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A town in Pangasinan will no longer allow wakes to extend beyond nine days following the passage of a local ordinance.
The Binmaley local government unit enacted Ordinance No. 23-2025, which requires that all deceased persons in the town—whether residents or non-residents—be buried or cremated within nine days from the time of death.
The ordinance states that undue delays in burial or cremation pose potential risks to public health, sanitation, and the environment, and may also disrupt community peace and order.
While compliance is mandatory, the ordinance allows for extensions under specific circumstances, the municipal health officer may approve a longer period for valid public health, religious, cultural, or legal reasons.
Extensions may also be granted when court orders require the temporary preservation of remains for investigation, autopsy, or other lawful proceedings.
Responsibility for compliance rests with the nearest surviving family member or relative of the deceased, the hospital or institution with custody of the remains, the funeral service provider, and barangay officials.
Violators of the nine-day rule face a fine of ₱2,500, imprisonment of up to 15 days, or both, at the discretion of the court.
The ordinance was approved by Mayor Pedro Merrera III and sponsored by Councilors Jose Carrera and Amelito Sison.
It was also approved by the Provincial Sanggunian, chaired by Vice Governor Mark Lambino, on Monday.
Officials said the ordinance aims to ensure timely and safe handling of remains while addressing public health and community concerns.
