The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has lauded the timely adoption of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11861, the Expanded Solo Parents' Welfare Act, which will “address the pressing needs of solo parents during this period of economic instability.”
It expressed hopes that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the local government units (LGUs) and the business sector would be “efficient and transparent” in implementing RA 11861, an amendment to RA 8972 enacted in 2000.
The CHR cited the notable features of the new law like the inclusion of a P1,000 monthly cash subsidy for minimum wage earners and below.
It said RA 11861 also provides that those earning below P250,000 a year are also entitled to a 10 percent discount and exemption from the value-added tax of food and milk products and nutritional supplements for their child until six years of age.
It also said the under the new law, the National Housing Authority (NHA) will prioritize solo parents in low-cost housing projects and offer flexible payment options.
Solo parents will also be automatically covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. or PhilHealth, it said.
The expanded definition of solo parents in the new law is another important amendment that the CHR recognized since it addresses 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.
Aside from that, the law will include additional parental leave, scholarship provision for the solo parent, and priority in job applications.
"CHR anticipates that the holistic services and benefits for solo parents will respond to their unique needs and help mitigate the compounding challenges that beset them especially during the current challenging times," the CHR said in a statement.
"Ultimately, investing in them will also help ensure the well-being and proper development of their children and give them equal opportunity to succeed in life," it said.
TAGS: #CHR #Solo parents #RA11861