Senator Christopher “Bong” Go filed last Tuesday, Senate Resolution No. 730 seeking an inquiry into the implementation of Republic Act 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act amid reports that numerous solo parents are not receiving the benefits mandated by law after its enactment more than a year ago.
The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act was signed into law on 4 June 2022, with the aim of supporting Filipino single parents. The law provides various social services and welfare benefits, including a monthly cash subsidy of P1,000 for those earning a minimum wage or below and a 10 percent discount along with VAT exemption on essential childcare products for those earning less than P250,000.
“More than a year since the enactment of the law, there are reports that several solo parents, who should be recipients of the provisions under the law, are not receiving the expected benefits,” said Go, author and co-sponsor of RA 11861.
It was found out that several local government units found it difficult to secure a sufficient budget to implement the provisions of the law. Even
much-larger cities do not have the resources to consistently distribute the P1,000 monthly allowance.
“This raises serious concerns and necessitates an immediate review to ensure that the support and assistance mandated by the law are being provided,” he added.
The resolution has directed the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry to examine the gaps in the provision of benefits under RA 11861.
Meanwhile, Go on Wednesday, stressed the need for accountability, strategic prioritization, and long-term solution to address recurring problems in flood-prone areas during a Committee on Public Works hearing on the country’s flood control master plan and outstanding projects.
Go asked DPWH for an accomplishment report detailing the flood control initiatives undertaken during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s term. He also requested a copy of the master plan outlining both current and upcoming projects.
The senator said the budget allocated for flood control continues to increase from P82 billion in 2019, P80.7 billion in 2020, P90.9 billion in 2021, P127.4 billion in 2022, P182 billion in 2023, and now with a proposed budget of P215.6 billion for 2024, not including foreign assisted projects and those funded by the private sector.