Iza Aldana
Healthcare Proxy Bill gains support to empower Filipinos in critical medical decisions
MANILA, Philippines — A proposed measure that seeks to grant every Filipino the right to designate a trusted individual to make medical decisions on their behalf—regardless of legal family ties—has gained support from Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.
Cayetano expressed backing for the Healthcare Proxy Bill, emphasizing the need for laws to reflect the lived realities of many Filipinos, particularly those in marginalized communities. He noted that in times of illness, the person a patient trusts most is not always a legal relative, but often someone with whom they share a deep personal bond.
The proposal, introduced by Senators Risa Hontiveros and Loren Legarda, aims to formally recognize a “healthcare agent”—an individual chosen by the patient to make medical decisions, especially in critical situations where the patient is no longer capable of expressing their wishes.
Lawmakers said the measure is intended to prevent delays and confusion in hospitals, particularly during emergencies where immediate decisions can mean the difference between life and death.
Cayetano underscored that legal relationships alone should not determine who has authority over a patient’s care. “Trust, compassion, and genuine connection must prevail in deciding who speaks for the patient,” he said.
He added that it is time for Philippine laws to adapt to the realities faced by ordinary citizens, especially the poor who are in greater need of a clear, humane, and responsive healthcare system.
The bill is currently under deliberation in the Senate as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare framework and ensure that every Filipino’s voice is heard—even in moments of illness and vulnerability.