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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES vate, SEP 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. pee

Introduced by Pangasinan Fifth District Representative
HON. RAMON V. GUICO It

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In a data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in 2015, there are 221,813 Filipinos
who are solo parents. These people are tasked to carry the burden of parental responsibility without the
support of a spouse or partner.

The growth and development of a child is anchored on the love and affection of the family. It is
carried by the child as they grow older and in turn shapes them to become a better person. Thus, a solo
parent bravely embraces the responsibility of being a father and a mother at the same time. The parent
singly finds ways to ensure that the psychological and emotional state of the child is unabridged. They
are heroes in the eyes of our countrymen since they develop the emotional and mental state of their
children on their own.

‘As enshrined in the 1987 Constitution, particularly in Section 5, Article Il, it is provided therein
that the State shall promote the general welfare for the enjoyment of the people of the blessings of
democracy. There is no denying that solo parents are one of the most vulnerable sectors of society that
needs protection and assistance from the State. As such, Republic Act No. 8972, otherwise known as the
Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000 was enacted to provide benefits for solo parents and their children as
well as to safeguard their rights against abuses. Currently, the act provides social development and
welfare services, educational, housing, and medical benefits.

Under this proposed measure, R.A. 8972 shall be amended to such effect that additional benefit
shall be extended to solo parents. The amendment is made to adapt to the changing needs of the solo
parents and their children and to constantly improve their way of life.

Those who have less in life should have more in law and that is why, approval of this bill is
earnestly sought.

Rep. Ramon Y. Guied IIT


REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4782

Introduced by Pangasinan Fifth District Representative
HON. RAMON V. GUICO Ii

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL BENEFITS, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8972 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “SOLO PARENTS’ WELFARE
ACT OF 2000”

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

1 SECTION 1. Section 9 of Republic Act No. 8972 is hereby amended to read as follows:

2 Section 9. Educational Benefits. - The DECS, CHED and TESDA shall provide the
3 following benefits and privileges:
4 1. Scholarship programs for qualified solo parents and their children in institutions of
5 basic, tertiary and technical/skills education;
6 2. Non-formal education programs appropriate for solo parents and their children; and
7 3. Thirty percent (30%) discount from tuition fees for every child enrolled in both
8 public and private colleges and universities and private high school.
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10 SEC. 2. Section 11 of the Act is likewise amended to read as follows:

ul Section 11. Medical Assistance. - The DOH shall develop a comprehensive health care
12 program for solo parents and their children. The program shall be implemented by the DOH

13 through their retained hospitals and medical centers and the local government units (LGUs)


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through their provincial/districUcity/municipal hospitals and rural health units (RHUs). Jn
addition, the DOH shall provide the following discounts:

1. Thirty percent (30%) discount from alll purchases of medicines, vaccines, and other
‘medical supplements or supplies, for the child made within a period of eighteen (18)
years from the child’s birth;

2. Thirty percent (30%) discount from hospital bills of both public and private hospital
for solo parent or his/her child if admitted for medical care;

3. Twenty percent (20%) discount in consultation laboratory diagnostic fees to solo
parent and their dependents; and

4. Twenty Five percent (25%) discount from all purchases of baby’s milk, food and food
supplements for purchases made within a period of three (3) years from the child’s
birth.

SEC. 3. Additional sections are hereby created and inserted after Section 11 of RA 8972 to be
read as follows:

Section 12. Tax Exemption. Solo parents shall have basic personal exemption from

individual income tax in the amount of fifty thousand pesos (Php 50,000) in addition to the

existing exemption that the solo parent may claim for their dependent child or children.

SEC. 4. Separability Clause. — Any provision of this Act declared as unconstitutional or invalid,

the other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or portions thereof,

inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect immediately upon its approval.

Approved,