The measure seeking to provide additional benefits to solo parents and their children is now up for President Rodrigo Duterte's signature, in what its sponsor said is a belated Christmas gift to single mothers and fathers.
The Senate and the House of Representatives on Monday ratified the bicameral conference report on the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Bill, which means the two chambers have reconciled their versions of the measure ready to be enacted into law.
“Isang belated pamasko ito para sa kapwa ko solo parents. Pirma nalang ng Pangulo, magiging batas na," Sen. Risa Hontiveros, the sponsor of the measure in the Senate, said.
"Matagal nang humihingi ng saklolo ang milyon-milyong solo parents sa ating bansa, kaya ikinagagalak nating ibalita sa bawat solo mama at solo papa na sa wakas, nakahanda na ang tulong at alalay,” she added.
The measure pushes for a comprehensive package of benefits and services for solo parents, including financial assistance, health coverage, and educational scholarships.
Once enacted into law, the bill will provide P1,000 monthly cash subsidy for each solo parent who is earning minimum wage and below, and a 10% discount on medical goods for single parents with children six years old and below and are earning less than P250,000 annually.
Solo parents will also be automatically covered by PhilHealth, and their children will receive educational scholarships provided by DepEd, CHED, and TESDA.
The bill also expands the definition of "solo parents" to include spouses or any family member of OFWs who are in the low or semi-skilled category and are away from the Philippines for 12 consecutive months. Grandparents and family members or qualified guardians who bear sole responsibility over a child are also covered in this definition.
"Ang pag-usad ng Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act ay patunay na mas nagiging bukas ang ating lipunan sa iba’t ibang uri ng pamilya. Kahit maraming balakid, napakaraming klase ng solo parents mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa ang inilaban ito," Hontiveros said.
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