Photo from Mandaluyong PIO
Mandaluyong City has joined other local governments in approving a “Right to Care” ordinance, which grants LGBTQIA+ residents and common-law partners the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of their partners.
The Mandaluyong City government announced on Monday, May 26, that the 12th City Council approved City Ordinance No. 1048, S-2026, or the Healthcare Proxy Ordinance.
Councilor Elton Yap was the main proponent of the measure, with Councilor Charisse Abalos-Vargas as co-author.
The local government said the program aims to grant the Right to Care to the LGBTQIA+ community, long-term unmarried couples, and others in similar situations who may benefit from the measure, allowing legal representation and decision-making authority in matters concerning their partner’s medical care.
“Ibig sabihin, maaari na tayong mamili kung sino ang nais nating magdesisyon para sa atin sa panahon ng medical emergencies maliban sa ating immediate family members, kung sakaling wala tayong kakayahan na magpasya para sa ating kalagayan (It means that we can now choose who we want to make decisions for us during medical emergencies, aside from our immediate family members, in case we are unable to decide for ourselves regarding our condition),” Abalos-Vargas said.
“Hangad natin na sa pamamagitan ng ordinansang ito, mas maging inclusive hindi lamang ang ating mga pagamutan kundi ang bawat komunidad at ang buo nating lungsod (We hope that through this ordinance, not only our hospitals but also every community and the entire city will become more inclusive),” she added.
The city government said that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) are currently being drafted to ensure proper, safe, and inclusive implementation of the program in the city.
Apart from Mandaluyong, Quezon City, San Juan City, Iloilo City, Parañaque City, and Cavite have also adopted the Right to Care policy.
For more updates, residents may visit the official Facebook pages of Mandaluyong PIO and Mandaluyong GAD.