From L-R: MullenLowe TREYNA’s Jam Pascual and Paulo Dela Rosa, Akbayan Partylist Rep. Perci Cendaña; San Juan City Councilors, Macky Mathay, Totoy Bernardo, Bea De Guzman, Herbert Chua, and Boyet Tolentino 

San Juan City, Philippines – San Juan City recently announced the unanimous passing of City Ordinance No. 16 series of 2025 or the “Right to Care” Ordinance, a groundbreaking local legislation that allows same-sex partners to make medical decisions on behalf of one another.

San Juan City Councilor and principal author, Totoy Bernardo, says the ordinance addresses a long-standing gap in legal recognition for non-traditional family structures while preventing discrimination and providing peace of mind to members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“This is a monumental step forward for the City of San Juan and the rights of our LGBTQIA+ constituents,” said Councilor Bernardo. “This reflects our sincere commitment to create a truly inclusive and equitable city that recognizes the fundamental rights of everyone. We are proud to build upon the progressive spirit of Quezon City’s initiative and tailor it to the needs of our community.”

San Juan City’s ordinance utilizes Health Care Proxy IDs that contain the appropriate contact details of the principal card holder, their designated proxy, and a Quick Response Code (QR Code) that directs to a digital copy of Special Power of Attorney (SPA). This document ensures that any resident of the city, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and their designated care partner has the authority to make medical decisions, access medical information, and provide support during hospitalization or medical procedures.

The passing of the ordinance is a testament to the collaborative efforts of local government and advocates of LGBTQIA+ Rights, including MullenLowe TREYNA, the creative communications agency that pioneered the idea with the Quezon City Gender and Development (GAD) Council Office in 2023.

“We are very optimistic about the impact of the City of San Juan’s forward-thinking leadership in passing this ordinance,” said MullenLowe TREYNA Chief Creative Officer, Abi Aquino. “This legislation is a vital step towards ensuring that more Filipinos, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, are afforded dignity and equal protection under the law.” The agency is currently in talks with other LGUs to adopt the policy for their constituents.

The San Juan City ordinance also aligns with ongoing efforts at the national level to codify similar protections. Akbayan Partylist representative, Perci Cendaña, filed House Bill No. 11005, or the Right to Care Act last November 2024, and expressed optimism about LGU’s proactive stance.

“The passage of this ordinance by the San Juan City Council sends a powerful message to our national legislators. It demonstrates that local governments are ready and willing to enact policies that protect the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. We hope this momentum continues and leads to the passage of the Right to Care Bill, ensuring that this vital protection is extended to all Filipinos,” said Rep. Cendaña.

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