Law Summary
Definition of Terms
- "Solo parent" includes individuals left alone in parenting due to various circumstances such as rape, death, imprisonment, incapacity, separation, nullity of marriage, abandonment, or voluntary single parenthood.
- "Children" refers to dependent unmarried and unemployed children up to 18 years or those incapable of self-support due to disability.
- "Parental responsibility" follows the Family Code regarding rights and duties of parents.
- "Parental leave" refers to leave granted to solo parents for parental duties requiring physical presence.
- "Flexible work schedule" allows solo parent employees to modify working hours without affecting core hours.
Criteria for Support
- Solo parents whose income falls below the poverty threshold as set by NEDA and assessed by DSWD are eligible for assistance.
- Solo parents above the poverty threshold are entitled to certain benefits as specified.
Comprehensive Welfare Services
- Development of a comprehensive package of social development and welfare services involving multiple agencies coordinated by DSWD.
- Services include livelihood development, counseling, parent effectiveness programs, stress debriefing, and special protective projects.
Flexible Work Schedule
- Employers must provide flexible work schedules to solo parent employees.
- Flexibility should not reduce productivity.
- Employers may seek exemption from DOLE for meritorious grounds.
Protection Against Work Discrimination
- Prohibits discrimination of solo parents in employment terms due to their status.
Parental Leave Benefits
- Grants solo parent employees a parental leave of up to seven working days annually.
- Eligibility requires at least one year of service.
Educational Benefits
- Scholarship programs and nonformal education provided by DECS, CHED, and TESDA for solo parents and their children.
- Implementation rules to be promulgated by these agencies.
Housing Benefits
- Solo parents prioritized for allocation in government low-cost housing projects.
- Liberal payment terms apply, prioritizing those below the poverty line.
Medical Assistance
- DOH to develop and implement comprehensive healthcare programs for solo parents and their children.
- Implementation through government hospitals and LGUs' health units.
Additional Powers and Functions of DSWD
- Conduct research on solo parents' needs and program effectiveness.
- Coordinate government and non-government agencies aiding solo parents.
- Monitor and suggest improvements for effective implementation of the Act.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- An inter-agency committee led by DSWD is formed to issue implementing rules within 90 days.
- Consultation with LGUs, NGOs, and people's organizations mandated.
Appropriations
- Funding to be included in the budget of concerned agencies in the General Appropriations Act of subsequent fiscal years.
Repealing Clause
- All inconsistent laws, decrees, executive orders, and administrative orders are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity or unconstitutionality of any provision does not affect the rest of the Act.
Effectivity Clause
- The Act takes effect 15 days after complete publication in official or widely circulated newspapers.