Filipino families no longer have to worry about the steep costs of funerals and burials for their loved ones, Senator Imee Marcos said on Wednesday after her proposed ‘Free Funeral Services Act’ (Senate Bill No. 2965) passed in the upper chamber earlier this week.
Marcos welcomed this development even as she recognized the need to address further challenges ahead in turning this bill into an enforceable law.
“It must be funded as a separate budget item, not just part of the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS),” she said in a news release, referring to an existing program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
“This way, it won’t be used as political favors—it will go to those who truly need it,” she added in a news release.
The measure passed with 22 affirmative votes and no objections or abstentions as senators wrap up legislative work before transitioning to the 20th Congress.
The ‘Free Funeral Services’ bill aims to ease financial burden on families who are reeling from the losing loved ones.
“Life is hard, sickness is harder, and even dying has become a luxury. It’s time we honor every Filipino who passes away, especially the poorest among us,” Marcos said.
Under the bill, qualified beneficiaries will receive assistance covering the costs of caskets, wakes, cremation, or traditional burials, including transportation of the remains.
“For our loved ones, it no longer has to be expensive to die,” Marcos added. “Wag kang mag-alala, ipalilibing kita (Don’t worry—I will make sure you’re laid to rest.)”
