Warning issued vs legislation on ‘utang na loob’ culture

MANILA, Philippines — Children shouldn’t be held hostage as their parents’ retirement plans, Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Louise Co said yesterday.

“Let us not make laws that make the payment of debt of gratitude of the children to their parents, compulsory. This is anti-poor and divisive among families,” Co said in a statement.

She said children will not find it hard to support their parents if only their salary is enough, and there is better delivery of basic services by the government.

“Healthy families require state support. The government would benefit more in taking care of the new generation, instead of hostaging them to ensure the welfare of the older generations. This is not a private problem of the family,” Co said.