State of the Filipino family: realities on the ground

Professor Elizabeth Aguiling-Pangalangan appeared before the Supreme Court as amicus curae during oral arguments on the legal distinction between illegitimate and legitimate children. She served as expert witness along with Ateneo Law School Dean Cynthia del Castillo on 3 September when both argued for the striking down of Article 992 of the Civil Code as unconstitutional.

Prof. Aguiling-Pangalangan, who teaches Persons and Family Relations, cited PSA data of 2017, that records 907,061 (53.3%) of live births as born out of wedlock, indicating more illegitimate children born in the country than legitimate children.

Lian Buan’s full report may be accessed at: https://www.rappler.com/nation/239260-experts-call-on-supreme-court-strike-down-law-discriminating-vs-illegitimate-children?fbclid=IwAR2f34V1b2_afScasJ8b0-ICHAuAGqRAg0-KoXHDR8WlO7viSqW2WKx8uWE