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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Death with dignity: Frasco hails enactment of Free Funeral Services Act

Death with dignity: Frasco hails enactment of Free Funeral Services Act

Published Oct 16, 2025 06:38 pm

At A Glance

  • Cebu 5th district Rep. Vincent Franco "Duke" Frasco sees the enactment of the Free Funeral Services Act as a big victory for Filipinos, especially the less fortunate.
Cebu 5th district Rep. Vincent Franco "Duke" Frasco (PPAB)
Cebu 5th district Rep. Vincent Franco "Duke" Frasco (PPAB)


Cebu 5th district Rep. Vincent Franco "Duke" Frasco sees the enactment of the Free Funeral Services Act as a big victory for Filipinos, especially the less fortunate.
The law, embodied in Republic Act (RA) No.12309, marks a significant milestone in expanding access to social welfare for poor and indigent Filipinos, Frasco said in a statement Thursday, Oct. 16.
“This is a victory for the Filipino people. A victory that honors life by dignifying death,” said the former deputy speaker about the measure, which lapsed into law on Sept. 28.
“Death comes to all, but dignity should not be reserved for the few. Every Filipino, regardless of income or circumstance, deserves a dignified farewell. This law ensures that compassion, and not cost, defines how we treat the dead," Frasco said.
RA No.12309 mandates the provision of free funeral services to poor and indigent families, as well as to individuals affected by calamities, disasters, and other emergencies who are unable to afford dignified funeral rites.
Frasco--who first authored the proposal as House Bill (HB) No. 102 on June 30, 2022, or during the previous 19th Congress--initially sought to regulate funeral costs to protect grieving families from exorbitant fees.
The measure was further expanded into a comprehensive social justice initiative, ensuring that all Filipinos, regardless of social or economic status, are afforded dignity in death.
Through careful refinement and strong advocacy in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the measure evolved into a landmark piece of social legislation providing free funeral services for those most in need.
“This law is not only about free funeral services. It is about lifting a heavy burden from families who are already suffering and reaffirming our shared humanity especially in the most difficult moments,” explained Frasco.
The Free Funeral Services Act underscores the Cebu lawmaker's continued commitment to the welfare of the poor and his belief that government must respond to human need with compassion and equity.
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