Misconceptionson being solo parent

Solo parenting, though it has been a common status, continues to be fraught with misconceptions within society.

Redd de Guzman, Secretary General of the National Council for Solo Parents Inc., said in an interview on DAILY TRIBUNE's online program Hot Patatas on 6 November, that being a widow or left by spouses is the common misconception of being a solo parent.

"Solo parents have misconceptions because we think that as soon as your spouse dies or leaves you, you are already classified as a solo parent," he said.

De Guzman later expounded the definition of being a solo parent based on the law signed as early as 2000 by former president Joseph Estrada.

"As early as 2000, the Republic Act 8972 identifies who is classified as a solo parent. It was signed by former president Joseph Estrada, and last year in 2022, the Republic Act 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parent's Welfare Act of 2022 lapsed. So according to these two laws, a single parent must have a child 22 years old or below. But if your child is 18-22 years old, he or she must be studying. Second, your child must be single and unemployed," De Guzman said.

He added that there are certain classifications for being a solo parent.