Photo courtesy of Love Joy Baronda Facebook.
ILOILO CITY – The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Iloilo City has approved a measure aimed at expanding access to inclusive health services for residents.
During its regular session on Wednesday, the council passed the Health Care Proxy Card Ordinance, which allows individuals to designate a trusted person to make medical decisions on their behalf.
Councilor Jose Maria dela Llana, who authored the measure, said the ordinance covers adult residents, particularly those living alone or without immediate family support.
The policy also extends to members of the LGBTQIA plus community, including those in same sex relationships who wish to assign a partner or companion as their health care proxy.
Under the measure, qualified individuals will be issued a right to care card that serves as official proof of their designated representative in medical situations.
City officials said a technical working group led by the Gender and Development office will draft the implementing rules and guidelines for the ordinance.
Gab Umadhay, the concurrent head of the LGBTQ affairs office of Iloilo City, said the proposal underwent years of consultations with hospitals and stakeholders to address gaps in existing medical practices.
He added that full implementation is expected next year, with preparations including procurement of equipment and information campaigns for health care providers, while penalties of up to Php 5,000 or imprisonment may be imposed on those who fail to recognize the proxy card.
