CinemaBravo

Sunshine Cruz is throwing her full support behind the Pamilya Ko partylist, a group initially formed to champion the rights of non-traditional Filipino families. The singer and actress, who raised her children as a single parent, believes it’s time for legislation to reflect the realities of modern households.

As someone who has personally experienced the challenges of solo parenting, Sunshine emphasizes the importance of having an organization that will actively protect and promote the welfare of families who have often been sidelined by outdated systems.

“I personally feel for the increasing number of broken families who are constantly struggling for survival, and who are not aware of their legal rights and privileges.”

To date, some of the more common forms of non-traditional families are those headed by live-in parents or OFWs, victims of domestic violence, adoptive families, blended families, LGBTQ families, elderly, and solo parents. The acronym ‘LOVABLES’ has been coined for easier recall.

The proud single mom identifies with the partylist’s agenda, which include proposing legislation for equal rights for children born in and out of wedlock, as well as a domestic partnership law that will provide live-in partners the right to inheritance and the right to make medical decisions in case of emergencies, among other livelihood, medical and legal assistance programs.

She says, “I have the utmost respect for the group, specifically Pamilya Ko first nominee Atty. Anel Diaz, who topped the 2003 bar exams, and whose noble advocacy was inspired by his own struggles as a young orphan. We salute our public servants whose concept of service is more empowering and long-term.”