Gabriela party-list Representative Arlene Brosas applauded the signing of Republic Act (RA) 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents’ Welfare Act’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR), saying it will be a big comfort for single mothers who are already struggling.
“Nais kong simulan ang mensahe ko sa mga salitang ‘Congratulations sa ating lahat!’ Palakpakan ninyo ang inyong mga sarili sa walang sawa at walang kapagurang paglolobby at pagtataguyod para sa karapatan ng ating mga solo parents.” In an address on Thursday, she told federations and groups for solo parents, “Mabuhay po tayong lahat.”
According to Brosas, parents who are raising their children alone are among the most vulnerable members of society because they have a variety of needs — from psychological and emotional to financial — that the government must address.
She said, “State intervention is necessary to assist solo parents in rearing their children and provide assistance and relief to them, such as access to quality education, adequate and proper health care services, and affordable and quality food, clothing, and medicines.”
“Kaya naman, inilaban talaga natin itong pagpasa ng Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act at isa ang Gabriela Partylist sa mga principal authors nito sa loob ng Kongreso.”
Brosas said that the Expanded Solitary Parents Welfare Act will be a big help, particularly for the majority of struggling solo mothers who make up solo parents in this country — more than two-thirds of them. Solo parents will be able to at least lessen the effects of growing prices, significant income losses, and a lack of governmental help with the additional benefits offered by the law.
A 10 percent discount and value-added tax exemption are proposed for milk, diapers, medications, and other baby supplies. She stressed that this also includes the P1,000 monthly cash assistance for single parents for which the party-list proposed to get funding in the 2023 budget.
As required by Section 15(a) of RA 8972, as amended by RA No. 11861, or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, Gabriela proposed a budgetary allocation of P3.1 billion in the 2023 national budget under the LGU Support to ensure funding for the P1,000 monthly cash subsidy per solo parent who is earning a minimum wage and below.
“Malaking alwan ang mga dagdag benepisyong naipagtagumpay natin lalo’t walang ampat ang sirit ng presyo ng mga bilihin at malaganap ang kawalan ng trabaho. Positibo rin na napalawig ang depinisyon ng solo parent para isama maging ang legal guardian at kamag-anak na solong nag-aaruga sa mga bata,” Brosas stressed.
She said that the fact that single parents are entitled to seven days of paid, non-cumulative parental leave regardless of their job situation is a success.
“Sa dating batas, kailangan nakapagrender ka muna ng at least one year sa trabaho. Ngayon, kahit 6 months ka pa lang sa trabaho ay entitled ka na sa parental leave. Mahabang laban ang ating tinahak at ngayo’y umabot na tayo sa tagumpay na pagsasabatas ng panukala hanggang sa pagkakaroon na ng implementing rules and regulations.”
The lawmaker added that while the IRR is a significant accomplishment, the fight continues.
“We will ensure that the law will be properly implemented and that each single parent will receive the benefits under this law. Again, I congratulate everyone. Congratulations especially to our single parents! Live long! Thanks a lot,” she said.
Photo Credit: House of Representatives website
