Representative Lawrence “Law” Fortun is glad that the House approved a bill strengthening the benefits of solo parents, in time to address their lack of resources during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Garnering 208 affirmative and 0 negative with no abstention, House Bill 8097 seeks to “address the inadequacies” of the Republic Act 8972 or the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000.

Solo parents earning less than P250,000 yearly are entitled to the features of the bill.

HB 8097 states that mothers would have a dedicated area for breastfeeding in workplaces.

Beneficiaries are also granted a 10-percent discount when purchasing their children’s basic necessities such as but not limited to clothing, milk, and diapers.

Additionally, solo parents who have been working for a minimum of 6 months at their workplace may enjoy at least 7 days of paid parental leave.

“I earnestly hope that the passage of HB8097 in the House of Representatives will not only heighten public support to this sector but also fast-track the enactment of a law that will safeguard and improve the welfare of our solo parents and their children,” Fortun said.
With that, the lawmaker is urging the Senate to expedite the passage of their version of this measure.

“The President has already stated in his State of the Nation Address that this is one of the administration’s priority legislation,” he added.

“I am confident that this will be swiftly signed into law once Congress transmits it to his office,” he beamed.