VAWC protection order (BPO, TPO, PPO): where to get one
This page is for a woman, or her child, who is being hurt, threatened or controlled by a husband, a former husband, a partner, a former partner or the father of her child, and for the barangay officials, social workers and relatives helping her. At the end you will know which protection order to ask for, where, and who can help you file.
If you are in danger right now, call 911. The Philippine Commission on Women lists 911 as the emergency hotline for victims (PCW, RA 9262 questions).
PhilForms has no form to fill for this. You do not need one from us: the barangay and the court take the application, and the people below help you write it.
What the law covers
RA 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, covers acts against a woman by her husband or former husband, by a man she has or had a sexual or dating relationship with, or by a man with whom she has a child, and acts against her child. It covers physical, sexual and psychological harm and economic abuse, including threats of such acts (section 3(a)).
The three protection orders
Order · Who issues it · How long it lasts; Barangay Protection Order (BPO) · The Punong Barangay, on the day you apply; a Barangay Kagawad if the Punong Barangay is not available (section 14) · 15 days (section 14); Temporary Protection Order (TPO) · The court, on the day you file (section 15) · 30 days; the court sets a hearing on the PPO before it ends (section 15); Permanent Protection Order (PPO) · The court, after notice and hearing (section 16) · Until the court revokes it (section 16)
A BPO orders the man to stop committing or threatening physical harm (section 14, which refers to section 5(a) and (b)). A TPO or PPO can give more: for example, keeping him away from you, your home and your work, and support for you and your children (section 8).
Where to apply
- BPO: the barangay where you live (PCW, RA 9262 questions; section 10 follows the venue rule of the Local Government Code). - TPO and PPO: the Regional Trial Court, Metropolitan, Municipal or Municipal Circuit Trial Court where you live, or the family court if there is one there (section 10).
The application is in writing, signed and sworn to (section 11). If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can ask the court in your application for one, and the court directs the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) to represent you (section 13).
Who can help you, and who can file for you
PCW lists where to seek help (PCW, RA 9262 questions):
- the Barangay VAW Desk at your barangay hall, which assists victims in getting a BPO (PCW, Barangay VAW Desk); - the social welfare office of your city or municipality (C/MSWDO) or province; - the Women and Children Protection Desk of the nearest police station.
Besides you, the law lets these people file the petition for you: your parents or guardians; relatives up to the fourth degree; DSWD officers or social workers, and social workers of the LGU; police officers, preferably those of the women and children's desks; the Punong Barangay or a Barangay Kagawad; your lawyer, counselor, therapist or healthcare provider; or at least two concerned citizens of the city or municipality who know of the violence (section 9).
Barangay officials and police must respond at once to a call for help, bring you to a safe place or a clinic, and report the case to the DSWD or the LGU's social welfare office (section 30). The DSWD and LGUs provide temporary shelter, counseling and other services (section 40).
Your records stay private
All records of a VAWC case, including those at the barangay, are confidential. Publishing a victim's name, address, school, employer or other identifying information without consent is punished (section 44).
Questions
Saan kukuha ng BPO?
At the barangay where you live. The Punong Barangay issues it on the day you apply, or a Barangay Kagawad if the Punong Barangay is not available (RA 9262, section 14). The barangay VAW desk helps you apply (PCW).
Gaano katagal ang bisa ng BPO?
Fifteen days (RA 9262, section 14). For longer protection, ask the court for a TPO (30 days) and then a PPO (sections 15–16).
Can the social worker file the protection order for her?
Yes. DSWD officers and social workers, and social workers of the LGU, are among the people who may file a petition for a protection order (RA 9262, section 9(d)).
Kailangan ko ba ng abogado?
The application is written, signed and sworn to (section 11). If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask for one in the application and the court directs the PAO to represent you (section 13).
Last checked 2026-10-23. Not affiliated with BIR, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG or any government agency.