Single parents cash aid ordinance deferred

SOME Cebu City councilors voiced concerns over the solo parents ordinance proposed by Councilor Gerardo Carillo, saying this may be abused.

Councilor Sisinio Andales said it might encourage promiscuity while Councilor Nestor Archival said more solo parents would register with the city after the approval of the ordinance that will give them an annual P5,000 cash assistance.

“Let’s look at the financial aspect. There are 1,000 solo parents now but once this (the ordinance) is publicized, I don’t think it will be just 1,000. There might be more (solo parents) than the senior citizens,” Councilor Noel Wenceslao said.

Councilors agreed to defer the passage of the ordinance until next week’s session. Vice Mayor Edgar Labella said the City Civil Registrar’s Office recorded a rising number of children born out of wedlock.

Councilor Eugenio Gabuya said the ordinance identifies who will qualify for the assistance and will set the guidelines for recipients in the city. Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac