by Susan Aro

 The Sangguniang Panlalawigan here supports the passage of a measure that would give additional benefits to solo parents.
The provincial board, through the recommendation of the committee on Social Services chaired by Board Member Florence Tingbaoen, is supporting the Capiz Resolution No. 028 endorsing the immediate passage into law Senate Bill No. 1439.

The province's Legal Office said that the said bill would be based on the discretion of the board and they found no legal impediment.

SB 1439 authored by Senator Loren Legarda is an act amending Republic Act No. 8972 otherwise known as the Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2010 by providing for additional benefits and penal provision for violation of the act.

The bill refers to solo parent as one who "is left alone with the responsibility of parenthood
due to death, detention, mental incapacity or legal separation with spouse. It also refers
to women who became pregnant due to abuse."

Should the bill be passed, benefits of solo parent who often bear the brunt of raising the family range from food, milk, medicine, clothing, become income tax exempt.

Details of the proposed provisions include 10 percent discount for all purchases of clothing and clothing materials for the child from birth up to two years; 15 percent discount from all purchases of baby's milk, food, and food supplements; 15 percent discount for all purchases of medicines and other medical supplements/supplies for the child; and basic personal exemption from individual income tax.

Even with the existing privileges under the Solo Parent Welfare Act, Legarda pushed for the amendment of the law providing additional benefits citing the double hardship that still saddles solo parents.

The bill's explanatory note states that the enactment of the proposed measure will help lessen the financial burden carried by solo parents by affording them additional remuneration. It would further assist solo parents in providing a better future for their children. (JDP/SCA-PIA CAR,Benguet)