Fridae

Cagayan de Oro councillors are working through safeguards for a proposed “Right to Care” programme that would let competent adults choose someone to make or communicate healthcare decisions when they cannot do so themselves.

In a report first published on 23 October, the city council said its health and women and family relations committees had discussed how that choice would work. Councillors asked what should happen if a patient and their representative disagreed, how far a proxy’s authority would extend, and when it would end.

Remy Labiano, the city’s Gender and Development focal person, said patients could cancel a designation. He called for clear procedures to address conflicts and review a proxy’s conduct.

The issue has particular relevance for same-sex partners. In June 2025, local LGBTQIA+ groups campaigned for their medical decision-making rights in city-run facilities, Bulatlat reported. That earlier campaign was led by the city’s LGBTQIA+ federation and Kahilwayan.

The measure remains a proposal. The committees will continue discussions and incorporate their recommendations, the council said.