Author: Hon. Jefson Romeo B. Felix, SK Federation President of Naga City
Date Filed: May 12, 2026
This proposed ordinance establishes the Naga City Right to Care and Inclusive Health Proxy Program. It grants adult residents the legal right to designate a trusted person as their “care proxy” to make medical decisions, visit them, and accompany them during medical emergencies or periods of incapacity. Aimed at expanding inclusivity and protecting patient autonomy, the measure provides standard documentation support, a centralized registry, and a dedicated Right to Care Card to ensure that designated proxies are officially recognized across all city health facilities.
Highlights of the Proposed Ordinance
-
Right to Designate a Care Proxy: Entitles qualifying adult residents to appoint a primary and an alternate care proxy who can act on their behalf during medical situations.
-
Right to Care Card & Registry: Authorizes the creation of an official database and the issuance of physical Right to Care Cards to verify legitimate care proxy designations quickly.
-
Patient Support Protocols: Sets mandatory minimum protocols in city healthcare facilities ensuring care proxies are granted full rights regarding medical information disclosure, visitation, and accompaniment.
-
Community and Legal Aid Access: Establishes localized access points at the barangay level and organizes dedicated “Right to Care Assistance Days” to help residents execute standard legal forms for proxy designations.
-
Phased and Pilot-First Implementation: Mandates a structured rollout, starting with a pilot phase, to monitor operational security, registry management, and facility coordination before scaling up.
-
Good-Faith Safeguards: Protects healthcare professionals from legal liability when acting upon good-faith medical judgments, privacy-based limitations, or patient-safety measures.
- Proposed