Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11861)
Republic Act No. 11861 is known as the "Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act."
The policy is to promote a just and dynamic social order that ensures prosperity and independence, free people from poverty, provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and respect for human rights. It supports the rights and duties of solo parents in rearing their children by providing assistance and benefits.
A solo parent is any individual who provides sole parental care and support due to various reasons such as birth as a consequence of rape, death of spouse, detention or incapacity of spouse, legal separation, annulment, abandonment, spouse or family member of a low/semi-skilled OFW away for 12 months, unmarried parents, legal guardians, relatives within the fourth civil degree who assume care, or a pregnant woman providing sole care.
Benefits include a cash subsidy, tax discounts on baby products and medicines, automatic PhilHealth coverage, prioritization in employment and educational opportunities, and prioritization in low-cost housing projects.
No employer shall discriminate against solo parent employees regarding terms and conditions of employment because of their status. Employers may offer telecommuting programs with priority to solo parent employees.
Solo parent employees, regardless of employment status who have rendered at least six months service, are entitled to a forfeitable and noncumulative parental leave of not more than seven working days with pay annually.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) coordinates with the Departments of Health, Education, Labor, Trade, Finance, Justice, Migrant Workers, National Housing Authority, Civil Service Commission, PhilHealth, and local government units, among others, to develop the comprehensive package.
Violators may face fines between Php 10,000 to Php 200,000 and imprisonment from six months to two years depending on the violation. Officials who participate may be held liable, with possibilities of suspension of business permits and deportation for foreign offenders. Public officials committing violations may also face removal from office and perpetual disqualification.
The solo parent must submit authenticated or certified true copies of documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, affidavits, medical records, and others depending on the solo parent category. Custodians must ensure utmost confidentiality complying with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
The IACMC, chaired by the Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, includes various secretaries and heads of agencies and representatives from civil society. It meets quarterly, monitors implementation, gathers data on solo parents, and reports to Congress every three years.