Senator Risa Hontiveros sponsored on Tuesday a bill that would allow Filipinos to designate a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated.

The proposed measure, called the Healthcare Proxy Act, aims to promote advance care planning and supported decision-making across the country’s healthcare system.

“Lahat po tayo ay may isang simpleng dalangin kapag tayo ay may sakit: na kung dumating ang panahon na hindi na tayo makapagpapasya para sa sarili natin, may taong mapagkakatiwalaan na magdedesisyon para sa ating kalusugan at kagalingan,” Hontiveros said.

The senator explained that without a clear legal framework, families and healthcare providers often face uncertainty when patients cannot speak for themselves.

“Sino ang dapat magpasya? Ano kaya ang nais ng pasyente? Kaninong boses ang dapat sundin?” she said.

The bill would allow patients to appoint a Healthcare Agent who can make decisions for them during periods of incapacity. It emphasizes that healthcare decisions should reflect the patient’s known wishes, values, or best interests.

“Sa madaling salita, binibigyan natin ang bawat Pilipino ng kapangyarihan na magpasya ngayon kung sino ang magpapasya para sa atin bukas. Because at the heart of this bill is a simple but powerful principle: our healthcare decisions should remain ours—even if we can no longer speak and are incapacitated,” Hontiveros said.

The Healthcare Proxy Act also introduces advance care planning to hospitals, and recognizes supported decision-making for older persons, persons with disabilities, patients with serious illnesses, and those facing end-of-life decisions.

“Sa ganitong paraan, pinapalakas natin ang isang healthcare system na tunay na patient-centered—nakasentro sa kagustuhan ng pasyente,” she added.

The measure is designed to prevent family conflicts during difficult medical decisions, ensure clarity for healthcare providers, and make advance care planning accessible without costly legal procedures. It also mandates that the Department of Health, PhilHealth, and local governments integrate healthcare proxies into policies, health information systems, and public awareness programs.

Hontiveros said the bill is intended to protect all Filipinos, including the elderly, patients with serious illnesses, persons with disabilities, individuals living alone, and healthcare providers seeking clear legal guidance.

“Ang panukalang ito ay para sa nakararaming Pilipino… But ultimately, this bill is for every Filipino. Because none of us can predict if illness or incapacity comes. At kapag dumating ang panahong iyon, mahalagang may malinaw na boses na magsasabi kung ano ang nais ng pasyente,” she said.

The senator thanked Senators Raffy Tulfo and Loren Legarda as co-authors and co-sponsors, and cited local government initiatives in Quezon City and San Juan City as inspirations for the bill.

“Sa pagpasa ng panukalang batas na ito, pinatitibay natin ang isang healthcare system na hindi lamang nagliligtas ng buhay, kundi gumagalang sa pagkatao ng bawat Pilipino,” Hontiveros said, urging her colleagues to support the measure.

-Paraluman News