Revilla bill seeks to provide additional benefits, privileges for solo parents

Sen. Bong Revilla has filed a new bill seeking to provide additional benefits and privileges to solo parents in the country, particularly to provide discounts from milk formula, supplements, diapers, medicines, vaccines, clothing, school supplies, and other necessities.

Senate Bill No. 951, "An Act Amending Republic Act. No. 8972, otherwise known as the Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000," will help more than 15 million solo parents, 95 percent of which are women, lighten their load of raising children especially infants.

According to the bill, solo parents can avail of a 20 percent discount from all purchases of baby's milk, food, food supplements, vitamins and sanitary diapers, clothing materials, basic necessities and school supplies.

Solo parents may likewise get 20 % discounts on all purchases of medicines and other medical supplements, supplies, accessories and equipment, vaccines, consultation and laboratory diagnostic fees.

They are also entitled to a 20 % discount on tuition fees per child from kindergarten to college level in both private and public colleges and universities and schools, on top of any scholarship grants, if any; and all private and public recreational facilities.

In addition to leave privileges, under existing law, Bong Revilla is also pushing for a new, non-cumulative "parental leave" of not more than seven (7) working days with pay every year to any solo parent employee who has rendered service of at least one 1 year and six months.

Revilla's bill supports the long-standing advocacy of the Department of Social Welfare and Development to amend the existing law supporting solo parenthood.