‘Such display of official synergy and cooperation between government agencies is commendable, coming as it did from two camps that were not in good terms a couple of weeks ago.’
IT was not too long ago when journalist Erwin Tulfo’s broadcaster brother Raffy and Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) chief Persida Acosta were quarreling over the broadcaster’s charge that some PAO lawyers were lazy and inefficient. The feisty Acosta took the cudgels for her public attorneys, citing their dedication to their work, sacrifices, and efforts that resulted in considerable accomplishments.
While there may be one or two PAO lawyers who are remiss in their duties, Acosta is correct in defending her co-workers who have been maligned because of some isolated cases.
Now that Raffy Tulfo is already an elected senator and his brother Erwin is DSWD secretary, it warms the heart to know that Acosta and the Tulfos have reconciled and in fact are both working to promote the interest and well-being of poor Filipinos.
We welcome the news that the Department of Social Welfare and Development has collaborated with the Public Attorney’s Office to help single mothers get sustainment from fathers who do not provide child support.
Secretary Erwin Tulfo and PAO chief Persida Acosta led the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) recently to assist single mothers by filing cases against estranged fathers who do not want to give support to their children.
At the event, the two officials affirmed that fathers who fail to provide child support may be prosecuted in violation of Articles 194 and 195 of the Family Code of the Philippines and Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
Article 195 of the Family Code states that parents are legally required to support their children, while Article 194 provides that “support comprises everything indispensable for sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical attendance, education and transportation, in keeping with the financial capacity of the family.”
Tulfo and Acosta encouraged single mothers to approach the DSWD to help them obtain support from the fathers of their children, especially if they have jobs and other sources of livelihood. Tulfo promised that the DSWD will write to demand that they provide child support. Otherwise, they will help mothers seek legal recourse for their children.
Such display of official synergy and cooperation between government agencies is commendable, coming as it did from two camps that were not in good terms a couple of weeks ago.
