Three years after Quezon City became the first local government unit in the Philippines to pass a landmark gender-inclusive healthcare proxy policy, the Right to Care (RTC) Card program continues to empower queer couples to make medical decisions on behalf of their partners in times of incapacity.
Launched in June 2023, the RTC program allows LGBTQIA+ couples to designate each other as healthcare proxies — granting them the legal authority to make critical medical decisions when their partner is unable to do so. This pioneering policy was immediately welcomed by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), which commended Quezon City for honoring the autonomy and personal choice of LGBTQIA+ couples.
A Model That Inspired the Nation
Quezon City’s leadership on this issue has sparked a wave of similar policies across the country. To date, five cities — San Juan, Parañaque, Mandaluyong, Iloilo, and Dasmariñas — along with the provinces of Cavite and Cebu, have passed similar RTC ordinances following Quezon City’s example.
Several bills have also been filed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate to institutionalize the Right to Care nationwide. Among those who have pushed for national legislation are Senator Risa Hontiveros, Akbayan Party-list Representatives Perci Cendaña and Chel Diokno, and former Senator Leila de Lima, among others.
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What’s Next for Right to Care
Advocates remain hopeful that a national RTC law will soon be enacted, extending the protections pioneered by Quezon City to LGBTQIA+ couples across the Philippines. The growing adoption of RTC ordinances demonstrates that inclusive healthcare policies are not just possible — they are increasingly embraced by LGUs nationwide.
Quezon City continues to lead by example, proving that local governance can drive meaningful change for marginalized communities. As more cities follow suit, the dream of a truly inclusive Philippine healthcare system moves closer to reality.
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