Question

Scenario:

Marie and John, a married couple, are unable to conceive a child of their own. They decide to explore the option of adoption. After conducting research and seeking advice from adoption agencies, they decide to pursue domestic administrative adoption under the provisions of the Alternative Child Care Act - R.A. No. 11642.

Question:

1. What is domestic administrative adoption as provided under R.A. No. 11642? Discuss the legal process and requirements for domestic administrative adoption in the Philippines.
2. Marie and John have decided to adopt a 5-year-old child named Ethan. What steps should Marie and John take to initiate the domestic administrative adoption process? Explain the applicable legal requirements and procedures that they need to comply with.
3. Ethan's biological parents, who are both still alive, express their consent to the adoption. Discuss the significance of obtaining the biological parents' consent in domestic administrative adoption cases. Are there any exceptions or circumstances where the consent of the biological parents may not be required?
4. Marie and John successfully complete the domestic administrative adoption process and become the legal parents of Ethan. What rights and responsibilities do Marie and John have as adoptive parents under R.A. No. 11642? Discuss their obligations towards Ethan and any benefits or entitlements they may receive as adoptive parents.