Three years after Quezon City launched the Right to Care card in 2023, more local governments have adopted similar ordinances while a national bill advances.
Quezon City launched the Right to Care card in 2023 to allow LGBTQIA+ couples to make medical decisions for partners through a special power of attorney.
Mayor Joy Belmonte said many families abandon community members due to their orientation, leaving partners without decision rights.
Four more cities enacted the ordinance: Iloilo, Parañaque, Dasmariñas and Mandaluyong, while Cavite and Cebu adopted it at the provincial level.
Rep. Perci Cendaña filed the Right to Care Act as a priority bill in 2024, with multiple versions introduced by other lawmakers including Sen. Risa Hontiveros in the Senate. The versions are currently being consolidated before plenary deliberation.