Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 2) — A bill seeking for benefits and privileges for single persons has been filed at the House of Representatives.
In her explanatory note on the bill, PBA Party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles emphasized that many single persons are acting as breadwinners of their respective families.
“The unmarried or single children, on the other hand, more often than not, support their parents especially when the latter are advancing in age or are in custody of relatives who have been limited by disabilities,” Nograles said.
“Some single or unmarried individuals likewise provide financial support to the children of their siblings, or serve as guardians in cases where their siblings are abroad or are financially incapable of supporting their own children,” he added.
The proposed Single Persons’ Welfare Act filed by Nograles defines a single individual as a person who is not legally married or whose previous marriage was annulled or declared void. It also covers a person who exercises custody or provides financial support to someone not his or her child.
The measure applies to single persons who have a dependent like minor siblings, minor nephews or nieces, unemployed parents and relatives, and ascendants up to fourth degree of consanguinity who have disabilities.
Single individuals who fall under Republic Act No. 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents’ Welfare Act are not covered by the benefits and privileges of the proposed bill.
Among the perks provided in the proposed Single Persons’ Welfare Act are educational benefits granted under the Expanded Solo Parents’ Welfare Act, financial assistance, and flexible work-from-home schedule.
Once a single person changes his or her civil status, the bill states the individual will automatically terminate his or her right to receive the welfare benefits and privileges.
