AN ACT LOWERING THE AGE OF MAJORITY FROM TWENTY-ONE TO EIGHTEEN YEARS

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 6809

Age of Majority Lowered to 18 Years
- Section 1 amends Article 234 of the Family Code, lowering the age of majority from 21 to 18 years.
- Unless otherwise provided, majority commences at the age of 18 years.

Emancipation and Termination of Parental Authority
- Section 2 repeals Articles 235 and 237 of the Family Code.
- Section 3 amends Article 236 of the Family Code:
    - Emancipation terminates parental authority over the person and property of the child.
    - The emancipated child is qualified and responsible for all acts of civil life, except as provided by existing laws in special cases.
    - Parental consent is required for contracting marriage until the age of 21.
    - The duty and responsibility of parents and guardians for children and wards below 21 years of age, as mentioned in Article 2180 of the Civil Code, are not derogated.

Existing Instruments Favorable to Minors
- Section 4 states that upon the law's effectivity, existing wills, bequests, donations, grants, insurance policies, and similar instruments containing provisions favorable to minors will not retroact to their prejudice.

Effectivity
- Section 5 states that the Act shall take effect upon completion of its publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.