CHR urges business establishments to grant Caraga solo parent privileges
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga urged local government units (LGUs) and business establishments to strictly implement the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act (Republic Act No. 11861), particularly the mandatory 10 percent discount and VAT exemption for qualified solo parents.
During the joint Caraga Regional Inter-Agency Committee on the Filipino Family (RIAC-FF), Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating and Monitoring Committee (RIACMC), and the Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) 3rd quarter meeting on September 22, Attorney Ralph Oñez, CHR Caraga legal officer, presented Policy Advisory No. 2026-004, issued in July 2026. Oñez said CHR continues to receive reports of qualified solo parents being denied benefits despite the law’s clear provisions.
“The 10-percent discount and VAT exemption are legal entitlements, not voluntary privileges that establishments may choose to provide,” he emphasized.
CHR Caraga recommended that LGUs integrate compliance with RA 11861 into business permit applications, renewals, and regular inspections to ensure establishments consistently grant the mandated benefits.
The advisory also calls on LGUs to honor valid orientation certificates issued by accredited agencies, preventing solo parents from repeatedly attending the same orientation.
In addition, CHR encouraged stronger monitoring through spot checks, documentation of compliance, and coordination with RIAC-FF and RIACMC, alongside intensified information campaigns in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and barangays.
Finally, CHR urged LGUs to review and update local ordinances to align with RA 11861, including appropriate enforcement measures for establishments that fail to comply.
Oñez summarized the policy advisory as essentially calling for three things. Number one, awareness. Second is consistent implementation, and lastly, accountability.
“First, solo parents must be properly informed of their rights. Second, government agencies and local government units must ensure that benefits provided under the law are implemented consistently and without the necessary additional requirements. And third, there should be appropriate mechanisms to monitor compliance and address violations,” he said.
As CHR Caraga continues to advocate for the protection of solo parents’ rights, the agency emphasized that effective implementation of RA 11861 requires the shared commitment of LGUs, business establishments, and partner agencies to ensure that the benefits guaranteed by law are accessible to every qualified solo parent across the region. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur)
