Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No._5708

Introduced by OFW FAMILY PARTY LIST Representative Alberto D. Pacquiao

EXPLANATORY NOTE

On November 7, 2000, Republic Act No. 8972, otherwise known as the Solo Parents Welfare Act
of 2000, was signed into law by then President Joseph E. Estrada. The law formally recognized the solo
parent family as an integral part of Philippine society and outlines the rights and privileges accorded for
them.

This bill takes a closer scrutiny of the law and attempts to initiate meaningful amendments more
than 18 years after the initial passage. By taking into account the current condition of solo parent families
as well as the face-to-face experiences of our solo parent partner organization — the National Council for
Solo Parents Inc., provisions for inclusion of OF Ws in the classification, additional benefits, shortening of
waiting period for availing benefits, raising the age of dependents, and discounts have been incorporated.
Moreover, this bill provides for penalties against those that fail to enforce the provisions of this Act to
ensure its effective implementation.

The likes of solo parents in the mold of Mary Jane Veloso who opted to go abroad to seek
employment is a mirror of the plight of millions of solo parents and one of the more compelling reasons
for the inclusion of OFWs in the classification. More specifically from the perspective of the effect of
absentee parents on the Filipino family today, it is high time that the classifications of solo parents are
hereby amended in this Act.

In a 2015 report of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), approximately three (3)
million children are in solo parent homes in the Philippines. These are children of solo parents and migrants
or overseas workers. In 2017 alone, 53.3% or 907,061 of the live births were to unwed mothers, which is
but one of the many solo parent categories.

In a progressive and responsive legislation, these evolving dynamics of the family must be
addressed as part of responsible relationships with the protection of children in mind. As lawmakers, we
must aim to address the complexities and growing needs of the Filipino family, which remains the basic
unit of our society.

In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

. PACQUIAO
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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

5708

House Bill No.

Introduced by OFW FAMILY PARTY LIST Representative Alberto D. Pacquiao

AN ACT

AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8972, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE SOLO PARENTS
WELFARE ACT OF 2000, EXPANDING ITS COVERAGE, INCREASING THE BENEFITS OF
SOLO PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN, REDEFINING SOLO PARENTS, PROVIDING

PENAL PROVISIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Sections 1, 2, and 3 of Republic Act No. 8972 are hereby amended as follows:

SECTION |. Title.—This Act shall be known as the "National Coverage for the Solo Parent Family
Act of 2019, otherwise known as the NCSP Family Act of 2019 [Solo Parents Welfare Act of
2000]."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — This Section is hereby amended as follows:

It is the policy of the State to promote the family as the foundation of the nation, strengthen its
solidarity and ensure its total development.

‘The home serves as the starting point in molding the character of one of the most important assets
of the country — the child. In this aspect, each member of the family must consciously strive to
ensure that the home is a place for harmonious and wholesome relationships that will positively
influence the development of the child,

It is up to the government to uphold, aid, and support the natural rights and duties of parents in
insuring that children are raised with civic efficiency and as positive contributors of Philippine
society. The solo parent household should be no exception.

Furthermore, the 1987 constitution provides the right of children to assistance, including proper
care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation and
other conditions prejudicial to their development; with families or family associations being
te in the planning and implementation of policies and programs that

‘Towards this end, the following Departments are tasked to develop a comprehensive program of
services for solo parents and their children; the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department
of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the
Department Of Trade And Industry (DT!), the Department Of Human Settlement And Urban
Development (DHSUD), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Public Attorney's
Office (PAO), including their respective attached agencies, and other related government and
nongovernment agencies, to be implemented by all provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangay
units in the Philippines under the administrative supervision of the National Commission for Solo
Parent Affairs. Failure to do so shall be penalized based on Section 14 of this Act. [Towards this
nd, it shall develop a comprehensive program of services for solo parents and their children to
be carried out by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department
of Health (DOH), the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), the Department of the



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Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Technical
Education and skills Development Authority (TESDA), the National Housing Authority (NHA), the
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and other related government and nongovernment.
agencies.)

Section 3. Definition of Terms. — This Section is hereby amended as follows:

(a) "Solo parent" ~ any individual who falls under any of the following categories, regardless of
age:

(1) A woman who gives birth as a result of rape and/or [and] crimes against chastity even
without a final conviction of the offender: Provided, that the mother keeps and raises
the child;

XXX

(5) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to legal separation or
de facto separation from spouse for at least six (6) months [one (1) year], as long as he/she
is entrusted with the custody of the children;

OXGX.

(7) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to abandonment of
spouse for at least six (6) months [one (1) year];

XXX

(8) Unmarried mother/father who has preferred to keep and rear his/her child/children
instead of having others care for them or give them up to a welfare institution. Provided
that the spouses have been separated at least six (6) months from the date of birth of the
child of the applicant; [Unmarried mother/father who has preferred to keep and rear
her/his child/children instead of having others care for them or give them up to a welfare
institution]

2.8.9.8

(9) Any other person who solely provides parental care and support to a child or children
provided he/she is duly licensed as a foster parent by the DSWD or duly appointed legal
guardian by the court, regardless whether said person is a solo parent or not; [Any other
person who solely provides parental care and support to a child or children]

XXX

(10) Any family member, up to the 4" level of consanguinity or affinity, who assumes the
responsibility of head of family as a result of the death, abandonment, disappearance or
prolonged absence of the parents or solo parent, regardless whether said family member is
solo parent or not. Provided, that such abandonment, disappearance, or absence lasts for at
least six (6) months; [Any family member who assumes the responsibilty of head of family
as a result of the death, abandonment, disappearance or prolonged absence of the
parents or solo parent]

The following shall be added under this Section:

(11) Any spouse or child of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who assumes parental
responsibility as head of family provided that said OFW has a valid contract and is
deployed through legal channels. In the absence of a spouse or child of majority age, the
OFW shall be declared as a solo parent with his child/children receiving full benefits based
on the provisions of this act.

In cases of separation, only one (1) of the spouses can claim solo parenthood regardless if custody
of the children are divided among them. The responsibility of identifying solo parenthood shall fall

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56

under the purview of the social worker tasked to handle solo parent affairs in the city/municipality
of jurisdiction.

‘A change in the status or circumstance of the person claiming benefits under this Act, such that
he/she is no longer left alone with the responsibility of parenthood, shall terminate his/her eligibility
for these benefits.

(b) "Minor children" [Children] — as defined in this Act shall refer to those dependent upon the
solo parent for support who are unmarried, and not more than twenty one (21) years of age, or even
over twenty one (21) years but are incapable of self-support.

(©) "Parental responsibility” — with respect to their minor children shall refer to the rights and duties.
of the parents as defined in Article 220 of Executive Order No. 209, as amended, otherwise known
as the "Family Code of the Philippines", without regard to the financial capability of the person
claiming solo parenthood or whether the former spouse is giving financial support as provided for
by law. [with respect to their minor children shall refer to the rights and duties of the parents as,
defined in Article 220 of Executive Order No. 209, as amended, otherwise known as the "Family
Code of the Philippines}

(d) "Parental leave" — shall mean leave benefits granted to a solo parent to enable him/her to perform
parental duties and responsibilities where physical presence is required. This shall cover any and
all activities of the child where the presence of the solo parent is a necessity. [shall mean leave
benefits granted to a solo parent to enable him/her to perform parental duties and
responsibilities where physical presence is required]

(©) "Flexible work schedule" — is the right granted to a solo parent employee to vary his/her arrival
and departure time without affecting the core work hours and duties of the solo parent as defined
by the employment contract or agreement with the employer. [is the right granted to a solo parent
‘employee to vary his/her arrival and departure time without affecting the core work hours as
defined by the employer]

‘The following shall be added under this Section:
(£) “Overseas Filipino Worker (OF W)” — as defined in RA 8042 and amended by RA 10022.

(g) “Change in status or circumstance” — refers to the act of, but not limited to, remarrying,
cohabitation with another person regardless of gender, having sexual or romantic relations. It is not
a requirement for the new partner to adopt, recognize, or exercise parental control and responsibility
over the child or children of the solo parent. Furthermore, the existing relationship as mentioned in
this Act does not refer to a solo parent who is in a relationship but not cohabiting in a common
abode, he/she should be considered as solo parent;

(h) “Place of domicile” — refers to the locality where the solo parent has established legal residency
for at least six (6) months prior to application of a Solo Parent ID. As used in this Act, it references
the locality where the personal rights, duties, and obligations of the applicant are exercised.

(i) “Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) of regional and/or national scope” ~ refers to solo
parent organizations duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with
updated incorporation papers and has membership in at least a third of the regions as evidenced by
the organizations’ presentation of its roster of members with corresponding organization
identification cards.

G) “Administrative supervision” — as referred to in this Act shall be defined in accordance with
Chapter 7, Section 38 of Administrative Relationships under Executive Order number 292.

SECTION 2. Sections 4 and 5 of the same Act are hereby amended as follows:

Section 4. Criteria for Support. — This Section shall be amended as follows:

‘Any solo parent defined in this Act shall enjoy the benefits and privileges defined herein provided
that a proper assessment, with due diligence, has been carried out by the city/municipal social

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SESLRALERESSESHFGRESSSSSLSRLSSKSSRVSREGSERSSEGRREDGRES woordHaune

welfare department personnel assigned for solo parent affairs. [Any solo parent whose income in
the place of domicile falls below the poverty threshold as set by the National Economic and
Development Authority (NEDA) and subject to the assessment of the DSWD worker in the area
shall be eligible for assistance]

The following shall be added under this Section:
The following documentary proof shall be presented upon application of a Solo Parent ID:

(1) Barangay Certification for Solo Parents duly signed by the Barangay Captain or
authorized representative from the place of domicile of the applicant;

(2) Birth Certificate of all minor children;

(3) Proof of Solo Parenthood like death certificate of spouse, annulment paper, court order,
valid OFW contract duly authenticated by the proper government agency, and other
similar documentations. In the absence of government issued documentation like in the
case of abandoned or de facto separated solo parents for example, a notarized affidavit
stating the circumstances leading to solo parenthood should suffice;

(4) Proof of voter registration in the place of domicile; and
(5) Picture of the solo parent applicant taken within the past three (3) months.

‘The solo parent ID shall be valid for a period of one (1) year from the date of issuance and must be
renewed annually. OFW solo parents shall be allowed to renew their IDs at the nearest Philippine
embassy.

The solo parent ID shall be recognized, and benefits defined in this Act, must be available
nationwide regardless of the issuing LGU. However, as to specific LGU-based benefits, existing
local ordinances prioritizing solo parents and their children in their jurisdiction or expressing
exclusivity thereof shall be upheld.

Section 5. Comprehensive Package of Social Development and Welfare Services. — This Section
shall be amended as follows:

‘A comprehensive package of social development and welfare services for solo parents and their
families will be developed by the National Commission on Solo Parent Affairs (NCSPA) through
its board of commissioners. A valid solo parent ID must be presented to avail any and all benefits
defined in this Act. [A comprehensive package of social development and welfare services for solo
parents and their families will be developed by the DSWD, DOH, DECS, CHED, TESDA, DOLE, NHA
and DILG, in coordination with local government units and a nongovernmental organization with
proven track record in providing services for solo parents.}

‘The package will initially include, but not limited to:

(b) Regular free counseling for solo parents and their children from the local government unit they
reside in, the DSWD, the school, or any other place where professional service is available.
[Counseling services which include individual, peer group or family counseling. This will focus on
the resolution of personal relationship and role conflicts.]

XXX
(©) Special projects for solo parents and their children [individuals] in need of protection which

include temporary shelter, self-concept or ego-building, crisis management and spiritual
enrichment among others.

The following shall be added under this Section:
(f) Establishment of barangay welfare desk for solo parents and an Office for the National Coverage
‘of the Solo Parent Family in every city and municipality. Provincial Social Welfare and

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1 Development Offices will be responsible for collating all data of solo parents and their families
2 within their jurisdictions, and annually report to the NCSPA on the same.
3
4 — SECTION 3. Sections 6, 7, and 8 of the same Act are hereby amended as follows:
5
6 Section 6. Flexible Work Schedule. ~ The employer must [shall] provide for a flexible working
7 schedule for solo parents: Provided, that the same shall not affect individual and company
8 productivity: Provided, further, that any employer must [may] request exemption from the above
9 requirements from the DOLE on certain meritorious grounds.
10
11 Section 7. Work Discrimination. — No employer shall discriminate against any solo parent
2 employee with respect to terms and conditions of employment on account of his/her status.
123 Discrimination from co-employees shall be covered by existing laws. [No employer shall
14 discriminate against any solo parent employee with respect to terms and conditions of
15 employment on account of his/her status]
16
7 Section 8, Parental Leave. — In addition to leave privileges under existing laws, paid parental leave
18 of not more than ten (10) [seven (7)] working days every year shall be available to any solo parent
19 ‘employee immediately upon hiring, without regard to the employment status [shall be granted to
20 any solo parent employee who has rendered service of at least one (1) year].
21
22 The following shall be added under this Section:
23
24 Provided that Parental Leave shall not exceed four (4) consecutive days at any given time.
25
26 Parental leave shall not be convertible to cash and in no case will any unused parental leaves be
7 carried over to the following calendar year. Provided, further, that any employer must request
28 ‘exemption from the above requirements from the DOLE on certain meritorious grounds.
29
30 Work-related benefits shall apply to all solo parents with valid solo parent IDs regardless whether
31 they are in the government or public sector.
32

33 SECTION 4. Sections 9, 10, and 11 of the same Act are hereby amended as follows:

35 Section 9. Educational Benefits. - The DepEd, CHED and the DTI through the TESDA [DECS,
36 CHED and TESDA] shall provide the following benefits and privileges:

37

38 (1) At least 10% of all scholarship program slots from the national and local government
39 Units shall be allocated for solo parents and their children in institutions of basic, tertiary,
40 and technical/skills education, without regard to the scholastic performance, provided that
a1 95% attendance is maintained to retain scholar status. These scholarship grants shall cover
42 tuition fees and miscellaneous fees, if any, including books, school supplies, and other
43 incidental materials necessary to complete a free quality education; [Scholarship programs
44 for qualified solo parents and their children in institutions of basic, tertiary and
4s technical/skills education]

46

47 XXX

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49 The following shall be added under this Section:

50

51 (3) Financial literacy and entrepreneurial education programs for solo parents and their
52 children.

53

54 ‘The DepEd, CHED and DTI [DECS, CHED and TESDA] shall promulgate rules and regulations for
55 the proper implementation of this program.

56

57 Section 10. Housing Benefits. ~ Solo parents shall be given at least 10% allocation in all housing
58 projects from the national and local government units and shall be provided with liberal terms of
59 payment on said government low-cost housing projects in accordance with housing law provisions

60 prioritizing applicants below the poverty line as declared by the NEDA. [Solo parents shall be
61 given allocation in housing projects and shall be provided with liberal terms of payment on said

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government low-cost housing projects in accordance with housing law provisions pri
applicants below the poverty line as declared by the NEDA]

ing

Section 11. Medical Assistance. — aside from the coverage of the Universal Health Care Act, the
DOH 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 (RHUs). Solo parents and their children shall be given at least 10% discount
on all medical services including dental, diagnostic, and other medical examinations. [The DOH
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 (RHUs))

SECTION 5. New sections to be denominated as Section 12, 13, 14, and 15 are hereby added to read as
follows:

Section 12. The National Commission on Solo Parent Affairs (NCSPA) — under this Act is hereby
created the National Commission on Solo Parent Affairs, which shall be tasked to oversee the
effective, efficient, and responsive implementation of the provisions of this Act by the respective
LGUs.

‘The NCSPA shall be an attached agency of the DILG with a Board of Commissioners composed
of a representative from the DSWD, DOH, DEPED, CHED, DTI, DOLE, DHSUD, DILG, the
League Of Governors of the Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines, League of
Municipalities of the Philippines, Philippine Councilors’ League, and from two (2)
‘Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) of regional and/or national scope, with proven track
record in providing services for solo parents, as certified by the appropriate government agency.

‘The NCSPA shall be chaired by the DILG Secretary and co-chaired by the DSWD Secretary or
their duly appointed representatives with all others being members with equal voting rights on
issues presented before it. The NGO members must seek accreditation from the NCSPA prior to
being included into the Commission based on the definition under Section 3, item (i).

‘The NCSPA shall oversee the implementation of the comprehensive package of social development
and welfare services for solo parents and their families. The NCSPA, through the Board of
Commissioners, shall maintain a secretariat to report on the implementation which shall be
forwarded to the Office of the President, the House of Representatives, and the Senate of the

ilippines annually. It shall accept reports as well as document violations of this Act so that proper
action can be taken, aside from aiding future legislation.

The Board of Commissioners shall determine the staffing requirements of the Commission, which
may also be sourced from existing personnel of the involved departments and agencies.

Section 13. Legal Assistance. ~ the PAO shall develop a comprehensive program for free legal
assistance and representation for solo parents and their children in any and all matters requiring the
presence of a lawyer.

Section 14. Additional Benefits. — Aside from the aforementioned, additional benefits for legitimate
solo parents and their children shall be as follows:

(a) Discounts — solo parents shall be given a discount not lower than 10% on the total amount of
any and all transactions/purchases they make, including but not limited to utility bills,
transportation and related costs, tuition fees, and others, upon the presentation of a valid solo
parent ID. The discount shall apply regardless if the reflected amount is the regular price or
not.

Businesses, corporations, and other entities providing such discounts in accordance with this
section shall be allowed to claim discounts given as business expense subject to proper
recording and documentation. In instances where establishments provide a higher discount, the
higher discount shall prevail;

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(b) Legalizing of Status — in order to legally recognize the status of solo parents, the following
provisions shall be enforced:

i. Solo parents defined under Section 3, Article (a), Items 5 and 7 of this Act shall be
allowed to file for a nullity of marriage with the proper courts or government bodies
free of charge, not for the purpose of approval, but rather to legalize the separation and
properly divide any properties, if any, including defining the extent of financial support
to be extended to all children. Women covered by this provision shall be allowed to
immediately use their maiden surname in any and all undertakings.

Such order from the court or government body declaring the marriage null and void
must be released within a period of three (3) months from the date of filing and shall
be final and executory.

ii, Solo parent shall be considered a legal civil status such that any and all forms, public
or private, requiring the civil status of an individual shall include “Solo Parent” as one
of the options in the said form.

(©) Protection of Children — any and all derogatory acts towards children of solo parents either
directly or indirectly shall be covered by the provisions of RA 7610 and other pertinent laws
intended for the protection of children.

When the offender is a minor, he/she shall be remanded to the custody of the DSWD to undergo
counseling and psychological evaluation for a period of not less than thirty (30) days.

When the offender is the parent and/or relative or any other adult, the penalty shall be one (1)
degree higher than what is prescribed in the appropriate law.

(@) Children With Special Needs — children of solo parents with special needs shall be given
priority attention in all government-run hospitals or centers free of charge. In instances wherein
specialized treatment from the government is not available, private service providers shall give
at least a fifty percent (50%) discount on the total bill including professional fees, if any;

(©) Recognition — the 7 of November of each year shall be observed as “Welfare Day for Solo
Parents and their Children”, wherein the national and local government units shall conduct
programs and activities to benefit and recognize solo parents and their children;

(O Social Protection — upon recommendation of the local Social Welfare Development Office of
the city/municipality where domicile has been established, a solo parent may be considered as
an indigent member of the Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance
Corporation (Philhealth), and the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG) whenever
applicable. Priority shall also be given to solo parents in government programs where they
qualify; and

(g) Solo Parent Lane — priority lanes for senior citizens, PWD, and pregnant women in all private
and government offices or establishments must also include solo parents.

Section 15. Penalties. — Any person, corporation, entity or agency who violates the provisions of
this act shall suffer the following penalties:

(@) __ First Violation — fine of not less than fifty thousand pesos (P50,000,00) but not more than
‘one hundred thousand pesos (P 100,000.00) with community service of 90 days.

(b) Subsequent Violations — fine of not less than one hundred fifty thousand pesos
(P150,000.00) but not more than three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000.00) or imprisonment of
not less than one (1) year but not more than (2) years, or both at the discretion of the court.

If the offender is a corporation, partnership, or organization, or similar entity, the employees and
officials thereof directly involved shall be individually liable therefore.

If the violator is an alien or a foreigner, he/she shall be deported immediately after service of
sentence without further deportation proceedings.

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Upon filing of an appropriate complaint with the NCSPA Secretariat and due notice and hearing,
the proper authorities may also recommend the cancellation or revocation of the business permit,
permit to operate, franchise, and other similar privileges granted to any business that fails to abide
by the provisions of this act.

‘Any person who misrepresents 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 in
accordance with the provisions of RA 10951, where falsification carries a fine of not more than one
million pesos (P1,000,000.00) with prison correctional in its medium and maximum periods.

Upon finding by the NCSPA that a department agency, or instrumentality of the government, a
Government-Owned Or Controlled Corporation (GOCC), or a local government unit, had violated
any provisions of this act, sanctions under the administrative law, civil service, or other laws may
be recommended to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) or the DILG against the head of the
agency or the local chief executive and the person directly in charge or responsible for the violation.

SECTION 6. Sections12, 13, and 14 are hereby renumbered as Section 16, 17 and 18 respectively and
amended hereby as follows:

Section [12] 16. Additional Powers and Functions of the NCSPA. — The NCSPA [Additional
Powers and Functions of the DSWD. — The DSWD] shall perform the following additional powers
and functions relative to the welfare of solo parents and their families:

(a) Conduct research necessary to:

(1) Develop a new body of knowledge on solo parents;

(2) Define executive and legislative measures needed to promote and protect the interests
of solo parents and their children;

(3) Assess the effectiveness of programs designed for disadvantaged solo parents and their
children;

‘The following shall be added under this Section:

(4) Maintain and update a national database of solo parents and their children as collated
from the records of provincial and local government units.

XXX

(@ Accredit solo parent organizations for the purpose of protecting solo parents and their children
from manipulation and other forms of abuse.

(©) Assist provinces, cities and municipalities, including barangay units, in establishing the Office
for the National Coverage of the Solo Parent Family in their respective localities and the Solo
Parents’ welfare desk in every barangay.

XXX

Section [13] 17. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The NCSPA together with representatives
from the oversight committees of Congress and the Senate shall update, within ninety (90) days
upon the passage of this Act, the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The absence of an
IRR however shall not be a hindrance in the full implementation of this act. [An interagency
committee headed by the DSWD, in coordination with the DOH, DECS, CHED, TESDA, DOLE, NHA,
and DILG is hereby established which shall formulate, within ninety (90) days upon the effectivity
of this Act, the implementing rules and regulations in consultation with the local government
units, nongovernment organizations and people's organizations)

Section [14] 18. Appropriations. — The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act
shall be included in the budget of concerned government agencies in the General Appropriations
Act (GAA) of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter.

‘The following shall be added under this Section:

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Provincial, city, and municipal government units should allocate at least five percent (5%) of its
annual Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) to support solo parent programs in their respective
localities.

Barangay units should allocate at least one percent (1%) of its budget for Gender and Development
(GAD) programs and activities for the implementation of this act.

SECTION 7. Sections15, 16, and 17 are hereby renumbered as Section 19, 20 and 21 respectively

Section [15] 19. 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.

Section [16] 20. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision of this Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, other
provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Section [17] 21. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.

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