In the House of Representatives, Deputy Minority Leader Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña refiled the Right to Care Bill, or House Bill 2786, which eyes to create a “more inclusive and compassionate healthcare in the country” by allowing patients to designate their partners as their “healthcare agent”, regardless of their legal or marital status, to make critical health decisions on their behalf.
Since LGBTQIA+ marriages are not legally recognized in the Philippines, the bill – should it become law – could particularly benefit those in same-sex relationships.
But this now “also extends recognition to solo parents and individuals from non-traditional households, expanding access for those historically denied to act as caregivers of their beloved”.
“The most compassionate and effective care comes from our loved ones. Walang mas may alam ng makabubuti sa atin kesa sa mga taong matagal na nating kasama at minamahal. Kung sila ang kasama natin tuwing check-up at ang nag-aalaga sa atin tuwing may sakit tayo, sila rin ang may karapatang magdesisyon para sa ating kalusugan,” Cendaña said.
For Cendaña, “the Right to Care Bill is as life-saving as it is common sense. Hindi na kailangang ipahalughog ng ospital ang buong Pilipinas — o ang buong mundo — para lang mahanap ang pinakamalapit na pamilya ng ating minamahal. Hindi na tayo dapat maghintay, hanggang lumala ang kondisyon ng pasyente, para madesisyunan ang kanilang kalagayan.”
There are actually a number of local government units (LGUs) with Right to Care ordinances, including San Juan City and Quezon City.
Other authors of the Right to Care Bill are Deputy Minority Leader Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, Assistant Minority Leader Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno, and Akbayan Rep. Dadah Kiram-Ismula.
