Parañaque passes ‘Right to Care’ ordinance

MANILA, Philippines — Parañaque has passed an ordinance requiring hospitals and medical institutions to recognize health care proxies, making it the third local government unit in Metro Manila to adopt the “Right to Care” policy.

In a session on April 30, the city council approved on third reading the measure allowing medical decision-making rights to individuals designated by patients, including partners in LGBTQ+ relationships and those in non-traditional households.

Under the ordinance, patients may appoint a trusted person through a notarized document to make health decisions on their behalf once they are deemed medically incapable.

Quezon City and San Juan City were the first two cities in Metro Manila who enacted similar ordinances.

The measure imposes penalties on hospitals that fail to comply and mandates the city health office to oversee the registration of health care proxies.