The Republic Act No. 11861 (RA 11861) or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act has lapsed into law on 4 June 2022. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) joins all solo parents and stakeholders in celebrating this measure, which will enable increased benefits and additional support for solo parents.

Considering the current escalating cost of goods and services, solo parents face compounding challenges in supporting and providing for their children. RA 11861 is a timely response to the unique needs and issues that beset the vulnerable solo parents, which will also help ensure the well-being and development of their child or children.

It is notable that the law gives primary consideration to low income solo parents by providing a PhP1,000 monthly cash subsidy for minimum wage earners and below. Those earning below PhP250,000 a year are also entitled to a 10-percent discount and exemption from the value-added tax of food and milk products and nutritional supplements for their child until six years of age.

RA 11861 also tasked the Department of Social Welfare and Development to develop a comprehensive package of social protection services for solo parents and their families. This holistic package shall include livelihood program, legal services, counseling, parental training, and stress debriefing among others. We are hopeful that this will help in the overall welfare of solo parents who usually go through mental health struggles and financial woes as they solely bear the duties and challenges of parenting.

Another key amendment in the law is the expanded definition of solo parents, which now includes spouses or any family member of migrant workers under the low or semi-skilled category and are abroad for 12 months straight. Grandparents, family members, or qualified guardians who bear sole responsibility over the child is also included in the amendment. Expanding the definition is important to equally recognize the rights and needs of those who took on the role of a solo parent to a child who may not be biologically theirs.

RA 11861 also contemplated the plight of working solo parents to enable them to juggle the demands of their career and parental duties. Solo parents shall be entitled to a seven-day parental leave on top of existing leave privileges. Other key features of the law include scholarship provision for the solo parent and one full scholarship for the child, as well as automatic health insurance coverage.

CHR commends those who worked hard for this law that provides concrete ways to improve the plight of solo parents and will help ensure equal opportunities for their families and children. Their disadvantageous situation merit the benefits and support provided by the law so they have an equal fighting chance in life. We look forward to the law’s implementing rules and guidelines for all solo parents and their families to immediately enjoy its benefits. ###