The Departrment of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas warned prospective parents against against resorting to "simulation of birth" in adopting babies since it is a criminal act.
In celebration of the Adoption Consciousness Celebration, DSWD urged prospective parents to adhere to the legal procedures of adoption.
“Kanang simulation of birth, shortcut man na. It appears imohang anak however that is an illegal act,” said Clavel C. Saycon, DSWD – 7, Adoption Resource and Referral Section head.
During the Kapihan sa PIA forum on Jan. 30, Saycon said there are still numerous cases of simulation of births or tampering the civil registry of children reported in their office.
Simulation of birth is defined under Section 3 (j) of Republic Act 8552 or the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998 as “the tampering of the civil registry making it appear in the birth records that a certain child was born to a person who is not his or her biological mother, causing such child to lose his or her true identity and status.”
Common cases of simulation of birth is forging documents such as birth certificate and claiming to be parents of the child.
“When and where masakapan ka or naa'y agrabyado nimo or naa'y nakahibalo sa sitwasyon, then you are not exempted to face charges against you,” Saycon added.
Saycon said there is a pending bill in Congress, House Bill 5675 , which proposes to remove criminal liability on any person who simulated the birth of a child.
“Once the bill is approved and it is becoming an act, naa gyod na siya'y guidelines kay naa mana'y IRR or Implementing Rules and Regulations,” said Saycon, who emphasized that DSWD will take charge of the regulations then.
In cases of illegal adoption through social media networks, Saycon said that the department is constantly striving to combat the issue through information dissemination and coordination with the Central Office in overseeing the posts on Facebook.
As of 2018, DSWD Region 7 issued 62 certifications declaring a child legally available for adoption.(Trina Louise Rivera and Ryan Karl Tallo/USJR Communication Interns)