The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed full support to the proposed legislations that would provide burial assistance and free funeral services to indigent individuals and their families.

Senate Bill (SB) No. 879, or the Burial Assistance Act of 2022, seeks to provide financial support for the burial of unclaimed remains and indigent descendants.

On the other hand, SB No. 1695, the proposed Free Funeral Services Act, would ensure that that families experiencing financial hardship are afforded dignified and compassionate support during their time of loss.

"The duty to protect the deceased is grounded in human rights principles," the CHR said in a statement.

It also said: "The Human Rights Committee has linked the treatment of remains with the right to life, stating that disrespectful treatment of the dead may amount to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of the deceased’s family. As such, the rights of the deceased, their families, and the dignity of life are deeply interconnected."

The CHR said that in line with its constitutional mandate to recommend effective measures to Congress for the promotion and protection of human rights, it wrote a position paper to align the definitions in SB 879 with the existing health and law enforcement guidelines.

It also said it recommended the shortening of the period for adjusting burial to three to five years to maintain the real value of the aid, and specifying grounds for denial of assistance to uphold transparency. It added that the CHR should be included as consultant in drafting the implementing rules and regulations to ensure a rights-based approach.

For SB 1695, the CHR has proposed expanding eligibility criteria to account for broader socio-economic factors, implementing safeguards to avoid substandard or overpriced services under the minimum funeral package, and adopting a standard cost ceiling, such as the P10,000 limit proposed under SB 879, subject to adjustment, to ensure sufficient and dignified support.

"The Commission reiterates its strong support for the passage of these measures. While recognizing that burial assistance and funeral services are offered by some local government units, the CHR believes that a national framework is essential to close persistent gaps in access to dignified and adequate end-of-life services for indigent families," the CHR said.

To properly see through these pieces of legislation, the CHR urged the government to constantly monitor and evaluate mechanisms to ensure that the laws will be effectively applied and that the intended beneficiaries receive the necessary support without discrimination or abuse.