Senator Christopher “Bong” Go filed on August 8, Tuesday, Senate Resolution No. 730 seeking an inquiry into the implementation of Republic Act No. 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act amid reports that numerous solo parents are not receiving the benefits mandated by law after its enactment more than a year ago.
The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act was signed into law on June 4, 2022, with the aim of supporting Filipino single parents. The law provides various social services and welfare benefits, including a monthly cash subsidy of P1,000 for those earning a minimum wage or below and a 10 percent discount along with VAT exemption on essential childcare products for those earning less than P250,000.
“More than a year since the enactment of the law, there are reports that several solo parents, who should be recipients of the provisions under the law, are not receiving the expected benefits,” said Go, author and co-sponsor of RA 11861.
It was found out that several local government units found it difficult to secure sufficient budget to implement the provisions of the law. Even much-larger cities do not have the resources to consistently distribute the P1,000 monthly allowance.
“This raises serious concerns and necessitates an immediate review to ensure that the support and assistance mandated by the law are being provided,” he added.
The resolution has directed the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry to examine the gaps in the provision of benefits under RA 11861.
Go also proposed to convene the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Solo Parents, a body created under the law to monitor its execution, to pinpoint potential weaknesses in the law.
On the same subject matter, the House of Representatives has also introduced House Resolution No. 1176, directing various committees to urgently investigate the implementation of RA 11861. The resolution also calls attention to reports that solo parents are not receiving benefits like the P1,000 monthly allowance, VAT exemption, and a 10 percent discount on essential supplies, as provided by the law.