By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Veering away from the vixenish persona of his father and sister, Davao City Representative Paolo “Pulong” Zimmerman Duterte has filed a bill seeking to establish facilities that will provide temporary protection, support, and treatment to abused women and children across the country.

Cong Pulong noted that despite various initiatives to address domestic violence, it remains prevalent and this “sad reality” moved him to push for the establishment of facilities that will immediately cater to, accommodate, and provide integration, protection, support, and treatment for abused women and children.

“It is about time that we codify similar facilities into legislation for its institutionalization, thereby increasing the number of halfway houses for women and children victims of domestic violence across the country,” the younger Duterte said.

Based on recent surveys, Cong Pulong emerged as a strong senatorial contender in 2025.

Under his House Bill 8985 or the proposed “Halfway Houses for Abused Women and Children Act”, Cong Pulong said halfway houses will be established across the country.

He explained that his measure is similar to the “Haven for Women” established by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide temporary shelter and protective custody to women ages 18-59 years old who are victims of involuntary or forced prostitution, illegal recruitment, battered/abused women, victims of sexual abuse, women in detention, women victims of armed conflicts and others.

But under his HB 8985, local government units (LGUs) of highly urbanized cities, independent cities, and component cities are mandated to have at least one halfway house in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

Cong Pulong said at the end of the allowed 90-day stay, the custody of the abused person shall be entrusted to their most immediate family member, or in their absence, a qualified legal guardian to be determined by the registered social worker assigned to the halfway house, according to the bill.

He added that children who were victims and are still under 7 years of age or those older but with mental or physical disabilities shall be automatically given to the mother, with the right to support, unless there are compelling reasons found by the courts against her.

(IAmigo/MNM)