QC launches 'Right to Care Card' for LGBTQ+ couples, a first in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City local government on Saturday launched the country's first "Right to Care Card", giving LGBTQ+ couples the legal authority to make medical decisions for each other.  

Recognizing the existing limitations faced by queer couples during medical emergencies, the program aims to empower and support LGBTQ+ partners in important healthcare decision-making processes. 

QUEZON CITY LAUNCHES ANOTHER GROUNDBREAKING PROGRAM FOR ITS QUEER RESIDENTS

The Quezon City LGU is set to launch the “Right to Care Card,” a Special Power of Attorney card that authorizes queer partners to make medical decisions for each other.

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"For better or for worse, in sickness and in health. The Right to Care card is a stride forward in LGBTQ+ rights, as it authorizes queer people to make key medical decisions for their partners," The Right to Care Card wrote on Twitter.

The "Right to Care Card" will serve as a Special Power of Attorney card, providing queer couples with the authority to make medical decisions for their loved ones while granting them the same decision-making power as those under a civil marriage contract.

QC Mayor Joy Belmonte on Friday announced they would formally launch the “Right to Care Card” for residents on Saturday during the LoveLaban Pride Festival.

“Dito sa care card na ito, ang isang LGBT couple na matagal nang nagmamahalan, through a Special Power of Attorney, will be able to have authority over the healthcare decisions na dapat gawin o kailangang gawin para sa isang partner,” the QC mayor said in a digital show.

“Dati kasi ipinagbabawal ‘yan eh, kailangan next of kin. Eh hindi naman ‘yun ‘yung closest sa kaniyang puso. Ang kaniyang partner ang closest sa kaniyang puso pero dahil they are an LGBT couple, ipinagbabawal ‘yang karapatan na ‘yan sa kanila,” she added.

Belmonte said the initiative was studied by a team of lawyers to ensure its feasibility and legality. She acknowledged the need for thorough discussions and orientations to effectively implement the program. 

“Of course kailangan ng orientation, kailangan pa talagang klaruhin ang guidelines to make sure we’re addressing the needs brought to us. Pero I think this is a first in the whole country,” the mayor added.

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Disclosure: Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte is a shareholder of Philstar Global Corp., which operates digital news outlet Philstar.com.