Laguna province has approved the Right to Care ordinance, allowing individuals to designate someone to make medical decisions on their behalf during emergencies.

This measure, part of broader efforts to enhance patient autonomy, follows similar initiatives in Cavite, Cebu, and Quezon City, which pioneered such legislation in 2023.

The ordinance enables citizens to create a special power of attorney, ensuring their healthcare preferences are respected when they are unable to communicate.This development aligns with national trends toward patient-centered care and legal frameworks supporting advance directives.

The Philippine Star reports that Laguna's approval marks a significant step in empowering individuals to control their medical decisions, reflecting growing awareness of end-of-life planning and ethical healthcare practices.The measure also addresses gaps in existing legal protections, offering clarity to families and medical professionals during critical situations.

Advocacy groups highlight the importance of such laws in reducing decision-making burdens on loved ones and ensuring alignment with the patient's wishes.

As more regions adopt similar policies, the Right to Care ordinance is expected to influence national healthcare reforms and strengthen legal safeguards for patient autonomy.