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Filial Duty and the Law: Why Supporting Your Parents is Non-Negotiable

By Atty Dan Leonard Rayo

While waiting for my endocrinologist, I felt compelled to write about the ongoing debate on whether a child is obligated to support their parents. This topic continues to spark heated discussions across platforms, with famous personalities sharing their personal views. However, the law in the Philippines is clear. The Family Code explicitly outlines the obligation of support, and here’s why this legal principle should not be muddled with personal exceptions or justifications.

Under the Family Code, the duty of support is codified in Article 195, which states that legitimate ascendants and descendants are obliged to support each other. The law employs the term “obliged,” which denotes a mandatory duty, unlike “may,” which implies discretion. This is a critical distinction. The law doesn’t say that you are only obligated to support your parents if they’ve been kind or loving, or if they didn’t hurt your ego because they disliked your girlfriend. There are no such qualifications—support is required when the circumstances arise.

Support, as defined by law, includes everything essential for sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical attendance, education, and transportation. It must be provided in proportion to the financial means of the person required to give it. Thus, it isn’t based on how much you own, but on your ability to provide within your means. And this duty extends beyond just your parents—it includes your grandparents as well. If you have hundreds of millions of pesos and your parents are struggling, you are still obligated to support your grandparents when they fall ill and cannot pay their hospital bills. While it is rare for ascendants to sue descendants for support due to family pride or the desire to avoid embarrassment, the reverse is true, with many decided cases by the Supreme Court involving descendants ( by their legal guardian) suing ascendants.

It is alarming to hear modern sentiments like “It’s not my fault I was born into this world,” which reflects a growing mindset of ingratitude and self-interest. It’s also not the fault of your parents if you react ungratefully in the future or if you choose a partner with loose morals and values. They cannot control how you’ll think decades later. This mindset is not only un-Christian but fundamentally ungrateful. The notion of filial piety—the respect and duty a child owes to their parents—is not exclusive to Filipino culture; it is a universal principle. Children are not asked to impoverish themselves ( hindi naman sinabing magpakamatay ka sa katutulong), but they are required to provide reasonable support as mandated by law and dictated by conscience.

The shift in this younger generation’s perspective is deeply concerning. Instead of focusing on what they can take from their parents, or what they don’t want to give, they should focus on contributing to society in meaningful ways, such as promoting good governance and voting for leaders who embody sensible policies.

As my doctor has just arrived, let me conclude by reiterating that the duty to support your parents is enshrined in the Family Code, and no amount of personal grievances can change that. If you feel resentment toward your parents, don’t drag the law—or the entire country—into justifying your position. If your parents fall ill and need you, throw them in the Pasig river to escape responsibility.

Kung ganyan ka kasamang anak, bakit gusto mong idamay ang lahat ng sansinukob sa kawalang hiyaan mo? Gawin mo gusto mo, at managot ka na lang sa batas ng Diyos at ng tao later.

At the end of the day, it’s your conscience that must bear the weight of your choices. If you’re willing to neglect your responsibilities, be prepared to face both the legal, moral consequences and your guilt.

Yun lang!