Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano expressed support for a proposed measure that would allow Filipinos to designate a trusted person to make medical decisions on their behalf, even if not legally recognized as family.
“I haven’t seen a real shift in how we look at our health system, and part of improving it is making sure patients are heard even when they can no longer speak for themselves,” Cayetano said after signing the committee report on the Healthcare Proxy Act.
Senate Bill No. 1985 allows individuals to formally appoint a healthcare agent, even if that person is not covered under traditional family structures, to ensure that their wishes are respected in times when they are unable to decide for themselves.
Sponsored by Senators Risa Hontiveros and Loren Legarda, Senate Bill No. 1985 allows individuals to formally appoint a healthcare agent, even if that person is not covered under traditional family structures, to ensure that their wishes are respected in times when they are unable to decide for themselves.
Under the proposed measure and as part of strengthening advance care planning and supported decision-making within the healthcare system, hospitals and healthcare providers will be required to recognize these designated healthcare agents.
Rather than redefining legal relationships, the proposal centers on ensuring that patients are not left without a voice during critical moments. It puts weight on dignity, consent, and the practical realities faced by many Filipinos navigating illness and hospitalization.
The measure responds to longstanding gaps in patient care, particularly in situations where individuals rely on partners, close friends, or companions who are not legally recognized as next of kin but are the ones most familiar with their medical needs and personal wishes.
“Real-life situations often go beyond what is defined in law, especially when it comes to relationships built on trust, care, and shared responsibility.”
The veteran legislator emphasized that real-life situations often go beyond what is defined in law, especially when it comes to relationships built on trust, care, and shared responsibility.
With the committee report signed, the bill moves closer to plenary deliberations.
