SINGLE PARENT BENEFITS according to the Philippine Law

No one says that single parenthood is a bed of roses but it's somewhat consoling to know that the Philippine law specifically has something in it to ease out this daunting task.

The Solo Parents' Welfare Act of 2000(Republic Act No. 8972) offers the following 'bail-out':

Parental Leave. Leave benefits granted to a solo parent to enable him or her to perform parental duties and responsibilities where physical presence is required.

Flexible Work Schedule. The right granted to a solo parent employee to vary his or her arrival and departure time without affecting the core work hours as defined by the employer.

Educational Benefits. The Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA ) offer academic privileges.

Protection from Discrimination. Under this act, no employer shall discriminate against any solo parent employee with respect to terms and conditions o employment on account of his or her status.

Housing Benefits. Solo parents shall be given allocation in housing projects with liberal terms of payments on said government low-cost housing projects in accordance with housing law provisions prioritizing applicants below the poverty line as declared by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

Medical Assistance. The Department of Health shall develop a comprehensive health care program for solo parents and their children. The program shall be implemented by the DOH through their retained hospitals and medical centers and the local government units (LGUs) through their provincial/district/city/municipal hospitals and rural health units.

SOURCE: Atty. Alexander Dy of Villanueva, Gabionza, and De Santos Law Office.