The Senate has approved the proposed “Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.”
Senate Bill 1411, approved on third and final reading, seeks the expansion of government assistance to solo parents.
SB 1411 seeks to mandate the government to give a cash subsidy of P1,000 per indigent solo parent, coverage from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and access to programs from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for eligible solo parents and their children.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Senate women, children, family relations and gender equality committee, dependents of solo parents could still receive the statutory benefits until they turn 22 years old instead of 18 years old. Hontiveros is also the principal sponsor of SB 1411.
SB 1411 also expands the definition of a “solo parent” to include the spouse of a low or semi-skilled overseas Filpino worker who has worked abroad continuously for at least 12 months.
Foster parents, legal guardians, and relatives recognized by the court and the Department of Social Welfare and Development can also be included and considered as “solo parents.”