A proposal to cut the cost of raising children is gaining momentum in Congress as lawmakers push relief for Filipino families facing rising prices.
Trabaho party-list Rep. Johanne Bautista is calling for the swift passage of House Bill No. 4432 or the Parental Childcare Act of 2025, following the observance of Solo Parents Day on April 18. The measure targets daily childcare expenses that continue to strain household budgets, especially for parents managing both work and caregiving with limited support.
The bill seeks to remove value-added tax on essential childcare goods such as infant formula, diapers, and vitamins for households earning below ₱250,000 a year. It also grants parents with two or more children an annual tax deduction of up to ₱50,000 for childcare-related service expenses. These are recurring costs that many families shoulder on a daily basis, directly affecting how far income can stretch.
Bautista said the proposal responds to the burden faced by parents. “Trabaho Party-list honors the incredible strength and sacrifices of every solo parent who single-handedly builds a future for their children with unconditional love and unmatched resilience.”
“Batid natin ang bigat ng hamon na inyong pinapasan sa gitna ng tumataas na presyo ng bilihin at kakulangan sa suporta, kaya naman isinusulong natin ang House Bill No. 4432 o ang Parental Childcare Act of 2025 upang magbigay ng konkretong ginhawa sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino.”
The bill also pushes for flexible work arrangements and a seven-day paid childcare leave to help parents manage employment and caregiving. It includes incentives for employers that support childcare, protection against workplace discrimination for solo parents, and an intergovernmental body to oversee implementation and penalize violations.
