10/04/2026
The Supreme Court clarified that not all acts of disciplining a child even those that cause physical injury automatically constitute child abuse.
For liability to arise, there must be a clear intent to harm or undermine the child’s dignity.
In ### v. People of the Philippines G.R. No. 268457, July 22, 2024, the Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of a father who imposed violent and excessive punishment on his children.
In this case, the father repeatedly inflicted physical and verbal abuse, including kicking, hair-pulling, striking them with objects, and hurling insults. He argued that these actions were merely forms of discipline in response to their misbehavior.
He was found guilty under Republic Act No. 7610.
The Court stressed that while parents are entitled to discipline their children, such authority has limits.
Discipline must not be abusive, excessive, or degrading.
In this instance, the father’s conduct clearly demonstrated an intent to harm and demean his children, qualifying as child abuse under the law.
Read the full text of the Decision: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/268457-###-vs-people-of-the-philippines/
