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SOLO PARENTS WELFARE ACT REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8972 ANACT PROVIDING FOR BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES TO SOLO PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines Congress assembled: Section 1.Title.--This Act shallbknown asthe "Solo Parents' Welfare Act of2000." Section 2.Declaration of Policy.--Itisthepolicyof theStatetopromotethe

familyasthe foundationof thenation, strengthenits solidarity andensureitstotaldevelopment.Towardsthisend,itshalldevelopacomprehensiveprogram ofservices for soloparents andtheir childrentobecarriedoutbytheDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopment(DSWD),theDepa rtment of Health(DOH),theDepartment of Education,Cultureand Sports(DECS),theDepartment of theInteriorandLocalGovernment(DILG),theCommission on HigherEducation(CHED),theTechnicalEducation andSkillsDevelopmentAuthority (TESDA),theNational Housing Authority (NHA),the Department of LaborandEmployment (DOLE) andotherrelatedgovernmentandnongovernmentagencies. Section 3.Definition of Terms.--Wheneverused in thisAct,thefollowing termsshallmean asfollows: (a) "Soloparent" --anindividualwhofallsunderanofthefollowing categories: (1) Awomanwhogivesbirth asaresult of rape andothercrimesagainst chastityevenwithout afinalconvictionofthe offender: ProvidedThatthemotherkeepsandraisesthechild; (2) Parent left solo

oralone with the responsibility ofparenthooddue to death ofspouse; (3) Parent left solooralone withtheresponsibilityof parenthoodwhilethespouseisdetained orisserving sentencefor acriminalconvictionfor atleastone(1)year; (4) Parent left solooralonewith theresponsibilityofparenthoodduetophysical and/ormental incapacity ofspouseas certifiedby apublic medicalpractitioner; (5) Parent left solooralonewiththeresponsibilityof parenthood duetolegalseparationor de factoseparation fromspouse forat least one(1year,aslongashe/sheisentrustedwiththecustodyof the children; (6) Parent left solooralone withtheresponsibilityof parenthoodduetodeclaration of nullityorannulment of marriageas decreed byacourtor byachurchas longas he/sheis entrustedwiththecustodyofthechildren; (7)

Parent left solooralonewith theresponsibility of parenthoodduetoabandonment of spouseforat least one (1) year; (8) Unmarriedmother/father whohas preferredtokeepandrearher/hischild/children insteadofhaving otherscareforthem orgivethemup to awelfareinstitution; (9) Anyotherpersonwhosolelyprovidesparentalcare and support toachildor children; (10) Anyfamilymemberwhoassumestheresponsibilityof headof familyasaresult of thedeath,abandonment, disappearanceorprolonged absence ofthe parentsorsolo parent. Achange inthe status or circumstanceoftheparent claimingbenefits underthisAct,such thathe/sheisnolonger leftalonewith the responsibilityofparenthood,shall terminatehis/hereligibilityforthesebenefits. (b) "Children"--refer tothoselivingwithanddependentuponthe solo parentfor supportwhoareunmarried,unemployedandnotmorethan eighteen (18)yearsofage,oreven overeighteen

(18)yearsbutareincapableofself--supportbecause ofmentaland/or physicaldefect/disability. (c) "Parentalresponsibility"--with respect to theirminor children shall refer to therightsand dutiesof theparentsas definedin Article 220ofExecutive Order No.209, asamended, otherwise known asthe "Family Code ofthe Philippines." (d) "Parentalleave"--shallmeanleavebenefits grantedtoasolo parenttoenablehim/her toperformparentalduties and responsibilities where physicalpresence is required. (e) "Flexibleworkschedule" --istherightgranted to asoloparentemployeetovaryhis/herarrival and departuretimewithoutaffecting the core work hours asdefinedbytheemployer. 1

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Section 4.Criteria for Support.--Anysoloparentwhoseincomeintheplaceofdomicilefallsbelowthepovertythresho ldassetbytheNationalEconomic andDevelopmentAuthority(NEDA)andsubjecttotheassessmentoftheDSWDworker intheareashallbeeligibleforassistance:Provided, however,Thatanysoloparentwhoseincomeisabovethepovertythresholdshallenjoythebenef itsmentionedinSections6,7and8of thisAct. Section 5.Comprehensive Package of Social Development and Welfare Services.--Acomprehensivepackageofsocialdevelopmentand welfareservicesforsoloparentsand theirfamilieswillbedeveloped bytheDSWD,DOH,DECS,CHED, TESDA,DOLE,NHAandDILG,in coordination with localgovernmentunitsandanongovernmentalorganization with proven track record inprovidingservicesforsoloparents. TheDSWDshallcoordinate with concernedagenciesthe implementation ofthe comprehensive package ofsocialdevelopmentand welfareservicesforsoloparentsand theirfamilies.Thepackagewillinitiallyinclude: (a) Livelihooddevelopment serviceswhichincludetrainingsonlivelihoodskills,basicbusinessmanagement,valueori entation andthe provision ofseedcapitalorjob placement. (b) Counselingserviceswhichincludeindividual,peergrouporfamilycounseling.This

willfocus ontheresolutionofpersonalrelationship androle conflicts. (c) Parent effectivenessserviceswhichincludetheprovisionandexpansionof knowledgeandskillsof thesoloparent onearlychildhooddevelopment,behaviormanagement,health care,rightsanddutiesofparentsandchildren. (d) Criticalincidencestressdebriefingwhichincludespreventivestressmanagement strategydesignedtoassist soloparentsin coping with crisissituationsandcasesofabuse. (e) Specialprojectsforindividualsinneedofprotectionwhichincludetemporaryshelter,coun seling,legal assistance, medicalcare,self--conceptorego--building,crisismanagementandspiritualenrichment. Section 6.Flexible Work Schedule.--Theemployershallprovideforaflexibleworkingscheduleforsoloparents:Provi ded, Thatthe same shallnotaffectindividualandcompanyproductivity:Provided, further,Thatanyemployermayrequestexemption fromthe above requirementsfromthe DOLEocertain meritoriousgrounds. Section 7.Work Discrimination.--Noemployershalldiscriminateagainstanysoloparentemployeewithrespe cttotermsandconditionsofemploymenton accountofhis/herstatus. Section 8.Parental Leave.--Inadditiontoleaveprivilegesunderexisting laws,parentalleave ofnotmore than seven (7) workingdayseveryyearshallbegrantedtoanysoloparentemployeewhohasrenderedserviceof atleastone(1)year. Section 9.Educational Benefits.--ThDECS,CHEDandTESDAshallprovide thefollowingbenefitsandprivileges: (1) Scholarshipprogramsforqualifiedsoloparentsandtheirchildrenininstitutionsof basic,tertiaryandtechnical/skills education;and (2)

Nonformaleducationprogramsappropriateforsoloparentsandtheirchildren. ThDECS,CHEDandTESDAshallpromulgate rulesandregulationsforthe properimplementation ofthisprogram. Section 10.Housing Benefits.--Solo parentsshallbegiven allocation in housing projectsandshallbeprovidedwith liberaltermsof paymentonsaidgovernmentlow--costhousingprojects inaccordancewithhousinglawprovisions prioritizingapplicantsbelowthepoverty lineasdeclaredby theNEDA. Section 11.Medical Assistance.--TheDOHshalldevelop acomprehensive health care programforsoloparentsandtheirchildren.Theprogramshallbeimplementedby theDOHthroughtheirretainedhospitals andmedicalcenters andthelocalgovernmentunits(LGUs)through theirprovincial/district/city/municipalhospitalsandruralhealth units(RHUs). Section 12.Additional Powers and Functions of the DSWD. TheDSWDshallperformthe following additionalpowersandfunctionsrelativetothewelfareof soloparentsandtheirfamilies: (a) Conduct researchnecessaryto:(1) developanewbodyof knowledge onsolo parents;(2)define executive andlegislativemeasuresneededtopromoteandprotecttheinterestofsoloparentsandtheirc hildren; and(3)assesstheeffectivenessofprogramsdesignedfordisadvantagedsolo parentsandtheirchildren; 2

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(b) Coordinatetheactivitiesof variousgovernmentaland nongovernmentalorganizationsengagedinpromotingandprotecting the interests ofsolo parents and their children;and (c) Monitortheimplementation of the provisionsof thisAct andsuggest mechanisms by whichsuchprovisions areeffectivelyimplemented. Section 13.Implementing Rules and Regulations.--Aninteragency committeeheaded by the DSWD,incoordination withthe DOH, DECS,CHED,TESDA, DOLE,NHA, and DILG ishereby establishedwhich shallformulate,withinninety(90)days upontheeffectivityof thisAct,the implementingrulesand regulationsinconsultationwiththelocalgovernment units, nongovernmentorganizationsandpeople'sorganizations. Section 14.Appropriations.--Theamountnecessary to carryoutthe provisionsofthisAct

shallbeincluded in the budget ofconcerned governmentagencies intheGeneralAppropriations Actoftheyearfollowingits enactmentintolawand thereafter. Section 15.Repealing Clause.--All laws, decrees, executiveorders, administrativeordersorpartsthereofinconsistentwiththeprovisionsof this Act areherebyrepealed,amended ormodifiedaccordingly. Section 16.Separability Clause.--Ifanyprovisionof thisActisheld invalidorunconstitutional,other provisions notaffectedtherebyshallcontinuetobe infullforceandeffect. Section 17.Effectivity Clause.--ThisAct shalltake effect fifteen (15)daysfollowing its complete publication in theOfficial Gazetteorin at least two (2)newspaperofgeneralcirculation. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT 1. What is anAppropriateBargainingUnit for purposesofcollectivebargaining? A: AnABU isagroup ofemployeesofagiven

employer comprised ofall orless thanall oftheentire bodyof employees,which thecollectiveinterest of alltheemployees,consistentwiththeinterestoftheemployer, indicate tobethebest suitedtoservereciprocalrightsandduties ofthe parties underthecollective bargaining provisions ofthe law. (UP v. Calleja, 1992) 2. What is the AutomaticRenewalClause inaCBA? A: Itreferstothelastsentenceof Art253,LC whichstatesthat Itshallbe theduty of both partiestokeepthestatus quo andtocontinuein fullforceandeffectthetermsandconditionsofthe existing agreement during the 60--dayperiod and/or untilanew agreement is reached by theparties. 3. Company"A" and Union "B"negotiated thelasttwo yearsoftheirfive--yearCBA onApril1,1990toexpire onMarch

31,1992. Considering theamicable relations betweentheparties,neither onemovedfortheextensionorterminationof theagreement.Sometime in 1995.some disgruntled employees filedacomplaint demanding that theybe paidtheannualsalary increasesandotherrelatedannualincreasesspecifiedintheCBAofApril 1990, citing theprovisioninArt.253of theLaborCode whichrequires theparties to"xxxkeep thestatus quoandtocontinueinfullforceandeffecttheterms andconditions oftheexistingagreementduringthe60dayperiod and/oruntilnewagreementisreachedby theparties". A,however,maintained that the annual salaryincreasesand related benefits specificallyprovided for intheCBA were,pursuant tocontract and law,effectiveonly forthe term specifiedtherein,namely,untilMarch31,1992only.Who iscorrect?State the reason(s) foryour answer. A: Theemployeesare correctin theirclaimthatthe expired CBA remainsin fullforce

and effectuntilanewCBAis enteredinto in accordance with Art. 253. IntheNew Pacific Timber and Supply Company, Inc. v. NLRC (GR No. 124224, March 17, 2000), theSCheld that: 3

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the partiesare duty--boundto keepthe statusquo andto continue in fullforce andeffectthe terms andconditionsoftheexisting agreement.Thelawdoesnotprovide foranyexception norqualification astowhich oftheeconomicprovisionsoftheexisting agreementaretoretain forceandeffect, therefore,it must beunderstoodasencompassingallthetermsandconditionsinthesaidagreement.

4. Whatisthe DeadlockBarRule ? A: UndertheDeadlockBarRule,acertificationelection cannotbeheldifabargaining deadlock towhichanincumbentorcertifiedbargainingagentisapartyhadbeensubmittedto conciliation ormediationorhadbecome thesubject of avalidnotice ofstrike orlockout.(See Section 3,Rule XI,BookVoftheImplementingRulesand Regulationsofthe LaborCode). A: Therule providesthatapetition forcertification election can

onlybeentertainedifthere isnopendingbargaining deadlock submittedto conciliation orarbitration orhadbecome the subjectofavalidnotice ofstrike orlockout.Theprincipalpurpose isto ensure stabilityin the relationship ofthe workersandthe management. (National Congress of Union in the Sugar Industry of the Phils. v. Trajano, GR No. 67485, April 10, 1992) 5. Whatarethetypesofunionsecurityprovisions? A: Hiring Continued Employment Ground for Termination Union Shop Non--union membersmaybehiredToretain employment,mustbecome union membersIfEEdoesn tjointheunionafterareasonabletime,itwillbeagroundforhisterminatio nClosed Shop OnlyunionmemberscanbehiredMustremainmemberstoretainemploymentIfnotamember,ground forterminationMaintenance Shop EEisnotcompelledtojoin aunion AllpresentandfuturemembersmustmaintainmembershipWhenEEdisaffiliates, groundfortermination

Thelawallowsstipulationsfor"union shop"and"closedshop"asameansofencouraging workersto joinand supporttheunionoftheir choiceintheprotectionoftheir rights andinterests vis----visthe employer.Bythus promoting unionism,workersare able to negotiate with managementonan evenplaying fieldandwith more persuasivenessthan iftheyweretoindividuallyandseparatelybargainwiththeemployer.InVillarv.Inciong,th is Courtheld thatemployeeshavetherighttodisaffiliatefromtheirunionand formaneworganizationoftheir own;however,theymustsufferthe consequencesoftheir separationfromtheunionunder thesecurityclauseof theCollectiveBargainingAgreement.(National Union of Workers in Hotels, Restaurants and Allied Industries v. NLRC, 2008)

GSIS

AND SSS LAWS GSIS SSS COVERAGE and EXCLUSIONS FROM COVERAGE Sec.3. Compulsory Membership. MembershipintheGSISshallbecompulsory forallemployees receivingcompensationwhohavenotreachedthecompulsory retirementage, irrespectiveofemploymentstatus, exceptmembersoftheArmedForcesofthePhilippinesandthePhilippine NationalPolice,subjectto the condition thattheymustsettlefirsttheirfinancialobligationwiththeGSIS,andcontractuals whohavenoemployerandemployeerelationshipwiththeagencies theyserve. Exceptforthemembersofthejudiciaryandconstitutional commissions whoshallhavelifeinsuranceonly,allmembers Sec. 9. Coverage. (a) CoverageintheSSSshallbecompulsory uponallemployeesnotoversixty(60)yearsofage andtheiremployers: Provided,Thatinthecaseofdomestichelpers, theirmonthlyincomeshallnot belessthanOnethousandpesos(P1,000.00) amonth: Provided, further, Thatanybenefitalreadyearnedbythe employeesunderprivate benefitplansexisting atthe time ofthe approvalofthisAct 4

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ofthe GSIS shallhave life insurance,retirement,andallothersocialsecurityprotectionssuch asdisability, survivorship,separation,andunemploymentbenefits. Sec. 4. Effect of Separation from the Service. Amemberseparatedfromtheserviceshallcontinuetobeamember, andshallbeentitledtowhateverbenefitshehasqualifiedtointheevent of anycontingencycompensableunderthisAct. shallnotbediscontinued,reducedor otherwiseimpaired: Provided, further,Thatprivate planswhich are existingandinforceatthetimeofcompulsorycoverageshallbeintegratedwiththeplanofthe SSSin such awaywhere the employer scontributiontohis privateplanis morethanthatrequiredofhiminthis Act,heshallpaytotheSSSonlythe contribution requiredofhimandheshallcontinuehis contributiontosuchprivateplanless hiscontribution to the SSSso thatthe employer stotalcontributiontohisbenefit planandtotheSSSshallbethe same ashiscontribution to hisprivate benefitplan beforethecompulsorycoverage: Provided, further,Thatanychanges,adjustments, modifications,eliminationsorimprovementsinthebenefitstobeavailableundertheremain

ingprivate plan,which maybenecessaryto adoptbyreasonofthereducedcontributionsthereto asaresultoftheintegration,shallbesubjecttoagreementsbetween theemployersandemployeesconcerned: Provided, further,Thatthe private benefitplan whichtheemployershallcontinueforhisemployeesshallremain underthe employer smanagementandcontrolunlessthereisanexisting agreementto the contrary: Provided, finally, Thatnothing in thisActshallbeconstruedas alimitationontherightofemployers andemployeestoagreeon andadoptbenefitswhichareoverandabove those providedunderthisAct. (b) Spouseswhodevotefulltimetomanagingthehouseholdandfamilyaffairs,unlesstheyare also engagedinothervocationoremploymentwhichissubjecttomandatorycoverage,maybecovered bytheSSSonavoluntary basis. (c) Filipinosrecruitedbyforeign--basedemployersforemploymentabroadmaybecoveredbythe SSSonavoluntarybasis. Sec. 9--A.Compulsory Coverage of the Self--Employed. CoverageintheSSSshall alsobecompulsoryuponsuchselfemployedpersonsasmaybedeterminedbythe Commissionundersuchrulesand regulationsasitmayprescribe,including butnotlimitedto the following: 1. Allself--employedprofessionals; 2. Partnersandsingle proprietorsofbusinesses; 3. Actorsandactresses,directors,scriptwriters andnewscorrespondentswho do notfallwithin the

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definitionoftheterm"employee"inSection8(d) ofthisAct; 4. Professionalathletes,coaches,trainersandjockeys;and5. Individualfarmersandfishermen. Unlessotherwisespecifiedherein, all provisionsofthisActapplicabletocoveredemployeesshallalsobeapplicabletothecovered self--employedpersons. BENEFITS 1. Pension1. Pension2. Separation benefits2. Retirementbenefits3. Retirementbenefits3. Deathbenefits4. Permanentdisabilitybenefits4. Permanentdisabilitybenefits5. Temporarydisabilitybenefits 5. Funeralbenefits6. Survivorship benefits6. Sicknessbenefits7. Funeralbenefits7. Maternityleavebenefit8. LifeinsurancebenefitsBENEFICIARIES Primarybeneficiaries: 1. Thlegaldependentspouse untilheorshe remarries, 2. ThdependentchildrenSecondarybeneficiaries: 1. Thdependentparents,and2. Subjectto the restrictionsondependentchildren,the legitimatedescendantsPrimarybeneficiaries: 1. Thdependentspouse untilhorshe remarries, 2. Thedependentlegitimate,legitimatedorlegallyadopted,and3. ThIllegitimate childrenProvided, Thatthe dependentillegitimate

children shallbeentitledto fiftypercent(50%)ofthe share ofthe legitimate, legitimatedorlegallyadoptedchildrenProvided, further, Thatin the absence ofthe dependentlegitimate, legitimatedchildrenofthemember, his/herdependentillegitimatechildrenshallbeentitled toonehundredpercent(100%)ofthe benefits.In theirabsence,thedependentparentswhoshallbethesecondary beneficiariesofthe member.In the absence ofallthe foregoing,anyotherperson designatedbythememberashis/hersecondarybeneficiary.