Solo parent benefits public hearing set

ADDITIONAL benefits maybe underway for solo parents.

A public hearing bringing solo parents and stakeholders into the forefront in the crafting of a law which seeks to give more help to the sector.

Vice mayor Edison Bilog said with the conduct of the public hearing, it only affirms his belief the solo parent ordinance should be passed immediately as those who are in attendance clearly shows support to the proposal.

Bilog and Councilor Faustino Olowan are moving to have discounts for those with incomes under P250,000. Both aldermen have filed ordinances which seek to give solo parents and their children additional benefits over and above which is offered in Republic Act No. 8972.

The vice mayor said the measure is intended to help solo parents.

Bilog added the public consultation has helped the committee to prepare a report based on the comments, observation and manifestation of the people.

“Consequently, the city council would now passed an ordinance based not only on my proposal and knowledge but that of the constituents of Baguio,” he added.

The ordinance defines solo parents or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to the following circumstances due to death of spouse, spouse is detained or is serving sentence, physical or mental incapacity of spouse, legal separation or de facto separation, and declaration of nullity or annulment of marriage

The Department of Social Welfare and Development will be tasked to facilitate acquisition of solo parent identification cards as well as validation of in information by applicants. A seven-day leave is given to solo parents over and above the mandated leaves given by companies

Bilog said the new law will be called the people’s ordinance on solo parents.