EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. B. No.
(_{[ijc 
,lf fflrp
'19 JUL -2 P3 ;27
RtCLiv . L
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG"T. GO
AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT 8972 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE SOLO 
PARENTS WELFARE ACT OF 2000, PROVIDING ADDITIONAL BENEFITS,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act No. 8972, also known as the Solo Parent's Welfare Act, provides 
for the benefits and privileges to solo parents and their children. The law aims to 
develop a comprehensive package of social development and welfare services for 
solo parents and their children which will be carried out by the Department of Social 
Welfare and Development, as the lead agency, together with other government 
departments and other related non-government organizations. However, the 
benefits and privileges are not sufficient to provide for the needs of the single 
parents who are both the breadwinner and the caregiver of the family.
It is the policy of our State to further the welfare of the parents and their 
children as declared in Article II Section 12 of the 1987 Constitution that:
"The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and 
strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally 
protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn child from conception. 
The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth 
for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the 
support of the Government."


Thus, in order to provide redress for some fourteen (14) million solo parents 
who are saddled by the double hardship of raising their children, it is high time to 
amend the current Solo Parent Act of 2000. The amendment will infuse more 
benefits and privileges to the solo parent which will ease the burden of single- 
handedly raising his or her children.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
SENATOR CHRISTOP
LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
^eviatr-
S ^ ^ v^ ff.c r c f.,,£ >. urtar|)
SENATE
S. B. No. 2Q6
JUL -2 P3 :27
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO
AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT 8972 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE SOLO 
PARENTS WELFARE ACT OF 2000, PROVIDING ADDITIONAL BENEFITS,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House o f Representatives o f the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. Section 3 of the Act is hereby amended to read as follows:
2 
"Section 3. Definition o f Terms. - Whenever used in this Act, the following terms
3 
shall mean as follows:
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(a) "Solo parent" - any individual who falls under any of the following categories;
A woman who gives birth as a result of rape and other crimes against 
chastity, even without a final conviction of the offender; Provided, that the 
mother keeps and raises the child;
Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due death o f 
spouse;
Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood while spouse 
is detained or is serving sentence for a criminal conviction for at least one 
(1) year;
Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to 
physical and/or mental incapacity of spouse as certified by a public medical 
practitioner;
Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to legal 
separation or de facto separation from spouse for at least [one (1) year] 
SIX (6) MONTHS, provided he/she is entrusted with the custody of the 
children;
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(1)
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(2)
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(3)
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(4)
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(5)
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(6) 
Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to
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declaration of nullity or annulment of marriage as decreed by a court or by
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a church, provided he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children;
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(7) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to
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abandonment of spouse for at least [one (1) year] SIX (6) MONTHS;
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(8) Unmarried mother/father who has preferred to keep and rear his/her
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child/children; who has actual custody of the said child/children, instead of
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having others care for them or giving them up to a welfare institution;
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(9) Any other person who [solely provides-parental care and support to a child
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or children] BEARS SOLE PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY A CHILD OR
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CHILDREN, 
INCLUDING A FOSTER PARENT DULY-RECOGNIZED
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BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT, A
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LEGAL GUARDIAN APPOINTED BY THE COURT OR A LEGAL SINGLE
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ADOPTIVE PARENT; and
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(10)Any family member who assumes the responsibility as the head of the
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family resulting from the death, abandonment, disappearance or prolonged
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absence of the parents or solo parent
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A change in the status or circumstance of the parent claiming benefits under this
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Act, such that he/she is no longer left alone with the sole responsibility of
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parenthood, shall terminate his/her eligibility for these benefits.
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(b) "Children" - refer to those living with and dependent upon the solo parent for
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support who are unmarried, unemployed and not more than eighteen (18) years
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of age, or even over eighteen (18) years but are incapable of self-support
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because of mental and/or physical defect/disability.
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(c) "Parental responsibility" - with respect 
to their minor children shall refer to the
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rights and duties of the parents as defined in Article 220 of Executive Order No.
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209, as amended, otherwise known as the "Family Code of the Philippines."
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(d) "Parental leave" - shall mean leave benefits granted to a solo parent to enable
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him/her to perform parental duties and responsibilities where physical presence
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is required.
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(e) "Flexible work schedule" - is the right granted to a solo parent employee to vary
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his/her arrival and departure time without affecting the core work hours as
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defined by the employer.
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SECTION 2. There shall also be created and inserted Section 4-A to read as
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follows:
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"SECTION 4-A. SOLO PARENTIDENTIFICATIO N CARD (SPIC). — THE LOCAL
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SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE (LSWDO) SHALL ISSUE THE
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SOLO PARENT IDENTIFICATION CARD UPON THE PRESENTATION OF THE
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APPLICANT OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:


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(b) BARANGAY CERTIFICATION CERTIFYING THAT THE SOLO PARENT IS
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A RESIDENT OF THE BARANGAY FOR 
THE LAST SIX (6) MONTHS
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PRECEDING THE APPLICATION;
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(c) BARANGAY CERTIFICATION OF CIRCUMSTANCES THAT QUALIFIES
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THE APPLICANT AS A SOLO PARENT AS REQIRED BY THIS ACT
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(d) CERTIFICATION FROM THE PROPER GOVERNMENT AGENCY AS PROOF
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OF BIRTH OF CHILD/CHILDREN, DEATH OF PARENTS OR SPOUSE AND
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OTHER DOCUMENTARY SUPPORT TO ATTEST THE 
CIRCUMSTANCES
9 
THAT QUALIFIES THE APPLICANT AS A SOLO PARENT;
10 
(e) INCOME TAX RETURN OR ANY EQUIVALENT DOCUMENT THAT
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ESTABLISHES THE INCOME OR FINANCIAL STATUS OF THE SOLO
12 
PARENT APPLICANT
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THE SPIC SHALL 
BE 
ISSUED WITHIN 
THIRTY (30) 
DAYS 
FROM
14 
APPLICATION THEREOF AND SHALL BE VALID FOR ONE (1) YEAR UPON
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ISSUANCE SUBJECT TO RENEWAL."
16 
SECTION 3. Section 8 of the Act is likewise amended to read as follows:
17 
"Section 8. Parental Leave -  In addition to leave privileges under existing laws,
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parental leave of not more than seven (7) working days WITH PAY every year shall
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be granted to any solo parent employee regardless of employment status who has
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rendered service of at least [one (1) year] SIX (6) MONTHS."
21 
SECTION 4. There shall be created and inserted Section 12-A of the Act to read as
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follows:
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"SECTION 
12-1. ADDITIONAL BENEFITS. -  IN ADDITION TO THE
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FOREGOING BENEFITS, SOLO PARENTS WHO HAVE BEEN QUALIFIED AS
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SUCH BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
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(DSWD) SHALL LIKEWISE BE ENTITLED TO THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL
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BENEFITS:
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(1) TEN PERCENT (20% ) DISCOUNT FROM ALL PURCHASES OF
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CLOTHING AND CLOTHING MATERIALS FOR THE CHILD
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MADE WITHIN A PERIOD OF UP TO TWO (2) YEARS FROM
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THE CHILD'S BIRTH;
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(2) FIFTEEN PERCENT (20% ) DISCOUNT FROM ALL PURCHASES
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OF BABY'S MILK, FOOF AND FOOD SUPPLEMENTS MADE
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WITHIN A PERIOD OF TWO (2) YEARS FROM THE 
CHILD'S
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BIRTH;
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(3) FIFTEEN PERCENT (20% ) DISCOUNT FROM ALL PURCHASES
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OF 
MEDICINES 
AND 
OTHER 
MEDICAL
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SUPPLEMENTS/SUPPLIES FOR THE CHILD MADE WITHIN A
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PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEARS FROM THE CHILD'S BIRTH;
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(4) TWENTY PERCENT (20% ) DISCOUNT FROM ALL PURCHASES
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OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR THE CHILD, 
FOR PURCHASES


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MADE FROM THE CHILD S BIRTH UNTIL TWENTY-ONE (21) 
YEARS OF AGE;
(5) TAX AMNESTY AND/ OR REDUCTION OF REAL ESTATE OR 
INHERITANCE TAXES OF SOLO PARENTS;
(6) BASIC PERSONAL EXEMPTION FROM INDIVIDUAL INCOME 
TAX 
IN 
THE 
AMOUNT 
OF 
FIFTY 
THOUSAND 
PESOS 
(P50/000.00) IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING EXEMPTION 
THAT THE SINGLE PARENT MAY CLAIM FOR HIS/HER 
DEPENDENT CHILD OR CHILDREN; AND
(7) TEN 
PERCENT (10% ) TUITION 
FEE DISCOUNT FROM 
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS FOR THE CHILD OR 
CHILDREN FROM GRADE SCHOOL TO COLLEGE.
COMPANIES OR BUSINESSES FROM WHOM DISCOUNTED PURCHASES ARE 
MADE AS PER THE IMMEDIATELY FOREGOING SECTION SHALL BE 
ENTITLED TO CLAIM THE SAID DISCOUNTS AS PART OF THEIR BUSINESS 
EXPENSE, PROVIDED THAT, THEY MAINTAIN DETAILED AND SEPARATE 
RECORDS OF SAID PURCHASES.
SECTION
follows:
5. There shall also be created and inserted Section 13-A to read as
"SECTION 13-A. PENALTIES -  ANY PERSON, CORPORATION, ENTITY OR 
AGENCY WHICH REFUSES OR FAILS TO PROVIDE THE BENEFITS GRANTED 
TO SOLO PARENTS IN VIOLATION OF THIS ACT SHALL SUFFER THE 
FOLLOWING PENALTIES:
(1) FOR THE FIRST VIOLATION - A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN TEN 
THOUSAND PESOS (P10,000.00) BUT NOT MORE THAN FIFTY 
THOUSAND PESOS (P50,000.00) OR IMPRISONMENT OF NOT LESS 
THAN SIX (6) MONTHS BUT NOT MORE THAN ONE (1) YEAR, OR 
BOTH, AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COURT.
(2) FOR ANY SUBSEQUENT VIOLATION - A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN 
ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P100,000.00) BUT NOT MORE 
THAN TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P200,000.00) OR 
IMPRISONMENT OF NOT LESS THAN ONE (1) YEAR BUT NOT 
MORE THAN TWO (2) YEARS, OR BOTH, AT THE DISCRETION OF 
THE COURT.
ANY PERSON WHO MISINTERPRETS THE STATUS OR FALSIFIES ANY 
DOCUMENT TO AVAIL OF THE BENEFITS PROVIDED UNDER THIS ACT OR 
ANY PERSON WHO ABUSES THE PRIVILEGES GRANTED HEREIN SHALL BE 
PUNISHED WITH A FINE NOT LESS THAN TEN THOUSAND PESOS 
(P10,000.00) 
BUT 
NOT 
MORE 
THAN 
FIFTY 
THOUSAND 
PESOS 
(P50,000.00) AND IMPRISONMENT OF NOT LESS THAN SIX (6) MONTHS.


1 
IF THE OFFENDER IS A CORPORATION, PARTNERSHIP OR ORGANIZATION
2 
OR ANY SIMILAR ENTITY, EMPLOYEES AND OFFICIALS THEREFORE
3 
DIRECTLY INVOLVED SHALL INDIVIDUALLY BE HELD LIABLE THEREFORE.
4 
IF THE VIOLATOR IS AN ALIEN OR A FOREIGNER, HE SHALL BE DEPORTED
5 
IMMEDIATELY 
AFTER 
SERVICE 
OF 
SENTENCE 
WITHOUT 
FURTHER
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DEPORTATION PROCEEDINGS.
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UPON FILING OF AN APPROPRIATE COMPLAINT AND AFTER DUE NOTICE
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AND HEARING, THE PROPER AUTHORITIES MAY ALSO CAUSE THE
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CANCELLATION OR REVOCATION OF THE BUSINESS PERMIT, PERMIT TO
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OPERATE, FRANCHISE AND OTHER SIMILAR PRIVILEGES GRANTED TO
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ANY BUSINESS THAT FAILS TO ABIDE BY THE PROVISION OF THIS ACT.
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UPON FINDING OF THE INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE THAT A DEPARTMENT,
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AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY OF THE GOVERNMENT, A GOVERNMENT-
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OWNED 
OR 
CONTROLLED 
CORPORATION 
(GOCC) 
OR 
A 
LOCAL
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GOVERNMENT UNIT HAD VIOLATED ANY PROVISION OF THIS ACT,
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SANCTIONS UNDER THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW, CIVIL SERVICE OR
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OTHER LAWS MAY BE RECOMMENDED TO THE CSC OR THE DILG AGAINST
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THE HEAD OF THE AGENCY OR THE LOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND THE
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PERSON DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VIOLATION."
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SECTION 6. Rules and Regulations of the Interagency Committee. Within a
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period of not more than sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the
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Interagency Committee created by the Act shall come up with the rules and
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regulations necessary for the proper implementation of the amendments to the
24 
same.
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SECTION 7. Repealing Clause - all laws, decrees, executive orders,
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administrative orders or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
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hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
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SECTION 8. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
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unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full
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force and effect.
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SECTION 9. Effectivity Clause. — This act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
32 
following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2)
33 
newspaper of general circulation.
34 
Approved,