Northern Samar eyes ‘right to care’ ordinance

TACLOBAN CITY — The provincial government of Northern Samar is moving to institutionalize a “Right to Care” policy that would allow qualified residents to designate a trusted person to make health care decisions on their behalf during medical emergencies when they are unable to communicate.

The proposed ordinance, now under deliberation by the Northern Samar Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), seeks to establish a legal mechanism that will enable residents to appoint a health care agent who can assist in medical decision-making, provide patient support, and access relevant medical information during emergencies or hospitalization.

Provincial officials said the measure aims to make healthcare more inclusive, particularly for people who may not have immediate family members available during emergencies.

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READ: San Juan City launches Right To Care Card

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Among those expected to benefit from the policy are senior citizens living alone, persons with disabilities, individuals working or studying away from home, people in same-sex relationships, and those in non-traditional household arrangements.

However, Board Member Emil Nicholas Ongchuan II, the principal author of the ordinance and chairman of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Northern Samar Chapter, clarified that participation in the program will be voluntary.

He stressed that appointing a health care agent will not create legal rights related to marriage, guardianship, inheritance, or civil status. Instead, it will authorize only the designated person to assist in health care decisions when the patient is incapacitated or unable to express informed consent.

The designation may also be revoked at any time, and the appointed health care agent may be replaced by the person who made the designation.

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The measure is intended to strengthen patient autonomy by ensuring that individuals can choose someone they trust to represent them during medical emergencies, especially when they are unable to make decisions themselves.

READ: Bill seeks to replicate QC’s ‘Right to Care’ system PH-wide

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Provincial officials said the initiative also forms part of Northern Samar’s efforts to improve social protection and promote accessible, inclusive, and people-centered health care services.

If approved, Northern Samar will become the first local government in Eastern Visayas to adopt a local Right to Care policy.

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Among the local government units in the country that have similar ordinances are San Juan, Iloilo City, Cavite, and Quezon City, which was the first to enact such a measure in 2023./coa