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Protection orders under RA 9262

The three kinds of protection order, who issues each, how long each lasts, and how fast you can get one.

RA 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act)

Who this is for: Women and their children experiencing physical, sexual, psychological or economic abuse from a partner or former partner.

Protection orders under RA 9262 — process diagram
Drawing diagram…

Step by step

  1. 1

    Barangay Protection Order (BPO)

    The fastest route. Apply at the barangay where you live; the Punong Barangay issues it on the same day. It stops the respondent from threatening or physically harming you.

    Issued the same day. Valid for 15 days.

  2. 2

    Temporary Protection Order (TPO)

    Applied for at the Family Court. Issued ex parte — the respondent does not have to be heard first — and can order far more than a BPO: removing the respondent from the home, custody of children, support, and surrender of firearms.

    Issued within 24 hours of filing. Valid 30 days, extendable until the PPO is decided.

  3. 3

    Permanent Protection Order (PPO)

    Granted after a hearing where the respondent is notified and can appear. It does not expire unless the court revokes it.

  4. 4

    What an order can require

    Prohibiting contact, ordering the respondent to stay a set distance away, removing them from the residence regardless of who owns it, granting you custody, directing financial support, and requiring firearms to be surrendered.

Watch out for

  • Applying for a protection order does not require you to file a criminal case first, and it does not stop you from filing one later.
  • Violating a protection order is itself a criminal offence — report a breach to the police or the barangay immediately.
  • Economic abuse counts: withdrawing financial support, controlling your money, or preventing you from working are covered by RA 9262.

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