Generational Wealth Education and Enlightenment Act (Proposed)

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In a country where public service is meant to uphold integrity and selfless duty, the silent transfer of unexplained wealth from public officials to their legal heirs has become a deeply rooted contradiction. While millions of Filipinos remain trapped in poverty, the legal heirs of elected and appointed officials often inherit vast fortunes without accountability or reflection on the origins of such wealth.

This proposed law mandates that all legal heirs of public officials who are set to inherit substantial generational or unexplained assets must undergo a state-certified educational and enlightenment seminar. The seminar will focus on constitutional ethics, the moral implications of public wealth, and the long-term national benefits of voluntary wealth restitution - particularly through contributions to education, such as the construction of public schools and funding of scholarships for underprivileged youth.

Rather than criminalizing the inheritance itself, the law aims to awaken civic responsibility among government officials' heirs. It seeks to plant a seed of national conscience - transforming passive recipients of privilege into future stewards of justice, equity, and social repair.

In doing so, the Generational Wealth Education and Enlightenment Act offers a non-coercive, values-based mechanism to break cycles of inequality and political entitlement, while reinforcing the principle that true public service must echo beyond one’s lifetime - through both legacy and action.

This proposal is submitted with the hope that it will be enacted for the benefit of the people.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. XXXX

AN ACT MANDATING EDUCATIONAL AND MORAL ENLIGHTENMENT SEMINARS FOR LEGAL HEIRS OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS PRIOR TO RECEIVING SUBSTANTIAL INHERITANCE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Section 1. Short Title.

This Act shall be known as the "Generational Wealth Education and Enlightenment Act."

Section 2. Declaration of Policy.

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to instill moral responsibility, civic consciousness, and national solidarity among the legal heirs of public officials who stand to inherit substantial wealth. The State recognizes that inherited public wealth, when unexplained or disproportionate, may reinforce inequality and erode public trust. This Act aims to inspire voluntary restitution and deepen civic values among future generations.

Section 3. Definition of Terms.

1. Public Official - Any elected, appointed, or permanent (plantilla) government official serving at the national or local level.
2. Legal Heir - Any person lawfully entitled to inherit the estate of a public official.
3. Substantial Inheritance - Any inherited asset exceeding ₱ 10 million or its equivalent in value.
4. Enlightenment Seminar - A state-certified educational session on ethics, constitutional values, and public-interest restitution.

Section 4. Coverage.

This Act shall apply to all legal heirs of public officials - whether elected or appointed at the national or local level - who are entitled to receive an inheritance with a total value exceeding Ten Million Pesos (₱10,000,000), or its equivalent in any form of property or asset.

Section 5. Mandatory Educational and Enlightenment Seminar.

Before the legal transfer or full release of any qualifying inheritance, the heir must complete a Generational Wealth Enlightenment Seminar facilitated by a consortium composed of:

• The Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

• The Department of Education (DepEd)
• At least one state university or college designated by CHED

The seminar shall focus on constitutional ethics, public accountability, history of political corruption, the moral implications of unexplained wealth, and the national benefits of voluntary wealth restitution.

Section 6. Certificate of Completion.

A Certificate of Completion shall be issued upon satisfactory attendance and participation in the seminar. This certificate must be presented to courts, estate administrators, or relevant government agencies prior to the final release of any qualifying inheritance.

Section 7. Voluntary Restitution Campaign.

Heirs who, after completing the seminar, choose to donate either a portion of their inheritance or any amount exceeding ₱10 million to public education shall be recognized through the National Civic Benefactor Registry, to be maintained by the Department of Education in coordination with CHED and the Bureau of Treasury.

Donations may support the construction of public schools, scholarship grants, or other approved educational projects. Recognition may be public or anonymous, depending on the donor’s written preference.

Section 8. Non-Penal Nature of this Act.

This Act shall not criminalize inheritance or impose legal penalties for non-donation. Its primary purpose is to promote moral awakening and civic engagement through a non-coercive and values-based approach to wealth and privilege.

Section 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations.

Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Civil Service Commission (CSC), and the Department of Justice (DOJ), shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations (IRR), including:

• Seminar curriculum and standards
• Certification and documentation process
• Donation mechanism and accounting procedures
• Monitoring and evaluation tools

The IRR shall be published online and shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Section 10. Separability Clause.

If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 11. Effectivity Clause.

This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.