QC eyes sanctions on parents who fail to enrol kids

A QUEZON city councilor is proposing sanctions on parents who fail to send their children to school.

The measure, filed by councilor Ranulfo Ludovica, imposes a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment for one year on parents found guilty of neglecting to enroll their children.

Ludovica said it was important to make the enrolment of kids in basic education mandatory to ensure their welfare.

“Providing education is one of the primordial duties and obligations of parents to their children,” he said.

He also stressed that under Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, “no child shall be deprived of formal or nonformal education.”

The Department of Education has a system of free public education in the elementary and high school levels, enabling even poor parents to send their young to school.

Should parents neglect or refuse to send their children to school, Ludovica said this may contribute to the rise in the number of out of school youths and expose them to abuse, exploitation, discrimination, etc.

He added that less guidance of parents can also lead to children being easily lured into drug addiction, criminal activities, child prostitution, and other social ills.