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Parañaque law lets patients pick who decides for them

Philippines | Metro Manila

Parañaque law lets patients pick who decides for them

By Jean Fernando

The Parañaque City government has passed an ordinance requiring hospitals and clinics to honor patients' chosen health care proxies, giving residents the right to decide who will make medical decisions on their behalf.

The measure, known as the “Parañaque Right to Care Ordinance,” makes Parañaque the third city in Metro Manila to adopt the policy, following Quezon City and San Juan.

Under the ordinance, individuals may appoint a trusted person—even if not a family member—through a notarized document.

This designated proxy may make decisions on treatment and access medical records if the patient becomes unable to do so.

The policy is expected to benefit LGBTQ+ couples, unmarried partners, and individuals in non-traditional households who may face difficulties when hospitals recognize only legal family members.

Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez said the ordinance, proposed by Councilor Jet Frias, promotes inclusivity and ensures that patients’ wishes are respected during critical situations.

Olivarez said that hospitals and clinics that refuse to honor a valid health care proxy may face penalties, including fines of up to ₱5,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both, depending on the court’s decision. Violators may also risk the revocation of their business permits.

He said that in life-threatening emergencies, medical personnel are allowed to act immediately to save a patient’s life, provided they submit a report after explaining their actions.

The new law aims to address long-standing gaps in medical decision-making and give residents greater control over their healthcare.

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