchildwasborntoapersonwhoisnothisbiologicalmother,thuscausingsuchchildtolose
histrueidentityandstatus.
(t)BiologicalParentsrefertothechildsmotherandfatherbynature.
(u)PreAdoptionServicesrefertopsychosocialservicesprovidedbyprofessionallytrainedsocial
workersoftheDepartment,thesocialservicesunitsoflocalgovernments,privateandgovernment
health facilities, Family Courts, licensed and accredited childcaring and childplacement agencies
andotherindividualsorentitiesinvolvedinadoptionasauthorizedbytheDepartment.
(v) Residence means a persons actual stay in the Philippines for three (3) continuous years
immediately prior to the filing of a petition for adoption and which is maintained until the adoption
decree is entered. Temporary absences for professional, business, health, or emergency reasons
notexceedingsixty(60)daysinone(1)yeardoesnotbreakthecontinuityrequirement.
(w)Alienreferstoanyperson,notaFilipinocitizen,whoentersandremainsinthePhilippinesand
isinpossessionofavalidpassportortraveldocumentsandvisa.
Section4.Whomayadopt.Thefollowingmayadopt:
(1)AnyFilipinocitizenoflegalage,inpossessionoffullcivilcapacityandlegalrights,ofgoodmoral
character, has not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude who is emotionally and
psychologicallycapableofcaringforchildren,atleastsixteen(16)yearsolderthantheadoptee,and
whoisinapositiontosupportandcareforhischildreninkeepingwiththemeansofthefamily.The
requirement of a 16year difference between the age of the adopter and adoptee may be waived
whentheadopteristhebiologicalparentoftheadopteeoristhespouseoftheadopteesparent
(2) Any alien possessing the same qualifications as abovestated for Filipino nationals: Provided,
ThathiscountryhasdiplomaticrelationswiththeRepublicofthePhilippines,thathehasbeenliving
inthePhilippinesforatleastthree(3)continuousyearspriortothefilingofthepetitionforadoption
andmaintainssuchresidenceuntiltheadoptiondecreeisentered,thathehasbeencertifiedbyhis
diplomatic or consular office or any appropriate government agency to have the legal capacity to
adoptinhiscountry,andthathisgovernmentallowstheadopteetoenterhiscountryashisadopted
child. Provided, further, That the requirements on residency and certification of the aliens
qualificationtoadoptinhiscountrymaybewaivedforthefollowing:
(i) a former Filipino citizen who seeks to adopt a relative within the fourth (4th) degree of
consanguinityoraffinityor
(ii)onewhoseekstoadoptthelegitimatechildofhisFilipinospouseor
(iii)onewhoismarriedtoaFilipinocitizenandseekstoadoptjointlywithhisspousearelative
withinthefourth(4th)degreeofconsanguinityoraffinityoftheFilipinospouse.
(3)Theguardianwithrespecttothewardaftertheterminationoftheguardianshipandclearanceof
hisfinancialaccountabilities.
Husbandandwifeshalljointlyadopt,exceptinthefollowingcases:
(i)ifonespouseseekstoadoptthelegitimatechildofonespousebytheotherspouseor
(ii)ifonespouseseekstoadopthisownillegitimatechild:Provided,however,Thattheother
spousehassignifiedhisconsenttheretoor
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(iii)ifthespousesarelegallyseparatedfromeachother.
Incasehusbandandwifejointlyadoptoronespouseadoptstheillegitimatechildoftheother,joint
parentalauthorityshallbeexercisedbythespouses.
Section5.Whomaybeadopted.Thefollowingmaybeadopted:
(1) Any person below eighteen (18) years of age who has been voluntarily committed to the
Department under Articles 154, 155 and 156 of P.D. No. 603 or judicially declared available for
adoption
(2)Thelegitimatechildofonespouse,bytheotherspouse
(3)Anillegitimatechild,byaqualifiedadoptertoraisethestatusoftheformertothatoflegitimacy
(4) A person of legal age regardless of civil status, if, prior to the adoption, said person has been
consistentlyconsideredandtreatedbytheadoptersastheirownchildsinceminority
(5)Achildwhoseadoptionhasbeenpreviouslyrescindedor
(6)Achildwhosebiologicaloradoptiveparentshavedied:Provided,Thatnoproceedingsshallbe
initiatedwithinsix(6)monthsfromthetimeofdeathofsaidparents.
(7)Achildnototherwisedisqualifiedbylawortheserules.
Section6.Venue. The petition for adoption shall be filed with the Family Court of the province or city
wheretheprospectiveadoptiveparentsreside.
Section7.ContentsofthePetition.Thepetitionshallbeverifiedandspecificallystateattheheadingof
the initiatory pleading whether the petition contains an application for change of name, rectification of
simulated birth, voluntary or involuntary commitment of children, or declaration of child as abandoned,
dependentorneglected.
1)IftheadopterisaFilipinocitizen,thepetitionshallallegethefollowing:
(a)Thejurisdictionalfacts
(b)Thatthepetitionerisoflegalage,inpossessionoffullcivilcapacityandlegalrightsisof
good moral character has not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude is
emotionally and psychologically capable of caring for children is at least sixteen (16) years
older than the adoptee, unless the adopter is the biological parent of the adoptee or is the
spouse of the adoptees parent and is in a position to support and care for his children in
keepingwiththemeansofthefamilyandhasundergonepreadoptionservicesasrequiredby
Section4ofRepublicActNo.8552.
2)Iftheadopterisanalien,thepetitionshallallegethefollowing:
(a)Thejurisdictionalfacts
(b)Subparagraph1(b)above
(c)ThathiscountryhasdiplomaticrelationswiththeRepublicofthePhilippines
(d) That he has been certified by his diplomatic or consular office or any appropriate
government agency to have the legal capacity to adopt in his country and his government
allowstheadopteetoenterhiscountryashisadoptedchildandresidetherepermanentlyas
anadoptedchildand
(e)ThathehasbeenlivinginthePhilippinesforatleastthree(3)continuousyearspriortothe
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filingofthepetitionandhemaintainssuchresidenceuntiltheadoptiondecreeisentered.
The requirements of certification of the aliens qualification to adopt in his country and of
residencymaybewaivedifthealien:
(i)isaformerFilipinocitizenwhoseekstoadoptarelativewithinthefourthdegreeof
consanguinityoraffinityor
(ii)seekstoadoptthelegitimatechildofhisFilipinospouseor
(iii) is married to a Filipino citizen and seeks to adopt jointly with his spouse a relative
withinthefourthdegreeofconsanguinityoraffinityoftheFilipinospouse.
3)Iftheadopteristhelegalguardianoftheadoptee,thepetitionshallallegethatguardianshiphad
beenterminatedandtheguardianhadclearedhisfinancialaccountabilities.
4)Iftheadopterismarried,thespouseshallbeacopetitionerforjointadoptionexceptif:
(a)onespouseseekstoadoptthelegitimatechildoftheother,or
(b) if one spouse seeks to adopt his own illegitimate child and the other spouse signified
writtenconsentthereto,or
(c)ifthespousesarelegallyseparatedfromeachother.
5)Iftheadopteeisafoundling,thepetitionshallallegetheentrieswhichshouldappearinhisbirth
certificate,suchasnameofchild,dateofbirth,placeofbirth,ifknownsex,nameandcitizenshipof
adoptivemotherandfather,andthedateandplaceoftheirmarriage.
6)Ifthepetitionpraysforachangeofname,itshallalsostatethecauseorreasonforthechangeof
name.
Inallpetitions,itshallbealleged:
(a) The first name, surname or names, age and residence of the adoptee as shown by his
recordofbirth,baptismalorfoundlingcertificateandschoolrecords.
(b)Thattheadopteeisnotdisqualifiedbylawtobeadopted.
(c)Theprobablevalueandcharacteroftheestateoftheadoptee.
(d)Thefirstname,surnameornamesbywhichtheadopteeistobeknownandregisteredin
theCivilRegistry.
A certification of nonforum shopping shall be included pursuant to Section 5, Rule 7 of the 1997
RulesofCivilProcedure.
Section8.RectificationofSimulatedBirth.Incasethepetitionalsoseeksrectificationofasimulatedof
birth,itshallallegethat:
(a)Petitionerisapplyingforrectificationofasimulatedbirth
(b)ThesimulationofbirthwasmadepriortothedateofeffectivityofRepublicActNo.8552andthe
applicationforrectificationofthebirthregistrationandthepetitionforadoptionwerefiledwithinfive
yearsfromsaiddate
(c)Thepetitionermadethesimulationofbirthforthebestinterestsoftheadopteeand
(d)Theadopteehasbeenconsistentlyconsideredandtreatedbypetitionerashisownchild.
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Section9.Adoptionofafoundling,anabandoned,dependentorneglectedchild.Incasetheadopteeis
afoundling,anabandoned,dependentorneglectedchild,thepetitionshallallege:
(a)Thefactsshowingthatthechildisafoundling,abandoned,dependentorneglected
(b) The names of the parents, if known, and their residence. If the child has no known or living
parents,thenthenameandresidenceoftheguardian,ifany
(c)Thenameofthedulylicensedchildplacementagencyorindividualunderwhosecarethechildis
incustodyand
(d)ThattheDepartment,childplacementorchildcaringagencyisauthorizedtogiveitsconsent.
Section10.Change of name. In case the petition also prays for change of name, the title or caption
mustcontain:
(a)Theregisterednameofthechild
(b)Aliasesorothernamesbywhichthechildhasbeenknownand
(c)Thefullnamebywhichthechildistobeknown.
Section11.AnnexestothePetition.Thefollowingdocumentsshallbeattachedtothepetition:
A. Birth, baptismal or foundling certificate, as the case may be, and school records showing the
name,ageandresidenceoftheadoptee
B.Affidavitofconsentofthefollowing:
1.Theadoptee,iften(10)yearsofageorover
2.The biological parents of the child, if known, or the legal guardian, or the childplacement
agency, childcaring agency, or the proper government instrumentality which has legal
custodyofthechild
3.Thelegitimateandadoptedchildrenoftheadopterandoftheadoptee,ifany,whoareten
(10)yearsofageorover
4.Theillegitimatechildrenoftheadopterlivingwithhimwhoareten(10)yearsofageorover
and
5.Thespouse,ifany,oftheadopteroradoptee.
C.Childstudyreportontheadopteeandhisbiologicalparents
D. If the petitioner is an alien, certification by his diplomatic or consular office or any appropriate
governmentagencythathehasthelegalcapacitytoadoptinhiscountryandthathisgovernment
allows the adoptee to enter his country as his own adopted child unless exempted under Section
4(2)
E.Homestudyreportontheadopters.Iftheadopterisanalienorresidingabroadbutqualifiedto
adopt, the home study report by a foreign adoption agency duly accredited by the InterCountry
AdoptionBoardand
F.Decree of annulment, nullity or legal separation of the adopter as well as that of the biological
parentsoftheadoptee,ifany.
Section12.OrderofHearing.Ifthepetitionandattachmentsaresufficientinformandsubstance,the
courtshallissueanorderwhichshallcontainthefollowing:
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(1)theregisterednameoftheadopteeinthebirthcertificateandthenamesbywhichtheadoptee
hasbeenknownwhichshallbestatedinthecaption
(2)thepurposeofthepetition
(3)thecompletenamewhichtheadopteewilluseifthepetitionisgranted
(4) the date and place of hearing which shall be set within six (6) months from the date of the
issuanceoftheorderandshalldirectthatacopythereofbepublishedbeforethedateofhearingat
leastonceaweekforthreesuccessiveweeksinanewspaperofgeneralcirculationintheprovince
orcitywherethecourtissituatedProvided,thatincaseofapplicationforchangeofname,thedate
set for hearing shall not be within four (4) months after the last publication of the notice nor within
thirty(30)dayspriortoanelection.
ThenewspapershallbeselectedbyraffleunderthesupervisionoftheExecutiveJudge.
(5)adirectivetothesocialworkerofthecourt,thesocialserviceofficeofthelocalgovernmentunit
oranychildplacingorchildcaringagency,ortheDepartmenttoprepareandsubmitchildandhome
study reports before the hearing if such reports had not been attached to the petition due to
unavailabilityatthetimeofthefilingofthelatterand
(6) a directive to the social worker of the court to conduct counseling sessions with the biological
parentsonthematterofadoptionoftheadopteeandsubmitherreportbeforethedateofhearing.
At the discretion of the court, copies of the order of hearing shall also be furnished the Office of the
SolicitorGeneralthroughtheprovincialorcityprosecutor,theDepartmentandthebiologicalparentsofthe
adoptee,ifknown.
Ifachangeinthenameoftheadopteeisprayedforinthepetition,noticetotheSolicitorGeneralshallbe
mandatory.
Section 13. Child and Home Study Reports. In preparing the child study report on the adoptee, the
concerned social worker shall verify with the Civil Registry the real identity and registered name of the
adoptee.IfthebirthoftheadopteewasnotregisteredwiththeCivilRegistry,itshallbetheresponsibilityof
the social worker to register the adoptee and secure a certificate of foundling or late registration, as the
casemaybe.
The social worker shall establish that the child is legally available for adoption and the documents in
supportthereofarevalidandauthentic,thattheadopterhassincereintentionsandthattheadoptionshall
inuretothebestinterestsofthechild.
Incasetheadopterisanalien,thehomestudyreportmustshowthelegalcapacitytoadoptandthathis
governmentallowstheadopteetoenterhiscountryashisadoptedchildintheabsenceofthecertification
requiredunderSection7(b)ofRepublicActNo.8552.
Ifaftertheconductofthecasestudies,thesocialworkerfindsthattherearegroundstodenythepetition,
heshallmaketheproperrecommendationtothecourt,furnishingacopythereoftothepetitioner.
Section 14. Hearing. Upon satisfactory proof that the order of hearing has been published and
jurisdictional requirements have been complied with, the court shall proceed to hear the petition. The
petitionerandtheadopteemustpersonallyappearandtheformermusttestifybeforethepresidingjudge
ofthecourtonthedatesetforhearing.
The court shall verify from the social worker and determine whether the biological parent has been
properlycounseledagainstmakinghastydecisionscausedbystrainoranxietytogiveupthechildensure
thatallmeasurestostrengthenthefamilyhavebeenexhaustedandascertainifanyprolongedstayofthe
childinhisownhomewillbeinimicaltohiswelfareandinterest.
Section15.SupervisedTrialCustody.Beforeissuanceofthedecreeofadoption,thecourtshallgivethe
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adopter trial custody of the adoptee for a period of at least six (6) months within which the parties are
expectedtoadjustpsychologicallyandemotionallytoeachotherandestablishabondingrelationship.The
trialcustodyshallbemonitoredbythesocialworkerofthecourt,theDepartment,orthesocialserviceof
thelocalgovernmentunit,orthechildplacementorchildcaringagencywhichsubmittedandpreparedthe
casestudies.Duringsaidperiod,temporaryparentalauthorityshallbevestedintheadopter.
Thecourtmay,motupropriooruponmotionofanyparty,reducetheperiodorexemptthepartiesifitfinds
thatthesameshallbeforthebestinterestsoftheadoptee,statingthereasonstherefor.
Analienadopterhowevermustcompletethe6monthtrialcustodyexceptthefollowing:
a) a former Filipino citizen who seeks to adopt a relative within the fourth (4th) degree of
consanguinityoraffinityor
b)onewhoseekstoadoptthelegitimatechildofhisFilipinospouseor
c)onewhoismarriedtoaFilipinocitizenandseekstoadoptjointlywithhisorherspousethelatters
relativewithinthefourth(4th)degreeofconsanguinityoraffinity.
If the child is below seven (7) years of age and is placed with the prospective adopter through a pre
adoptionplacementauthorityissuedbytheDepartment,thecourtshallorderthattheprospectiveadopter
shallenjoyallthebenefitstowhichthebiologicalparentisentitledfromthedatetheadopteeisplacedwith
him.
Thesocialworkershallsubmittothecourtareportontheresultofthetrialcustodywithintwoweeksafter
itstermination.
Section16.DecreeofAdoption.Ifthesupervisedtrialcustodyissatisfactorytothepartiesandthecourt
isconvincedfromthetrialcustodyreportandtheevidenceadducedthattheadoptionshallredoundtothe
bestinterestsoftheadoptee,adecreeofadoptionshallbeissuedwhichshalltakeeffectasofthedatethe
originalpetitionwasfiledevenifthepetitionersdiebeforeitsissuance.
Thedecreeshall:
A.Statethenamebywhichthechildistobeknownandregistered
B.Order:
1)theClerkofCourttoissuetotheadopteracertificateoffinalityuponexpirationofthe15
dayreglementaryperiodwithinwhichtoappeal
2)theadoptertosubmitacertifiedtruecopyofthedecreeofadoptionandthecertificateof
finality to the Civil Registrar where the child was originally registered within thirty (30) days
from receipt of the certificate of finality. In case of change of name, the decree shall be
submittedtotheCivilRegistrarwherethecourtissuingthesameissituated.
3)theCivilRegistraroftheplacewheretheadopteewasregistered:
a.toannotateontheadopteesoriginalcertificateofbirththedecreeofadoptionwithin
thirty(30)daysfromreceiptofthecertificateoffinality
b. to issue a certificate of birth which shall not bear any notation that it is a new or
amended certificate and which shall show, among others, the following: registry
number,dateofregistration,nameofchild,sex,dateofbirth,placeofbirth,nameand
citizenship of adoptive mother and father, and the date and place of their marriage,
whenapplicable
c.tosealtheoriginalcertificateofbirthinthecivilregistryrecordswhichcanbeopened
onlyuponorderofthecourtwhichissuedthedecreeofadoptionand
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d.tosubmittothecourtissuingthedecreeofadoptionproofofcompliancewithallthe
foregoingwithinthirtydaysfromreceiptofthedecree.
Iftheadopteeisafoundling,thecourtshallordertheCivilRegistrarwherethefoundlingwas
registered, to annotate the decree of adoption on the foundling certificate and a new birth
certificateshallbeorderedpreparedbytheCivilRegistrarinaccordancewiththedecree.
Section17.BookofAdoptions.TheClerkofCourtshallkeepabookofadoptionsshowingthedateof
issuance of the decree in each case, compliance by the Civil Registrar with Section 16(B)(3) and all
incidentsarisingaftertheissuanceofthedecree.
Section 18. Confidential Nature of Proceedings and Records. All hearings in adoption cases, after
compliancewiththejurisdictionalrequirementsshallbeconfidentialandshallnotbeopentothepublic.All
records,booksandpapersrelatingtotheadoptioncasesinthefilesofthecourt,theDepartment,orany
otheragencyorinstitutionparticipatingintheadoptionproceedingsshallbekeptstrictlyconfidential.
Ifthecourtfindsthatthedisclosureoftheinformationtoathirdpersonisnecessaryforsecurityreasonsor
forpurposesconnectedwithorarisingoutoftheadoptionandwillbeforthebestinterestsoftheadoptee,
the court may, upon proper motion, order the necessary information to be released, restricting the
purposesforwhichitmaybeused.
Section19.RescissionofAdoptionoftheAdoptee.Thepetitionshallbeverifiedandfiledbytheadoptee
whoisovereighteen(18)yearsofage,orwiththeassistanceoftheDepartment,ifheisaminor,orifheis
overeighteen(18)yearsofagebutisincapacitated,byhisguardianorcounsel.
Theadoptionmayberescindedbasedonanyofthefollowinggroundscommittedbytheadopter:
1)repeatedphysicalandverbalmaltreatmentbytheadopterdespitehavingundergonecounseling
2)attemptonthelifeoftheadoptee
3)sexualassaultorviolenceor
4)abandonmentorfailuretocomplywithparentalobligations.
Adoption,beinginthebestinterestsofthechild,shallnotbesubjecttorescissionbytheadopter.However,
theadoptermaydisinherittheadopteeforcausesprovidedinArticle919oftheCivilCode.

Section20.Venue. The petition shall be filed with the Family Court of the city or province where the
adopteeresides.
Section 21. Time within which to file petition. The adoptee, if incapacitated, must file the petition for
rescissionorrevocationofadoptionwithinfive(5)yearsafterhereachestheageofmajority,orifhewas
incompetentatthetimeoftheadoption,withinfive(5)yearsafterrecoveryfromsuchincompetency.
Section22.OrdertoAnswer.Thecourtshallissueanorderrequiringtheadversepartytoanswerthe
petitionwithinfifteen(15)daysfromreceiptofacopythereof.Theorderandcopyofthepetitionshallbe
servedontheadversepartyinsuchmannerasthecourtmaydirect.
Section 23. Judgment. If the court finds that the allegations of the petition are true, it shall render
judgmentorderingtherescissionofadoption,withorwithoutcosts,asjusticerequires.
The court shall order that the parental authority of the biological parent of the adoptee, if known, or the
legalcustodyoftheDepartmentshallberestorediftheadopteeisstillaminororincapacitatedanddeclare
that the reciprocal rights and obligations of the adopter and the adoptee to each other shall be
extinguished.
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Thecourtshallfurtherdeclarethatsuccessionalrightsshallreverttoitsstatuspriortoadoption,asofthe
dateofjudgmentofjudicialrescission.Vestedrightsacquiredpriortojudicialrescissionshallberespected.
Itshallalsoordertheadopteetousethenamestatedinhisoriginalbirthorfoundlingcertificate.
The court shall further order the Civil Registrar where the adoption decree was registered to cancel the
newbirthcertificateoftheadopteeandreinstatehisoriginalbirthorfoundlingcertificate.
Section 24. Service of Judgment. A certified true copy of the judgment together with a certificate of
finality issued by the Branch Clerk of the Court which rendered the decision in accordance with the
preceding Section shall be served by the petitioner upon the Civil Registrar concerned within thirty (30)
daysfromreceiptofthecertificateoffinality.TheCivilRegistrarshallforthwithentertherescissiondecree
intheregisterandsubmitproofofcompliancetothecourtissuingthedecreeandtheClerkofCourtwithin
thirty(30)daysfromreceiptofthedecree.
TheClerkofCourtshallenterthecomplianceinaccordancewithSection17hereof.
Section25.Repeal.ThissupersedesRule99onAdoptionandRule100oftheRulesofCourt.

B.INTERCOUNTRYADOPTION

Section 26. Applicability. The following sections apply to intercountry adoption of Filipino children by
foreignnationalsandFilipinocitizenspermanentlyresidingabroad.
Section27.Objectives.TheStateshall:
a)considerintercountryadoptionasanalternativemeansofchildcare,ifthechildcannotbeplaced
inafosteroranadoptivefamilyorcannot,inanysuitablemanner,becaredforinthePhilippines
b) ensure that the child subject of intercountry adoption enjoys the same protection accorded to
childrenindomesticadoptionand
c) take all measures to ensure that the placement arising therefrom does not result in improper
financialgainforthoseinvolved.
Section28.WheretoFilePetition.AverifiedpetitiontoadoptaFilipinochildmaybefiledbyaforeign
national or Filipino citizen permanently residing abroad with the Family Court having jurisdiction over the
placewherethechildresidesormaybefound.
ItmaybefileddirectlywiththeInterCountryAdoptionBoard.
Section 29. Who may be adopted. Only a child legally available for domestic adoption may be the
subjectofintercountryadoption.
Section30.ContentsofPetition.Thepetitionermustallege:
a)hisageandtheageofthechildtobeadopted,showingthatheisatleasttwentyseven(27)years
ofageandatleastsixteen(16)yearsolderthanthechildtobeadoptedatthetimeofapplication,
unlessthepetitioneristheparentbynatureofthechildtobeadoptedorthespouseofsuchparent,
inwhichcasetheagedifferencedoesnotapply
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b)ifmarried,thenameofthespousewhomustbejoinedascopetitionerexceptwhentheadoptee
isalegitimatechildofhisspouse
c) that he has the capacity to act and assume all rights and responsibilities of parental authority
under his national laws, and has undergone the appropriate counseling from an accredited
counselorinhiscountry
d)thathehasnotbeenconvictedofacrimeinvolvingmoralturpitude
e)thatheiseligibletoadoptunderhisnationallaw
f) that he can provide the proper care and support and instill the necessary moral values and
exampletoallhischildren,includingthechildtobeadopted
g)thatheagreestoupholdthebasicrightsofthechild,asembodiedunderPhilippinelawsandthe
U. N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, and to abide by the rules and regulations issued to
implementtheprovisionsofRepublicActNo.8043
h) that he comes from a country with which the Philippines has diplomatic relations and whose
government maintains a similarly authorized and accredited agency and that adoption of a Filipino
childisallowedunderhisnationallawsand
i) that he possesses all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications provided in this Rule, in
RepublicActNo.8043andinallotherapplicablePhilippinelaws.
Section31.Annexes.Thepetitionforadoptionshallcontainthefollowingannexeswrittenandofficially
translatedinEnglish:
a)Birthcertificateofpetitioner
b) Marriage contract, if married, and, if applicable, the divorce decree, or judgment dissolving the
marriage
c)Swornstatementofconsentofpetitionersbiologicaloradoptedchildrenaboveten(10)yearsof
age
d) Physical, medical and psychological evaluation of the petitioner certified by a duly licensed
physicianandpsychologist
e) Income tax returns or any authentic document showing the current financial capability of the
petitioner
f)Policeclearanceofpetitionerissuedwithinsix(6)monthsbeforethefilingofthepetitioner
g)Characterreferencefromthelocalchurch/minister,thepetitionersemployerandamemberofthe
immediatecommunitywhohaveknownthepetitionerforatleastfive(5)years
h) Full body postcardsize pictures of the petitioner and his immediate family taken at least six (6)
monthsbeforethefilingofthepetition.
Section32.DutyofCourt.Thecourt,afterfindingthatthepetitionissufficientinformandsubstanceand
a proper case for intercountry adoption, shall immediately transmit the petition to the InterCountry
AdoptionBoardforappropriateaction.
Section 33. Effectivity. This Rule shall take effect on August 22, 2002 following its publication in a
newspaperofgeneralcirculation.
TheLawphilProjectArellanoLawFoundation
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