Single Moms Claim Your Children’s Right (My Post in Support of Bloggers Unite for Human Rights)

Extra-judicial killings are one of the major human rights issues that need to be addressed here in my country, the Philippines.

Since Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo became president in 2001 (after grabbing the post from President Joseph Estrada) countless number of people opposing her way of administration were reported missing or dead by members of the left-wing political parties, human rights activists, politically active journalists, and outspoken clergy. Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) are implicated in the said killings and disappearances but both institutions do not account for it despite considerable evidence to the contrary.

I could elaborate more about how our government disgustingly violates the human rights of every Filipino in the world, for simply still shamelessly holding on to the presidency this long despite numerous report of her and her family’s involvement in corrupt practices were repeatedly reported, with evidence. But my ranting will all be put into waste, if she will not order her men to shut me up, so I will just move on to the rights of women and children that is comfortably neglected and disregarded by the law enforcer, and something they say of a domestic matter that they would not rather interfere.

Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women and Their Children Act 2004 placed high regard on the rights of a child and women when it comes to domestic matters. Imprisonment of 6-12 years and a fine not lower than P100, 000 to P300, 000 to those who violate provisions in the law. Part of the provision is lack of financial support.

The number of single moms in my country is alarmingly increasing; sadly only 5 percent of the biological dads do their part or follow the rule of law and our government is too busy with “other” important matter to give importance to the rights of the children, making them second class citizens.

This is actually an FYI for all single moms out there from my country who can read this. You have the right, claim your right. I know you can raise your child alone with no help from that j erk, but it’s not about you it’s about your child. We should stop the cycle of them sitting comfortably with no responsibility. Don’t wait for his conscience to bug him and volunteer financial support that he owes you and your child. It’s not a favor he does for you, it’s his obligation. Scare him with this law. Life is hard and as single moms your struggle is much harder. Claim your right.