In the Philippines, the law doesn’t care about the state of your "relationship status" on social media; it cares about the child. When live-in partners separate, the obligation to provide support is one of the most immediate legal realities. Here is a comprehensive guide to how child support is computed and enforced within the Philippine legal framework.

1. The Legal Status of the Child

Children born to parents who are not legally married are classified under Article 165 of the Family Code as illegitimate children. While the term itself may feel archaic, the law is progressive in one specific area: the right to support. Under Article 176, illegitimate children have the same right to receive support from their parents as legitimate children do.

The mother generally has sole parental authority, but the father’s obligation to provide support begins the moment paternity is established—either through a voluntary acknowledgment (signing the birth certificate) or a court-ordered compulsory recognition.

2. What Exactly is "Support"?

Under Article 194 of the Family Code, support is not just a "monthly allowance." It is a legal term that encompasses everything indispensable for the child's life, including:

Sustenance: Food and basic nutritional needs.
Dwelling: A roof over their head (or a proportionate share of rent/utilities).
Clothing: Basic and necessary attire.
Medical Attendance: Check-ups, medicines, and emergency care.
Education: Tuition, books, and school supplies (even beyond the age of 18, until the child finishes their education).
Transportation: Expenses for going to and from school or work.

3. The Math: The Principle of Proportionality

Unlike other countries that use a rigid "percentage of salary" calculator, the Philippines follows the Principle of Proportionality.

According to Article 201 of the Family Code, the amount of support is determined by balancing two specific variables:

The Necessities of the Recipient: What does the child actually need to live a life consistent with the family's standing?
The Means of the Giver: What can the parent actually afford without being reduced to poverty themselves?

The Golden Rule: There is no fixed "minimum" or "maximum" percentage. A father earning ₱100,000 may be ordered to pay ₱25,000, while a father earning ₱15,000 cannot be legally compelled to pay ₱10,000, as it would exceed his capacity to survive.

4. How Courts Compute the Final Number

If parents cannot agree on an amount via a Compromise Agreement, a judge will step in. The court typically requires a "Needs and Means" assessment:

Step A: The Child’s Budget. The custodial parent (usually the mother) submits an itemized list of monthly expenses. The court looks for "indispensable" items. Extravagant luxuries are usually trimmed unless the parents’ wealth justifies them.
Step B: The Parent’s Capacity. The court examines the non-custodial parent’s Income Tax Returns (ITR), payslips, and even "lifestyle evidence" (e.g., car ownership, properties) if they claim to be indigent but live luxuriously.
Step C: Apportionment. If both parents earn, the court may split the budget. For example, if the child needs ₱20,000 a month and the father earns 70% of the combined parental income, he may be ordered to cover 70% of the costs.

5. Can the Amount Change?

Yes. Article 202 explicitly states that support is variable.

Increase: If the child starts school or develops a medical condition, or if the payor gets a significant promotion.
Decrease: If the payor loses their job or suffers a financial reversal. Support is never final; it is always "subject to the changing circumstances of the parties."

6. Legal Teeth: What if They Don't Pay?

The Philippines provides several avenues for enforcement if a former partner refuses to contribute:

Remedy	Legal Basis	Description
Civil Action for Support	Rules of Court, Rule 61	A petition to the Family Court to fix the amount and issue a "Writ of Execution" to garnish wages.
VAWC Case (Economic Abuse)	R.A. 9262	Willful refusal to provide support can be considered Economic Abuse. This can lead to a Protection Order or even criminal imprisonment.
Support Pendente Lite	Family Code	A "temporary" support order issued while the main case is still ongoing so the child doesn't starve during litigation.

Summary Note

The law prioritizes the Best Interests of the Child. While the absence of a fixed formula can make negotiations feel like a tug-of-war, it ensures that every child receives support that is actually realistic for their specific family situation. The best approach is always a notarized written agreement, but when that fails, the Family Courts are equipped to do the math for you.