Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No._8267

Introduced by Representative MICAELA S. VIOLAGO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Constitution provides that, “The State recognizes the Filipino family
as the foundation of the nation. Accordingly, it shall strengthen its solidarity and
actively promote its total development.” The family indeed plays a critical role in
Philippine society as itis the primary unit which provides for the physical and emotional
needs of its members, and it is also where values and beliefs are first transmitted and
formed.

The typical Filipino family is, by its nature, extended and closely-knit. It is not
unusual in a number of Filipino families that the children who have already graduated
from college and have begun working, or even those who stopped attending school to
find work due to poverty, would eventually become the breadwinners of their families.

In almost all cases nationwide, many of such single individuals function like a
solo parent and bears the most burden in the family. The older children usually support
the schooling of their younger siblings. The unmarried or single children, on the other
hand, more often than not, support their parents especially when the latter are
advancing in cage or are in custody of relatives who have been limited by disabilities.
Moreover, some single or unmarried individuals likewise provide financial support to
the children of their siblings, or serve as guardians in cases where their siblings are
abroad or are financially incapable of supporting their own children.

This stark reality behooves us to provide additional benefits and privileges to
single or unmarried individuals with dependents through giving them leave privileges
and a flexible working schedule, both of which will enable them to have more time to
attend to various family matters. This is to recognize their sacrifice and their financial
and moral contribution for the strengthening of the Filipino family.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
This bill has been filed in the 17" Congress by Rep. Cesar V. Sarmiento and is

being refiled by this representative with the earnest hope that approval of the same be
given the highest priority it deserves.

ICAELA S. Vi ‘GO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No.__ 8267

Introduced by Representative MICAELA S. VIOLAGO

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES TO SINGLE PERSONS AND
THEIR DEPENDENTS APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled.

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Single Persons’ Welfare Act.”

SEC. 2. - Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to promote the family as
the foundation of the nation, to strengthen its solidarity, and to ensure its total
development. Towards this end, the State shall develop a comprehensive program of
services for single persons and their dependents to be carried out by pertinent
government and non-government agencies.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — Whenever used in this Act, the following terms shall
mean as follows:

(a) “Single Person” ~ refers to any individual who is not legally married, or to
anyone who was previously married but whose marriage was subsequently annulled
or declared void ab initio, and who exercises custody on or financially supports or aids
someone not his or her child.

‘Any change in the status or circumstance of the single person claiming the benefits
and privileges under this Act, such that he or she has contracted a valid marriage,
shall terminate his or her eligibility for the said benefits and privileges.

(b) “Dependent” - refers to any person whose support and maintenance is
contingent upon the aid of the single person such as the latter's minor siblings, minor
nephews or nieces, unemployed parents and ascendants and relatives up to the 4%
degree of consanguinity who have disabilities.

SEC. 4. Scope. - This Act shall be applicable to all single person who has a dependent
as defined herein, except to those single persons who fall under the coverage of
Republic Act No. 8972 or the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000.


SEC. 5. Leave. ~ in addition to the leave privileges under existing laws, the leave of
not more than three (3) days every year shall be granted to any single person
employee who has a dependent and who has rendered service of at least one (1) year.

SEC. 6. Flexible Work Schedule. — The employer shall endeavor to provide a flexible
working schedule and other considerations for single employees upon determination
that such single persons have dependents or function as the provider or head of the
family: Provided, That the same shall not affect individual and company productivity:
Provided, further, That any employer may request an exemption from the above
requirements from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on certain
meritorious grounds.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOLE, in coordination with
concerned agencies and stakeholders, shall promulgate the implementing rules and
regulations within sixty days (60) from the effectivity of this Act. The said IRR shall
include the procedures to determine the qualifications of persons covered by this Act

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, administrative orders
or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed,
amended or modified accordingly

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. — |f any provision of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force
and effect.

SEC. 10. Effectivity Clause. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its

complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,