Republic Act No. 8552

Date:    February 11, 1998

Source:    Republic of the Philippines, Congress and Senate

Subject:    Domestic Adoption Act of 1998

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure that every child remains under the care and custody of his/her parent(s) and be provided with love, care, understanding and security towards the full and harmonious development of his/her personality. Only when such efforts prove insufficient, and no appropriate placement or adoption within the child's extended family is available, shall adoption by an unrelated person be considered.

In all matters relating to the care, custody and adoption of a child, his/her interest shall be the paramount consideration in accordance with the tenets set forth in the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child; UN Declaration on Social and Legal Principles Relating to the Protection and Welfare of Children with Special Reference to Foster Placement and Adoption Nationally and Internationally; and the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. Towards this end, the State shall provide alternative protection and assistance through foster care or adoption for every child who is neglected, orphaned or abandoned.