MANILA, Philippines--Department of Education Secretary Jesli Lapus voiced his support Friday for a bill filed by an opposition congressman that seeks to penalize parents who refuse to send their children to school.

Lapus said he welcomes the proposed law, noting that such sanctions are practiced in other countries.

"I agree [with] that. All school-aged children in basic education must be in school. That's the standard practice in other countries," Lapus told reporters.

Lapus said poverty should not be used an as excuse by parents to not send their children to school. He said parents should be all the more motivated to pursue their children's education.

"That [poverty] has to be solved separately. But what about the child's future? Education is life's greatest equalizer. It is also the number one anti-poverty measure we can make," Lapus added.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has filed a bill that would jail or fine parents who fail to send their child or children to school to provide them education.

Rodriguez said poverty should not be a hindrance since parents can enroll their children to public schools.

The government provides free education at primary and secondary levels, but the education department has monitored high dropout rates, especially with children whose parents want them to help with farm or house chores.

Under the proposed bill, failure to send children to school will mean six years imprisonment or penalty of not more than P100,000 ($2,353 dollars) .

Parents who abandon their child, on the other hand, face six months to two years imprisonment and penalty of P100,000.