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.

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.

“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.

“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.

READ: Plight of single-parent families

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.

“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.

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.

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 government, among others.