Bill granting free funeral services to poor families now a law

The bill granting free funeral services to poor families in the Philippines has lapsed into law without the signature of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Under Republic Act No. 12309, the Department of Social Welfare and Development shall provide free funeral services to indigent families as determined by the agency, or those affected by calamities, disasters, or other emergencies that prevent them from affording the service.

The service will be granted per death of a family member by accredited funeral extablishments anywhere in the country.

A qualified poor family may avail of an "Indigent Funeral Package" covering the processing of funeral documents, embalming, burial or interment services, and provision of a casket, urn, or venue.

To avail of the free funeral service, the bereaved family must submit a valid ID of the claimant or beneficiary; death certificate issued by the hospital or city or municipal health office; funeral contract signed by the family's representative, the funeral establishment, and an authorized DSWD personnel; and social case study.

The law also states that the budget for its initial implementation will be charged to the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program.

Penalties for funeral establishments that violate the act incllude a fine not exceeding P200,000 and a suspension of license to operate for up to six months.

Meanwhile, those found to have fraudulently availed of free funeral services can face six months imprisonment and a P500,000 fine.

The Free Funeral Services Act was approved by the Senate on third reading earlier in June.