Iloilo City pushes inclusive health care in ‘Right to Care’ ordinance

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The city government of Iloilo is pushing for the passage of a landmark measure that would require health facilities in the city to recognize health care proxies, particularly those who are often left without immediate family support.

Passed on first reading, the proposed ordinance authored by Councilor Nene Dela Llana is seen as a step toward more inclusive health care access for residents.

“There are people in Iloilo City, those who are far from their families, those who live alone, and members of the LGBTQ community who often face barriers when it comes to health care decision-making for their loved ones,” he said.

Dela Llana cited incidents where hospitals and health facilities still require immediate family consent for medical decisions.

“But what happens when a patient has no family to take care of them and make decisions for their healthcare?” he added.

The proposed Right to Care ordinance mandates all health facilities in Iloilo City to honor Health Care Proxy Cards issued by the local government through its Gender and Development Office.

Under the measure, health care agents designated in the proxy card will have the authority to decide on treatments, procedures, and prescriptions when patients can no longer express their wishes.

They may also access medical information and provide care during hospitalization.

The ordinance states that a health care agent’s authority begins when a patient is determined to lack capacity and ends once capacity is regained.

It adds that proxy authority continues unless revoked or expired, with new cards automatically canceling old ones.

The Right to Care card was first launched in Quezon City in June 2023, followed by San Juan City in June 2025.

The Right to Care card in both cities is designed to empower LGBTQIA+ couples by granting them the legal ability to make medical decisions on behalf of their partners through a notarized special power of attorney linked to the card.