Text of the provision

Art. 217. In case of foundlings, abandoned neglected or abused children and other children similarly situated, parental authority shall be entrusted in summary judicial proceedings to heads of children's homes, orphanages and similar institutions duly accredited by the proper government agency.

(314a)

Family Code of the Philippines, Executive Order No. 209, approved July 6, 1987. The Code took effect on August 3, 1988 (Republic v. Orbecido III, G.R. No. 154380, October 5, 2005). Reproduced in full.

What this article means

For the most vulnerable children — foundlings and the abandoned, neglected or abused — there may be no parent, grandparent, sibling or custodian to take charge. Here the law entrusts parental authority, through summary judicial proceedings, to the heads of children's homes, orphanages and similar accredited institutions.

Accreditation by the proper government agency is the safeguard: authority goes only to institutions the State has vetted to care for children.

Related provisions

Cases interpreting this article

Note. The text of the provision above is reproduced in full from the official enactment. The annotation, case summaries and commentary around it are the work of Vivas & Nobles Law Office and are general legal information, not legal advice. Whether this provision applies to a particular marriage depends on facts that only a lawyer reviewing your situation can assess.