(File photo) MANILA - A bill that seeks to grant additional benefits to solo parents has lapsed into law without the signature of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, a copy of the law showed. Republic Act (RA) 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, which amends several provisions of RA 8972, lapsed into law on June 4. Under the new law, the definition of "solo parents" is expanded to include spouses or any family member of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are in the low/semi-skilled category and are away from the Philippines for an unbroken period of 12 months. An amendment also includes grandparents and family members or qualified guardians who bear sole responsibility over the child. RA 11861 directs the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary, in coordination with other agencies, to develop a "comprehensive package" of social protection services for solo parents and their families which includes livelihood opportunities, legal advice