Can minors who become parents exercise full parental authority over their child in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, the law recognizes that while minors may become parents, their capacity to exercise full parental authority over their child is limited by their age and legal status as minors. Parental authority, as defined under the Family Code of the Philippines, refers to the rights and obligations of parents in the upbringing and care of their children. Typically, this authority is vested in both parents, who are expected to act jointly in the best interest of their child.
However, when one or both parents are minors, the situation becomes more complex. Since the law generally considers individuals below the age of 18 as minors, they are deemed not fully capable of making legally binding decisions without the guidance or consent of an adult. This legal incapacity extends to their ability to exercise full parental authority.
Legal Framework Governing Minor Parents
Under the Family Code of the Philippines, specifically Article 211, parental authority is a right and responsibility that is inherently vested in the father and mother over their legitimate children. For minors who become parents, the law provides that their own parents (the child's grandparents) typically assume the role of exercising parental authority. This arrangement is based on the understanding that minors are still under the care and supervision of their own parents and, therefore, may not yet have the maturity or legal capacity to fully undertake the responsibilities of parenthood.
Additionally, Article 225 of the Family Code allows the parents of the minor parent to exercise substitute parental authority over the grandchild if the minor is unable or unfit to do so. This legal provision ensures that the child born to minor parents is still provided with the necessary care and protection, even if the minor parents themselves are not yet capable of fulfilling these duties.
Responsibilities and Rights of Minor Parents
While minor parents may not have full parental authority, they are not entirely devoid of parental responsibilities. The law encourages the involvement of minor parents in the upbringing of their child, under the supervision and guidance of their own parents or legal guardians. This means that while they may not make independent decisions regarding the welfare of their child, they are still expected to participate in the child's care and development to the best of their ability.
In cases where minor parents demonstrate sufficient maturity and capability, the court may consider allowing them to exercise certain aspects of parental authority, albeit often still under the supervision of a guardian. However, this is typically assessed on a case-by-case basis, and the best interests of the child remain the paramount consideration.
Conclusion
In summary, while minors who become parents in the Philippines have certain parental responsibilities, they do not automatically acquire full parental authority over their child due to their legal incapacity. The law provides that their own parents or legal guardians typically assume this role, ensuring that the child is properly cared for and protected. Minor parents are encouraged to remain involved in their child's life, with the understanding that their ability to exercise parental authority will be limited until they reach the age of majority.