Deputy Speaker and Rep. Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte Jr. of the 2nd district of Camarines Sur has urged his colleagues to take a second look at the 20-year old Solo Parents’ Welfare Law to further help solo parents cope with the challenges of raising their children on their own.He said it is about time for Congress to update the provisions of Republic Act No. 8972 or the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000 to make it attuned to the current needs and challenges being faced by solo parents.
“In light of these, the amendment of R.A. No. 8972 is necessary in order to update the law’s provisions, make it more inclusive, and infuse new or expand existing benefits that reflect the changing times and challenges faced by the Filipino family, ” Villafuerte said in his bill’s explanatory note. Villafuerte noted House Bill No. 6051 is a counterpart measure of Senate Bill No. 206 filed by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go.
The bill provides that solo parents are entitled to seven-day parental leave with pay every year regardless of their employment status. They should have rendered service of at least six months, instead of one year as provided under the current law.