Over the years, significant progress has been made in acknowledging and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community in the country. While the changes may not be extensive, there are now establishments that provide gender-neutral comfort rooms. Furthermore, Pride Month is now celebrated nationwide, with various related events, including Pride March, taking place in different areas during this period.
Despite these advancements, there is still much work to be done to ensure the well-being of the rainbow community. However, Quezon City has recently taken a significant step forward by introducing the groundbreaking Right To Care card for LGBTQIA+ couples, designed to facilitate medical decision-making in critical situations.
Image credit: Quezon City Gender and Development Council via Facebook
Straight couples are given the right to decide for their partners during medical emergencies when they get married. And because same-sex marriage is not acknowledged in the country, this right doesn’t automatically apply to queer couples.
Image credit: Quezon City Gender and Development Council via Facebook
According to vocal ally and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, there had been reports of queer couples being prohibited to make important decisions upon their partners’ admission to hospital intensive care units (ICU).
Image credit: The Right to Care Card via Facebook
This is where Belmonte and the government came up with the Right To Care card. In a nutshell, this card is a special power of attorney (SPA) card that grants queer couples rights to that of a legal spouse or next of kin. This will let them decide on medical care for their partners such as prescriptions, treatments, and procedures.
Image credit: The Right to Care Card via Facebook
The newly-launched Right To Care card allows queer couples the right to decide amongst themselves in medical situations. According to Mayor Belmonte, it also gives assurance to the community that they’re “cared for, recognized, and valued in Quezon City.”
Image credit: The Right to Care Card via Facebook
Giving us a glimpse of the physical appearance of the card, the back states the rights (but is not limited to) given to the card owner.
To start off, the card usage will be implemented at three hospitals in Quezon City namely the Novaliches General Hospital, Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital, and Quezon City General Hospital. For more details on privileges, click here.
If you’re interested, you’ll need to visit the Quezon City Gender and Development Office to fill out some forms. This involves registration and a notarized special power of attorney contract. Once the forms are submitted and validated, the office will hand out your cards.
You’ll also be asked to attend mandatory seminars to fully understand the rights and benefits that’ll come with the card.
Regardless of gender, medical care will always be a priority when it comes to health. As far as decision-making goes, we stand by Mayor Joy Belmonte in allowing queer couples to make important medical decisions for their partners. It’s their right after all.
Most of all, it’s an act of love to be able to care for your loved ones in every way possible.
For those interested in registering and getting a card, visit the Quezon City Gender and Development (GAD) Office to proceed and learn more.
Quezon City Gender and Development Office
Address: 6th Floor, High Rise Building, Quezon City Hall,
Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm (Closed Saturdays and Sundays)
Contact: (02) 8988-4242 local 8739 | 8732 | 8168 | GAD Council Office website
Email: GADCouncil@quezoncity.gov.ph
For more Pride-related reads, check out LGBTQ+ movies to binge-watch or LGBTQ personalities you may not know of. For more current affairs in the country, check out The Smart Local Philippines.
Cover image adapted from: The Right to Care Card via Facebook
Expand your footwear choices and support these Filipino footwear brands that offer sandals, shoes, heels,…
Here are bike shops in Metro Manila, from a popular shop in Quiapo that sells…
Discover an array of Quezon City attractions, including an East Asian-centric food neighborhood and a…
Now that we often have cold, rainy days, get yourself a hot & savory broth…
You'll find your new favorite nightlife spot in this list of BGC bars whether you're…
Visit only trusted tattoo shops to get inked at regardless if it's your first or…