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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DSWD welcomes Senate inquiry on GHI closure

DSWD welcomes Senate inquiry on GHI closure

Published May 31, 2023 07:58 am
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Wednesday, May 31, that it is open for the planned Senate inquiry regarding the issuance of a cease-and-desist order against Gentle Hands Inc. (GHI) in Quezon City. "Children living under the care of Gentle Hands Inc\.\, are seen hugging social workers\, saying their tearful goodbyes after the Department of Social Welfare and Development \(DSWD\) issued a cease and desist order against the orphanage on Tuesday\, May 23\." \(Photo courtesy of Mark Balmores \| Manila Bulletin\)
"We welcome the planned inquiry of Senator [Risa] Hontiveros as this will provide the DSWD a forum to answer all the issues regarding Gentle Hands. The DSWD is ready to answer all questions that will be raised such as the CDO, the BFP’s revocation of the GHI’s fire safety certificate, as well as the issue of disruption cases involving adopted kids facilitated by GHI," said DSWD spokesperson Romel Lopez.

READ:

[3 warnings issued to Gentle Hands before issuance of cease and desist order—Gatchalian](https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/29/3-warnings-issued-to-gentle-hands-before-issuance-of-cease-and-desist-order-gatchalian) On May 29, Hontiveros filed a resolution ordering an investigation into the closure of the orphanage. The senator noted that the inquiry is for the review of "current policies on orphanages and child residential care facilities in the Philippines." "While the safety and adequacy of living standards are important concerns, it is also important to determine whether or not the correct processes were followed in the removal of the children from a child care facility… and whether or not these processes are informed by the best interest of the child doctrine," Hontiveros added. According to Lopez, the investigation would give DSWD an "opportunity to further explain the issue and the decisions made by the department that are only in the best interest of the children sheltered at the orphanage." It would also help formulate appropriate legislation that will further ensure the protection of children, he added.

READ:

[DSWD assists mother allegedly denied custody of child under GHI's care](https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/26/dswd-assists-mother-allegedly-denied-custody-of-child-under-ghi-s-care)

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Risa Hontiveros Gentle Hands Orphanage DSWD
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