San Juan City Advances Right to Care Card
In a historic move celebrating Pride Month, San Juan City has enacted the Right to Care Card ordinance, granting queer couples the right to make vital medical decisions for their partners when necessary. This landmark legislation, known as Ordinance No. 16 or the Recognition of Health Proxies Ordinance, was officially approved on June 10.
The ordinance promotes equality and fairness among all genders within the city. It mandates that all healthcare providers in San Juan must acknowledge and respect the Health Care Proxy issued by the City’s Gender & Development Office. This proxy empowers LGBTQIA+ couples and other qualified individuals to act on their partner’s behalf in medical situations.
Empowering Queer Couples Through Medical Rights
San Juan becomes the second local government to institutionalize the Right to Care Card, following Quezon City’s pioneering launch in 2023. This card allows holders to make critical health decisions, such as consenting to or refusing treatments, tests, procedures, and prescriptions via a Special Power of Attorney (SPA).
Quezon City’s mayor expressed gratitude and praised San Juan’s initiative, seeing this as a vital step toward expanding the program nationwide. “Happy Pride, mga nakshies! Yakap ng mahigpit,” she warmly shared, emphasizing the community’s ongoing fight for equality and non-discrimination.
Legal Recognition and Support from Leaders
During the public hearing, a local legislator who supported the ordinance highlighted the importance of recognizing every partner regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. “Deserve ng bawat partner, anumang SOGIE, na kilalaning ‘mahal sa buhay’ sa mata ng batas,” he stated.
He further explained that under the Right to Care Card Ordinance, partners gain the legal right to make health-related decisions for their loved ones, ensuring their voices are heard during critical moments.
San Juan’s ordinance marks significant progress in safeguarding LGBTQIA+ rights, providing legal protections and promoting dignity and respect within healthcare settings. As more cities consider adopting similar measures, this development signals growing acceptance and support for equal rights across the Philippines.
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