Veteran actor and former basketball player Joey Marquez has weighed in on the controversial Parents Welfare Act of 2025, saying he believes children should not be obligated to take care of their aging parents.
During an appearance on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Marquez was asked about Senate Bill No. 396, which proposes penalties for children who neglect or fail to support their elderly, ill, or incapacitated parents.
“For me, they have no obligation. Because as a parent, I don’t treat my children as an investment. I treat them as a responsibility,” Marquez said, emphasizing that a parent’s role is to provide without expecting anything in return.
The father of 16 shared that, regardless of his own circumstances, he would never demand help from his children—even if he ended up sick or homeless. “I’m prideful that way. Maybe it’s wrong, but I always tell my children to do their best in life and be successful, and that’s more than enough,” he said with conviction.
He underscored that a father’s love is selfless. “I want to remind the children that a father will do everything even while facing hardship. So always love your parents, especially your father,” he added.
Marquez also pointed out the importance of harmony between parents, advising against speaking negatively about each other in front of their children.
The proposed legislation, filed by Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, has stirred debate online, with critics arguing that it could place undue burden on children—especially those who were abandoned or abused. In response, Lacson clarified that the bill exempts cases where parents were neglectful or abusive, as well as situations where the children are not financially capable of providing support.
