LEGAL BATTLES AND LONGING HEARTS : MOTHERHOOD TESTED IN CIA WITH BA

Legal battles and longing hearts: motherhood tested in ‘CIA with BA’

Two mothers, two different struggles – one fighting for legal guardianship, the other for a long-awaited embrace – were featured in the latest episode of ‘CIA with BA.’

Pau, a single mother, turned to the segment ‘Tanong ng Pilipino’ to raise a concern about parental authority over her child.

“Pwede bang nanay lang ang maging sole guardian ng anak niya kahit na nasa birth certificate naman ng bata ang pangalan nung tatay?” host Boy Abunda read.

“The answer depends on the status of the mother and father,” explained Atty. Mark Devoma. “Kung kasal po ang nanay at tatay nung bata, as a rule po, sila ang mag-e-exercise ng parental authority jointly.”

He further clarified, “Mangyayari lang po na magkakaroon ng sole parental authority ang nanay kung ang bata po ay non-marital child o pinanganak siya outside the marriage of the parents. Do’n lang po ang pagkakataon na may sole parental authority ang isang nanay.”

Meanwhile, in the 'Aksyon Agad' segment, a mother was finally reunited with her twin sons after 11 years apart.

“Pinakupkop ko po sila sa nanay ko dahil sa hirap po ng buhay, palipat-lipat po kami ng tirahan, tapos ‘yung asawa ko nagloloko,” shared Gina.

Since her parents were living in Zamboanga, her twin sons were sent there to be cared for. With financial struggles and unstable housing, she could only see them through photos.

But thanks to the program, Gina’s long-time dream came true – she was able to see Cedric and Cerio again, this time accompanied by her father. It was also the first time the twins met their other siblings.

“Sorry kung napalayo sila [sa isa’t-isa] dahil sa kahirapan ng buhay,” she said, vowing that they would now begin a new life together as a complete family.

These two stories – one of legal clarity, the other of heartfelt reunion – highlight the many faces of motherhood in the Philippines. Whether seeking rightful authority or holding on to the hope of reconnection, these mothers remind us that love, sacrifice, and determination remain at the core of every parent’s journey.

Led by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Abunda, ‘CIA with BA’ continues the advocacy of the late Senator Rene Cayetano. The program airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on GTV.