Measure Giving Additional Benefits to Solo Parents has Lapsed Into Law
A solo parent is any individual who falls under any of the following categories:
(1) A woman who gives birth as a result of rape and other crimes against chastity even without a final conviction of the offender: Provided, That the mother keeps and raises the child;
(2) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to death of spouse;
(3) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood while the spouse is detained or is serving sentence for a criminal conviction for at least one (1) year;
(4) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to physical and/or mental incapacity of spouse as certified by a public medical practitioner;
(5) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to legal separation or de facto separation from spouse for at least one (1) year, as long as he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children;
(6) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to declaration of ‘nullity or annulment of marriage as decreed by a court or by a church as long as he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children;
(7) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to abandonment of spouse for at
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least one (1) year;
(8) Unmarried mother/father who has preferred to keep and rear her/his child/children instead of having others care for them or give them up to a welfare institution;
(9) Any other person who solely provides parental care and support to a child or children;
(10) Any family member who assumes the responsibility of head of family as a result of the death, abandonment, disappearance or prolonged absence of the parents or solo parent.
This law came about since it is the policy of the State to promote the family as the foundation of the nation, strengthen its solidarity and ensure its total development. Towards this end, it shall develop a comprehensive program of services for solo parents and their children to be carried out by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DOH), the 
Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the National Housing Authority (NHA), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and other related government and nongovernment agencies.
Last December 13, senators voted 22-0-0 in favor of Senate Bill 1411, which would increase the benefits currently provided to solo parents under Republic Act 8972 or the Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000.
Under the bill, the definition of a solo parent would be further expanded to also include the following:
- The spouse of a low- or semi-skilled overseas Filipino worker who has continuously worked abroad for 12 months or more
- Foster parents recognized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development
- Legal guardians acknowledged by the court
- Relatives who have the sole responsibility for caring for a child
The bill would also mandate that all solo parents receive a comprehensive package of social protection services, including livelihood opportunities, legal advice and assistance, and counseling. SB 1411 would grant a monthly cash subsidy worth P1,000 to each solo parent.
Solo parents would also be able to avail of parental leave with a shortened requirement for rendered service. Companies and government offices would also be required to set up daycare centers.
Solo parents would also automatically qualify for coverage under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, with premiums to be paid by the government.
SB 1411 would also prioritize solo parents, particularly solo mothers re-entering the work force, and their children in apprenticeship and scholarship programs of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, but “subject to eligibility and qualifications.”
Reportedly, the measure has lapsed into law. This may now come into effect assuming all the other requirements for the law have been complied with.
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