Quezon City to launch country's first 'care card' for LGBTQ+ couples

Quezon City is making a huge leap toward inclusivity as they are set to launch the country's first LGBTQ+ "care card."

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte announced that LGBTQ+ couples can now make medical decisions on behalf of each other through the “Right to Care Card.”

“Dito sa care card na ito ang isang LGBT couple na matagal nang nagmamahalan through special power of attorney will be able to have authority over the health care decisions na dapat gawin or kailangan gawin para sa isang partner,” Belmonte said on Friday, June 23.

"Ito ay pinag-aralan namin. We have a battery of lawyers go through this kung puwede nating gawin ito. At sabi ng mga abogado puwedeng-puwede through a special power of attorney, parang special contract siya," she added, citing it as a historical move for queer couples in the country.  

This Special Power of Attorney card authorizes queer partners as next-of-kin during health-related emergencies and become beneficiaries in their life insurance policy, which was not allowed in the city before.

For better or for worse, in sickness and in health. The Right to Care card is a stride forward in LGBTQ+ rights, as it authorizes queer people to make key medical decisions for their partners.#LoveLabanSaQC #PridePHFestival2023 #RightToCareCard pic.twitter.com/PTfHA1JYMb

— The Right to Care Card (@RightToCareCard) June 23, 2023

The program will be officially launched on June 24, the same day as the Pride festival at the Quezon Memorial Circle. The festival is expected to attract thousands of participants this year.

The local government recently showed its support for the LGBTQ+ community by conducting a commitment ceremony for LGBTQ+ couples on Valentine's Day.