The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), pursuant to its Constitutional mandate to recommend effective measures to Congress for the promotion and protection of human rights, expresses support for proposed legislations aimed at providing burial assistance and free funeral services to indigent individuals and their families.
Senate Bill (SB) No. 879, or the Burial Assistance Act of 2022, seeks to provide financial support for the burial of unclaimed remains and indigent decedents. Meanwhile, SB No. 1695, or the Free Funeral Services Act, aims to ensure that families experiencing financial hardship are afforded dignified and compassionate support during their time of loss.
The duty to protect the deceased is grounded in human rights principles. The Human Rights Committee has linked the treatment of remains with the right to life, stating that disrespectful treatment of the dead may amount to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of the deceased’s family. As such, the rights of the deceased, their families, and the dignity of life are deeply interconnected.
In its position paper, the Commission recommends aligning definitions in SB 879 with existing health and law enforcement guidelines; shortening the period for adjusting burial assistance amounts to three to five years to maintain the real value of the aid; specifying grounds for denial of assistance to uphold transparency; and including CHR as a consultant in drafting the implementing rules and regulations to ensure a rights-based approach.
For SB 1695, the Commission urges expanding eligibility criteria to account for broader socio-economic factors; implementing safeguards to avoid substandard or overpriced services under the minimum funeral package; and adopting a standard cost ceiling—such as the Php 10,000 limit proposed under SB 879—subject to adjustment, to ensure sufficient and dignified support.
The Commission reiterates its strong support for the passage of these measures. While recognizing that burial assistance and funeral services are offered by some local government units, the CHR believes that a national framework is essential to close persistent gaps in access to dignified and adequate end-of-life services for indigent families.
Finally, the Commission emphasizes the need for robust implementation, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that the law is effectively applied and that the intended beneficiaries receive the necessary support without discrimination or abuse.
Read the full text of the CHR Position Paper on Burial Assistance and Free Funeral Services here: https://bit.ly/4gW3xtF
