Section 23Sec./Art. 23

A new section to be denominated as Section 26 of the same Act is hereby added to read as follows:

"Section 26.Prohibited Acts and Penalties. -(a) Any person, corporation, entity or agency that refuses or fails to provide the benefits granted to the solo parent in violation of this Act shall suffer the following penalties:

(1) For the first violation - a fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) but not more than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more than one (1) year, or both, at the discretion of the court.

(2) For any subsequent violation - a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than than one (1) year but not more than two (2) years, or both at the discretion of the court.

If the offender is a corporation, partnership, organization or any similar entity, the officials and employees who directly participated in the violation/s shall be held liable.

The proper authorities may, after due notice and hearing, also cause the cancellation or revocation of the business permit, permit to operate, franchise and other similar privileges granted to any business that fails to abide by the provisions of this Act.

If the offender is a foreigner, the foreigner shall be deported immediately after service of sentence without further deportation proceedings.

(b) Any person who misrepresents status or falsifies any document to avail of the benefits, ot cause another person to avail or be denied of the benefits provided under this Act, or any person who abuses the privileges and benefits granted herein shall be punished with a fine of not more than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) and imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more than one (1) year, or both, at the discretion of the court.

When the offender or the person responsible for the offenses punishable under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section is a public officer or employee as defined in Executive Order No. 292, or the 'Administrative Code of 1987', and the offense was committed in the exercise of official duties, such officer or employee shall suffer the penalty of removal from office and perpetual disqualification from holding public office, in addition to the penalty provided in the preceding paragraph.

The penalties under this Act shall be without prejudice to the imposition of higher penalties existing under other laws."