Rep. LRay Villafuerte has urged the swift implementation of the Expanded Solo Parents Act or Republic Act 11861 so that low-income solo parents can avail of the monthly pension of P1,000 that the law provides.
“We are looking forward to the immediate and full release of this monthly pension to low-income solo parents plus the application or provision of other benefits due them and all other Filipinos who have single-handedly been raising their children,” said Villafuerte, citing the commitment from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to come out with the implementing rules and regulations of RA 11861 within three months of its effectivity.
Villafuerte, who co-authored the law, said he hopes that the required funding is included in the 2023 National Expenditure Program that will be submitted to the House of Representatives on Monday.
Meanwhile, DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez said they are now processing the release of the IRR.
The new law mandates the DSWD Secretary to release the required IRR within 90 days of its adoption after consulting with the members of the proposed Inter-Agency Coordinating and Monitoring Committee.
Under the law, single parents who make at least the minimum wage or less are entitled to a P1,000 monthly pension from their local government units, provided they do not receive any other government cash support.
From the time of the child’s birth until the age of six, single parents are also entitled to a 10-percent discount and exemption from the value-added tax on baby formula and sanitary napkins, food, and micronutrient supplements, legally prescribed medications, vaccines, and other medical supplements.
The DSWD is also required to promptly construct and maintain a single database of all solo parents who will be granted Solo Parent Identification Cards and booklets by the LGUs, working in cooperation with the Department of the Interior and Local Government.