ICYMI: The Right To Care Card Is Now Available For LGBTQIA+ Couples Residing In Mandaluyong
Published on May 20, 2026
Slowly but surely, cities are beginning to adopt more inclusive policies that recognize non-traditional relationships, including LGBTQIA+ couples and common-law partners. Just this month, Mandaluyong City joined the growing list of local governments in the Philippines to enact a "Right to Care" ordinance.
Under Ordinance No. 1026, s. 2026, residents may now designate a partner to make healthcare decisions on their behalf—authority previously limited to legally married spouses and immediate families—in emergency and hospital-related situations where immediate consent or guidance is required.
Among the beneficiaries are individuals in non-traditional relationships such as LGBTQIA+ couples and common-law partners, provided there are no legal impediments to their partnership.
"Sinisiguro natin [na] sa mga oras ng medical emergency ay puwede na tayo o may kapangyarihan na tayong mamili sa kung sino ang puwedeng magdesisyon para sa atin," Mandaluyong Councilor and author of the ordinance Charisse Abalos-Vargas said.
"Aside from your immediate family, kung sakaling hindi ninyo kayang magpasya para sa inyong kalagayan," she added.
The designated individuals are called "health proxies." According to Mandaluyong City Councilor Elton Yap, those who wish to avail of and register for the Mandaluyong Right to Care Card must accomplish the Health Care Proxy Form at the Gender and Development Office located on the ground floor of the BOC Building, City Government Complex, Maysilo Circle, Brgy. Plainview, Mandaluyong. They may do it starting today.
Take note that the office hours are from Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Not even a month has passed when Cavite earlier approved a province-wide "Right to Care" ordinance—becoming the first to do so in the country. In the same week, Dasmariñas City also localized a similar policy, which allows patients to designate their healthcare proxies in cases of emergencies.
"The Sangguniang Panlungsod deemed it appropriate to enact an ordinance that shall give rights to the members of the LGBTQIA+ by way of allowing their authorized partner to choose the kind of treatment, procedures, tests, and prescriptions they shall receive," the ordinance wrote.
Cavite Just Passed The "Right To Care" Ordinance—And Became The First Province To Do It
Cheers to more inclusive healthcare!
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