In the Philippines, the traditional image of a solo parent has often been centered on mothers. However, Philippine law provides a robust, gender-neutral framework that recognizes the evolving dynamics of modern families. Under Republic Act No. 8972 (the Solo Parents' Welfare Act of 2000) and its landmark expansion, Republic Act No. 11861 (the Expanded Solo Parents' Welfare Act of 2022), single fathers are explicitly granted equal status and access to a wide array of benefits and protections.

Who Qualifies as a "Solo Parent" Father?

Eligibility is not determined by gender, but by the fact of having sole parental responsibility. A father is considered a solo parent if he falls under any of the following categories:

Death of Spouse: A widower who has not remarried.
Legal Separation or De Facto Separation: A father who has been separated from his spouse for at least six months and has custody of the children.
Annulment or Declaration of Nullity of Marriage: Provided he has been awarded custody.
Abandonment: A father whose spouse has abandoned the family for at least six months.
Incarceration: A father whose spouse is serving a sentence for at least three months.
Physical/Mental Incapacity: A father whose spouse is certified by a public medical practitioner as unable to perform parental duties.
Unmarried Father: A father who has children out of wedlock and has kept custody of them, provided he is not cohabiting with a partner.
Foster Parent: Duly recognized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Essential Benefits for Solo Fathers

Under the Expanded Solo Parents' Welfare Act (RA 11861), solo fathers are entitled to the following primary benefits:

1. Financial Subsidies and Discounts

Monthly Cash Subsidy: A monthly subsidy of ₱1,000 per month from the Local Government Unit (LGU), provided the solo father is earning the minimum wage or below and does not receive other cash assistance.
10% Discount and VAT Exemption: Applied to essential purchases for children aged 6 years and below, including:
Infant formula and milk.
Food and micronutrient supplements.
Diapers.
Prescribed medicines and vaccines.

2. Employment Benefits

Parental Leave: An additional seven (7) days of paid parental leave every year, regardless of employment status (regular, casual, or seasonal), provided he has rendered at least six months of service.
Flexible Working Schedule: Employers must provide flexible work arrangements, provided these do not affect individual or company productivity.
Protection Against Discrimination: No employer shall discriminate against a solo father with respect to terms and conditions of employment solely on the basis of his status.

3. Educational and Medical Support

Scholarships: Priority access to scholarships and educational programs from DepEd, CHED, and TESDA for both the father and his children.
Medical Assistance: Priority in government hospitals and health centers.

4. Housing and Social Safety Nets

Housing Allocation: Priority in low-cost housing projects through the National Housing Authority (NHA).
Automatic PhilHealth Coverage: Under the new law, solo parents are automatically covered under the National Health Insurance Program.

Documentary Requirements for the Solo Parent ID

To avail of these benefits, a father must secure a Solo Parent Identification Card from the Social Welfare and Development Office (SWDO) of his municipality or city. Common requirements include:

Barangay Certificate: Stating residency and solo parent status for at least six months.
Proof of Status: * Death Certificate of spouse (if widowed).

Court Order for legal separation/annulment.
Medical Certificate (if due to incapacity).
Affidavit of Abandonment.

Birth Certificates: Of the child/children.
Income Tax Return (ITR): Or a certification from the Brgy. Captain/Municipal Treasurer if the applicant is a low-income earner.

Comparison of Original vs. Expanded Law

Feature	RA 8972 (Original)	RA 11861 (Expanded)
Cash Subsidy	None	₱1,000/month (for minimum wage earners)
VAT Exemption	None	10% Discount + VAT Exemption (Children 0-6)
Wait Period	1 year of separation	Reduced to 6 months
Parental Leave	7 days (after 1 year service)	7 days (after 6 months service)
PhilHealth	Not automatic	Automatic coverage

Legal Obligations of Solo Fathers

While the law provides significant benefits, it also demands accountability. The Solo Parent ID is typically valid for one year and must be renewed. Eligibility terminates if the father:

Remarries or enters into a cohabitation arrangement (living-in).
Loses custody of the children through a court order.
No longer meets the income threshold for certain specific financial subsidies (though non-financial benefits like leave may remain).

By law, the Philippine government recognizes that the challenges of "paternity" are as demanding as "maternity." Solo fathers are encouraged to register with their respective LGUs to ensure they receive the social protections mandated by the state.