Solo Parents Must Be Granted Additional Support and Benefits – Legarda

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA FILED SENATE BILL NO. 1439 OR THE “SOLO PARENTS WELFARE ACT OF 2010” WHICH INTENDS TO ADD THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL SUPPORT AND BENEFITS TO SOLO PARENTS:
1. Ten percent (10%) discount from all purchases of clothing and clothing materials for the child for two (2) years from child birth;
2. Fifteen (15%) discount from all purchases of baby’s milk, food and food supplements;
3. Fifteen (15%) percent discount from all purchases of medicines and other medical supplements/ supplies for the child; and
4. Basic personal exemption from individual income tax.

“A “Solo Parent” refers to a parent who is left alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to death, detention, mental incapacity or legal separation with spouse. It also refers to women who became pregnant due to abuse.”

Legarda explained, “Double hardship saddles solo parents. They perform parental duties single-handedly in the face of economic turmoil that is characterized by skyrocketing prices, poverty and massive unemployment.”

“There is a need to amend Republic Act No. 8972, otherwise known as the Solo Parent’s Welfare Act to address the financial concerns of solo parents amidst the economic difficulties that the country is experiencing.”

“The enactment of this proposed measure will help lessen the financial burden carried by solo parents by affording them additional remuneration to be able to provide a better future for their children, “Legarda concluded.