Expanded Solo Parent Bill Law

  

The key amendment introduced by R.A. 11861 is the expanded definition of a solo parent, now also including spouses or family members of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and pregnant woman insofar as the unborn child is concerned (Sec. 4). Another significant amendment is the term “child or dependent” being redefined as “those living with and dependent upon the solo parent for support who are unmarried, unemployed and not more than twenty-two (22) years of age or below, or those over twenty-two (22) years but who are unable to fully take care or protect themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, or discrimination because of a physical or mental disability or condition” (Sec. 3[a]).

  

Another amendment that was introduced considers solo parent employees who may now enter into an agreement with their employers for a telecommuting program under the Telecommuting Act (R.A. No. 11165), where the solo parent employees are to be given priority (Sec 7).

  

Another amendment likewise introduced is that the solo parent employees may now avail the seven (7) working day parental leave benefits under R.A. 11861 upon rendering six (6) months of service. This amendment is a departure from the old rule on one (1) year service requirement. The said leaves were made forfeitable and non-cumulative. The old provision was silent on this matter. The amendment likewise should not be construed to withdraw previous employment policies providing for greater benefits on the subject matter.

   

The rest of the amendments made by R.A 11861 inserted entirely new provisions into R.A. 8972. These provisions include the entitlement to Social Safety Assistance (Sec. 14) and Additional Benefits (Sec. 15), Limitation and termination of the solo parent benefits (Sec. 15), creation of appropriate Solo Parents Offices and Divisions in municipalities (Sec. 17), documentary requirements and process for the issuance of Solo Parent ID card and booklet (Sec. 19-20), and enu-merated the prohibited acts and penalties (Sec. 26).