The Iloilo City Council has approved a landmark “Right to Care” ordinance, institutionalizing the use of Health Care Proxy Cards that allow residents to designate a trusted individual to make medical decisions on their behalf in times of incapacity.

Also known as the Health Care Proxy Card Ordinance, the measure enables individuals to appoint a “Health Care Agent”—which may include a partner, caregiver, companion, or close friend—who can legally decide on treatment when the cardholder is unable to communicate.

The policy is seen as a major step toward inclusive and patient-centered healthcare, particularly benefiting those living alone and members of the LGBTQIA+ community who may not have immediate family support during emergencies.

Authored by Councilor Jose Maria “Nene” Dela Llana and co-sponsored by several city officials, including Councilor Alan Zaldivar, the ordinance mandates all healthcare providers in the city to recognize and respect the authority of designated agents.

Key provisions include free notarization of proxy documents by the City Legal Office, issuance of both physical and digital cards through the Gender and Development (GAD) Office, and strict compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 in handling sensitive medical information.

The measure also grants legal protection to healthcare providers and agents acting in good faith, while violations may result in fines of up to P5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months.

Funding for the program will come from the Iloilo City GAD Council Office and the City Health Department.

The ordinance follows similar initiatives in other local governments, particularly Quezon City, which became the first in the country to launch a Right to Care Card program in 2023, allowing LGBTQIA+ couples to legally designate partners as healthcare decision-makers.

Subsequent adopters, including San Juan City, have since passed comparable measures, signaling a growing nationwide push for inclusive healthcare policies.

Local officials hailed the ordinance as a “meaningful victory” for human dignity and equality, positioning Iloilo City as a pioneer in advancing inclusive healthcare policies in the Philippines.