ACT-CIS Party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo has expressed his intent to amend Republic Act 11861, known as the Solo Parents Law, citing its failure to effectively support its intended beneficiaries. Tulfo, who serves as the Deputy Majority Leader in the House of Representatives, highlighted that the law’s implementation has been inadequate and has not fully benefited solo parents as intended.
In a statement released on January 2, 2025, Tulfo pointed out that the Solo Parents Law is not being properly executed. He referenced data from the World Health Organization indicating that half of the Philippines’ 15 million solo parents live below the poverty line. Tulfo emphasized that under the Expanded Solo Parent Act of 2022, indigent single parents are supposed to receive a monthly allowance of PHP1,000 and discounts on certain grocery items.
Tulfo also noted that many local government units, particularly in impoverished municipalities, struggle to find the necessary funds to support solo parents. He mentioned instances where the monthly allowance was either delayed or not delivered at all, attributing this to the law’s requirement that the city or town where the beneficiaries live must fund the PHP1,000 assistance.
Additionally, Tulfo highlighted the burden on stores, which must offer discounts not only to solo parents but also to senior citizens and persons with disabilities. He proposed that amendments to the law should include sourcing funds for indigent solo parents’ assistance from the national government.
Despite the law’s noble intentions, Tulfo stressed that it contains loopholes that need immediate correction to ensure solo parents can truly benefit from it. He has already filed a bill to review and amend RA 11861.