Bill seeking to institutionalize 'Right to Care' card passed in House
A bill aiming to institutionalize a "Right to Care" system in the country has been filed in the House of Representatives.
House Bill No. 7068, or the "Right to Care Act," introduced by Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, seeks to allow patients to choose who will make medical decisions on their behalf when they are unable to do so.
Under the measure, a person can choose a "health care agent" by submitting a health care proxy. This information will be reflected on their PhilHealth ID and into a Right to Care registry under the Department of Health.
In her explanatory note, de Lima noted that current laws "effectively alienate" solo parents, people in non-traditional marriages, and individuals in same-sex relationships in the health care settings. She emphasized that they are denied access to information and decision-making involving their loved ones' health care.
"This measure seeks to address health disparities rooted in social stigma and discrimination, and foster inclusivity for individuals of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC), as well as solo parents, people in non-marital relationships, and other sectors," the congresswoman wrote in a statement.
"Huwag nating dagdagan pa ang mga alalahanin at pasanin ng mga pasyente sa pagkakait ng karapatang ito na piliin ang makakatuwang nila sa pagpapasya para sa kanilang kalusugan o kalagayang medikal."
De Lima added that the measure adopts provisions from Quezon City's Right to Care Ordinance, and proposals filed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Reps. Perci Cendaña, Chel Diokno, Dadah Kiram Ismula, Kaka Bag-ao, and Javier Miguel Benitez.
In June 2023, the Right to Care card was first launched in Quezon City to empower resident queer couples to make medical decisions for their partners through special power of attorney. According to the QC government, 468 queer couples have applied for the card as of 2025.
This authorizes LGBTQ+ couples to be recognized as next-of-kin during health-related emergencies and become beneficiaries in their life insurance policy.
San Juan City passed its own Right to Care ordinance in June 2025.
