LGBTQIA+ relationships recognized.
In Biñan, Laguna, a ‘Right to Care’ ordinance was approved to grant legal health care consent rights during emergencies to long-term LGBTQIA+ couples in the city. With this, Biñan became the first city in Laguna to enact such an ordinance.
First proposed by Biñan Vice Mayor Jonalina Reyes, City Ordinance No. 22-(2026) (a.k.a. “An Ordinance Requiring the Recognition of Health Care Proxies by All Health Facilities within the City of Biñan, Providing for the ‘Right To Care’ Card, and for other Purposes”), this is seen as a way to promote equal rights and improve access to health care services for partners who are not legally allowed to marry.
Under the ordinance, residents may register:
- a cohabiting same-sex or heterosexual partner, or
- a representative of an LGBTQIA+ community member
to serve as a health care proxy authorized to guide or make decisions regarding important matters related to an individual’s health condition.
All health care facilities and providers accredited by the city government are mandated to recognize those named in the ‘Right to Care’ cards.
According to Mayor Angelo Alonte, the approval of the ordinance is a testament to the local government’s commitment to upholding the right to care, equality, and dignity for all residents.
“Ang “Right to Care” ay patunay na ang mabuting pamamahala ay hindi lamang tungkol sa mga imprastraktura at proyekto. Ito rin ay tungkol sa paglikha ng mga polisiyang may malasakit, nagbibigay-proteksiyon, at kumikilala sa dignidad ng bawat tao. Sa Biñan, patuloy nating pinatutunayan na ang pag-unlad ay mas nagiging makabuluhan kapag lahat ay kasama at walang naiiwan,” Alonte was quoted as saying.
Registration details for the ‘Right to Care’ card will be posted on the city government’s social media accounts.
