As means to help them meet the challenges of raising children on their own, Sen. Bam Aquino has filed a measure that seeks to provide additional benefits for solo parents, including a personal tax exemption of P50,000.

“Nurturing a healthy family takes a lot of time, effort, and resources. For solo parents, the challenge is even greater,” Sen. Bam said in Senate Bill No. 715.

 “Plus, the financial burden as breadwinner makes it even more difficult for solo parents,” added the deputy minority leader.

 The measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8972 or the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000 to add benefits for solo parents and enhance the effectiveness of the law’s implementation by increasing penalties for non-compliance.

 Aside from the personal tax exemption of P50,000, which will allow solo parents to take home a larger portion of their income for their family, solo parents will be awarded a 10 percent discount on clothing for their child and a 15-percent discount on baby’s milk and food up to two years from childbirth.

 Furthermore, a 15-percent discount from medicine and medical supply purchases until 5 years from childbirth as well as a 10-percent discount from tuition fees will also be awarded.

“Let’s ease the burden on solo parents and provide them support,” said Sen. Bam.

 Recently, Sen. Bam was among those who voted for the passage of the measure authored by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, giving working women 120 days maternity leave and 150 days for solo mothers.