Mandatory support for triplets sought

MANILA, Philippines - Lawmakers are seeking mandatory government support for triplets, quadruplets and other high order multiple births to assist parents who are not economically prepared to raise them.

Bayan Muna Reps. Neri Colmenares and Carlos Isagani Zarate filed House Bill 2613 or the proposed “Multiple Births Support Law of 2013,” which they said is in keeping with the constitutional provision that the state shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all people, particularly to the underprivileged sick, elderly, disabled, women and children.

“Children of multiple births also means additional financial burden to the parents, doubling or tripling the expenses for every child as they grow older, and more so if they have disabilities,” Colmenares said.

“There is a need to extend not only maternity leave benefits, but also paternity leave benefits, for both parents to help the children adjust to their predicament, and even the parents themselves,” he added.