Domestic corporal punishment: A Philippine legal perspective

• Main Authors: Delos Santos, Alexandra, Nierves, Maria Salve Lorayne M.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2011
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/17818
• Institution: De La Salle University

The whole study aimed to be able to show the reader a legal perspective on a very culture oriented subject of domestic corporal punishment in the Philippines. The researchers analyzed several laws and jurisprudence, locally and internationally concerning the use of corporal punishment by the parents. Children are the most vulnerable members of the society. The use of corporal punishment, especially in the guise of discipline is the same as using violence as an instrument to fight for peace. A survey was conducted on middle class Filipino parents who have children, results show that the results were positive, domestic corporal punishment is tolerated by Philippines society and worse, there is no law prohibiting the use of it toward children. Because of this the researchers deemed that there is an imminent need to help the children. By prohibiting the use of corporal punishment children will be able to grow up into healthy individuals who are not subject to any form of violence with negative consequences. Especially when it is administered in the home where a great deal of time of the children is spent in. A proposed bill in fighting the rise of corporal punishment in the Philippines is formulated at the end of the study. The problem with the use of corporal punishment in our country is not only the lacking laws and jurisprudence on the subject and prohibition of the act, but also the acceptance and belief of the people in using this as a form of discipline. The study aims not only to prohibit this continues abuse of children in the guise of discipline and punishment but also to change the belief of the Filipino people that corporal punishment or violence is the answer to their problems. This form of violence should be totally eradicated from any country, not only because the Philippines is a signatory to the convention of the child who acquires the prohibition of any form of corporal punishment but also because it is against the very basic human right to life, liberty and security of person, the right to not be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and the right to equal protection.