More benefits for solo parents – Chiz

By Office of Senator Chiz Escudero
October 22, 2013

PASAY CITY – Further benefits and support on top of what is already provided in Republic Act 8972 (Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000) should be given to solo parents to lessen the burden of raising children alone and to ensure that their children are given the opportunity for a better future, Senator Chiz Escudero said.

Escudero, chairman of the senate committee on finance pushed, for the passage of this proposal through Senate Bill No. (SBN) 121 which seeks to provide additional support and benefits to solo parents such as discounts from purchases of baby’s milk, food and food supplements, clothing and medical supplies.

“There are already benefits provided for by RA 8972 but we take into account the challenges of economic realities single parents face. But this proposal does not discount either the effects it may entail to businesses, employment and other economic activities.”

Escudero said the proposal is worthy of evaluation and deliberation as all stakeholders “may be able to strike a balance between profitability and social responsibility.”

Under the bill, the following proposals shall be granted to any solo parent employee who has rendered service of at least one year:

- parental leave of not more than seven working days WITH PAY (in addition to leave privileges under existing laws)

- ten percent discount from all purchase of clothing and clothing materials for the child from conception until 2 years old

- fifteen percent discount from all purchases of medicines and other medical supplements/supplies for the child from conception until 5 years old, and

- basic personal exemption from individual income tax in the amount of fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) in addition to the existing exemption a solo parent may claim.

The bill also proposes that any solo parent as defined by law shall be entitled to the issuance of a solo parent ID by the municipal or city social welfare officer.

Any employer who fails to provide the benefits mentioned in this amended act shall be penalized with a fine of P50,000.00 or a one year imprisonment or both.

Any subsequent violation carries a P200,000.00 fine or a two year imprisonment or both.