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MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has called for the swift implementation of the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act as the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) has already been signed, saying it would help a lot of single parents.
CHR, in a statement on Thursday, said that the law would address the pressing needs of solo parents, especially with the current economic woes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising prices of goods.
According to the Commission, they hope the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the primary agency tasked to implement the program, would be ready to provide expanded services to the beneficiaries.
“The Commission is hopeful of the swift implementation of the law to address the pressing needs of solo parents during this period of economic hardship that heavily impacts them,” CHR said.
“We also expect readiness, efficiency, and transparency from the DSWD, its partner agencies, local governments, and the business sector in providing enhanced social services, benefits, and discounts entitled to all Filipino solo parents to truly improve their plight,” it added.
Under the law, solo parents are entitled to 10 percent discounts and exemption from the value-added tax on the sale of basic necessities of their child or children, like clothing, baby’s milk and food, and children’s medicine, among others, under a specific period of validity.
Education assistance is also enhanced, as a full scholarship for a solo parent’s child is guaranteed. Furthermore, it provides employment opportunities for solo parents as they are prioritized in the government’s livelihood, training, and poverty alleviation initiatives.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte signed the bill into law last June 4, while the IRR of the law was completed last September 30.
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But aside from these benefits, CHR also noted the importance of a provision in the law that considers guardians, who may not be biological parents of the children, as also solo parents — therefore including them in the list of beneficiaries of the government programs.
“The expanded definition of solo parents in the new law is another important amendment to equally recognize the rights and needs of those who took on the role of a solo parent to a child or children who may not be biologically theirs,” CHR said.
“Other salient features of the law include additional parental leave, scholarship provision for the solo parent, one full scholarship for the child, automatic health insurance coverage, and prioritization of solo parents in job applications and free housing allocations,” added.
During the ceremonial signing of the IRR last September 30, Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, who was one of the bill’s proponents, lauded the signing of the IRR but reminded that more is still needed to be done — such as ensuring that the law is implemented properly.
Brosas also said that state intervention was already necessary because solo parents bear the responsibilities of two parents, which places them in vulnerable situations.