Concern:
Can I inquire about the legal avenues to address a biological father who has stopped intentionally providing child support to the child?

∇ Legal Contemplator

Foundation and Initial Observations

The concern revolves around a biological father who intentionally ceases to provide financial support for their child. This situation is deeply intertwined with family law principles in the Philippines, which prioritize the welfare of the child. Let's start by unpacking the basics:

Legal Obligation of Parents
Under Philippine law, particularly in the Family Code, both parents are legally obliged to support their child. This obligation stems from the principle of "parental authority and responsibility." It does not disappear regardless of the parents’ marital status.
Intentional Cessation of Support
The use of the word "intentional" raises critical questions. Intent implies a deliberate refusal to fulfill an obligation, suggesting possible bad faith. Could there be mitigating circumstances (e.g., unemployment, illness)? Or is it a case of negligence? These details significantly affect the course of action.
Scope of "Support"
What constitutes support under the law? Article 194 of the Family Code defines it as including "everything indispensable for sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical attendance, education, and transportation." Has the cessation of support affected these basic needs? If so, it may be easier to demonstrate the father's failure to meet his obligations.

Key Questions Arising

Now, moving forward cautiously:

Has there been any existing legal arrangement or agreement regarding child support (e.g., court orders, settlement agreements)?
What evidence can establish that the biological father has stopped providing support intentionally?
Are there other legal or extralegal remedies available?
How does the child’s welfare factor into potential remedies?

Expanding the Analysis

A. Parental Obligation and the Law

The Family Code makes it abundantly clear that both parents share the duty of providing for their children. If one parent fails, the other can pursue remedies through legal means. Here, several provisions could be relevant:

Parental Responsibility (Article 209)
Parental authority includes ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of the child. If one parent neglects this duty, they may be compelled to fulfill it.
Support (Article 195)
Support is a demandable right. Children may seek support through their mother, or the mother herself may file the claim. Importantly, the father’s intent to stop supporting the child could strengthen a case of willful neglect.

B. Possible Causes Behind Intentional Non-Support

The situation is described as "intentional," but why might the father choose to stop? Some possibilities include:

Financial difficulties: Could the father’s ability to pay be compromised due to job loss or economic hardship?
Malice or bad faith: Is the father willfully refusing to pay despite having the means? This could be interpreted as neglectful or even abusive behavior.
Disputes with the mother: Does the refusal stem from interpersonal conflict between the parents?

C. Legal Recourses Available

Assuming the non-support is intentional, there are clear remedies under Philippine law:

Filing for Support in Court
The mother or guardian can file a petition in the family court for support under the Family Code. The court may issue an order compelling the father to provide regular financial support, with penalties for non-compliance.
Criminal Complaint
Article 311 of the Revised Penal Code penalizes the act of neglecting to provide support to children. This could lead to criminal prosecution for the father if bad faith or willful neglect is proven.
Filing for Contempt
If there is an existing court order for child support and the father deliberately ignores it, he may be held in contempt of court.
Mediation or Amicable Settlement
Although non-binding, mediation could offer a less adversarial route. It may be worth exploring whether the father is open to dialogue.

D. Evidentiary Requirements

To pursue legal remedies, evidence is crucial. The mother or guardian may need to present:

Proof of the father’s financial capacity (e.g., payslips, bank statements).
Evidence of prior support payments and their cessation.
Testimonies or affidavits establishing the child’s dependency and needs.

Uncertainties and Further Reflection

As I explore these angles, questions emerge:

What if the father genuinely lacks financial capacity?
Could this lead to a counterclaim or other legal complications?
How might the legal process impact the child emotionally and financially?

Should these concerns outweigh the benefits of pursuing legal action, alternative strategies (e.g., extrajudicial settlements) may be more suitable.

Revisiting Assumptions and Revising Thoughts

Initially, I assumed intentional non-support to be easily demonstrable, but the nuances around intent complicate the issue. Financial capacity and interpersonal conflicts could muddy the waters. Therefore, establishing the father’s financial capacity and actual intent must be a priority.

Natural Resolution

After exploring the situation thoroughly, it becomes clear that the mother or guardian has multiple legal options. However, the best approach depends on the specifics of the case. Immediate steps might include consulting a lawyer, gathering evidence, and considering both litigation and mediation.

Final Answer:
Yes, you can inquire about legal action against a biological father who has intentionally stopped supporting their child. Under Philippine law, the child’s right to support is paramount, and remedies such as filing for support in family court or pursuing criminal charges for neglect are available.