super jili Solo parents welfare law must also benefit OFWs – Herrera

Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera. | PHOTO: Rep. Herrera’s office

MANILA, Philippines — House Deputy Minority Leader Bernadette Herrera is calling for improved implementation of the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act to ensure that even overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can benefit from the law.

Herrera’s call stemmed from her concern over the plight of solo OFW parents like Mary Jane Veloso, who returned to the Philippines last December 18 after nearly 15 years of incarceration in Indonesia after being convicted of drug trafficking.

Article continues after this advertisement

The Bagong Henerasyon Party-list representative pointed out that Veloso, who became a single mother after separation from her husband, endured hardships abroad in pursuit of a better life for her two children.

FEATURED STORIES GLOBALNATION Teodoro tirade vs China ruling party irks embassy GLOBALNATION Newest PH cardinal assails Israel over Gaza attacks GLOBALNATION 38 dead and 29 survivors as Azerbaijani airliner crashes in Kazakhstan

“Veloso’s story is not just her own—it’s the story of countless Filipino solo parents who go to unimaginable lengths to secure their children’s future,” she said in a statement Thursday.

Gorman will become chairman on Jan. 2, 2025. He will succeed Mark Parker, who is leaving after serving on Disney’s board for nine years.

“Her courage and determination, despite her trials, remind us of the vital need to provide more robust support for solo parents, especially those working abroad,” she added.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Plight of single-parent families

Article continues after this advertisement

According to the lawmaker, Veloso left for Dubai in 2009, but she returned to the Philippines before completing her contract because her employer tried to sexually assault her.

Article continues after this advertisement

“In her subsequent attempt to seek work abroad in 2010, Veloso fell victim to drug traffickers, leading to her imprisonment in Indonesia,” she said.

“Veloso’s experiences highlight the vulnerabilities of solo parents working overseas, particularly those who face exploitation, abuse, or trafficking,” she added.

Article continues after this advertisement

Hence, a “stronger support system” for single OFW mothers and fathers, who are often exposed to abuse and exploitation, should be institutionalized, Herrera stressed.

She said improved enforcement of the law must ensure that single parents working abroad and their children receive adequate assistance from the government.

The Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000, otherwise known as Republic Act No. 11861, was enacted in 2022.

READ: Fight for more benefits not over with signing of Expanded Solo Parents’ Welfare Act IRR — Brosas

Under the law, the government is mandated to develop a comprehensive program called Package of Social Protection Services for solo parents and their children.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

slot328

It also provides additional financial aid for single parents earning minimum wage and below; 10 percent discount on basic necessities such as food and micronutrient supplements, diapers, and duly prescribed medicines for solo parents earning less than P250,000 annually; and prioritization in housing and livelihood programs from the governmentsuper jili, among others.

READ NEXT South Korea’s opposition files motion to impeach acting ... In Gaza, baby freezes to death as Israel, Hamas trade barbs on... EDITORS' PICK IMF: PH made significant progress in addressing money laundering Japan Airlines says systems restored after cyberattack Road to absolute freedom for Mary Jane Veloso is ‘quiet’ – lawyer Marcos ‘thoroughly reviewing’ 2025 budget to conform to charter – Palace Teodoro tirade vs China ruling party irks embassy Father of expelled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves dies MOST READ Comelec defends nuisance candidate rulings, says due process upheld Marcos OKs laws declaring special holidays in 9 areas MMFF 2024: Change in viewer behavior, word of mouth comes into play Pokwang reveals she has grandchild with her eldest daughter Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments