In a move aimed at easing the burden of grief for financially struggling families, the Senate has approved on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2965, or the Free Funeral Services Act.
Passed on June 2, the proposed law ensures that families living in poverty—or those in crisis due to calamities or other emergency situations—can access funeral services at no cost. The bill tasks the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with identifying qualified beneficiaries.
Filipinos who fall below the poverty line, as defined by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and are unable to meet their basic needs are eligible to receive an “Indigent Funeral Package.” This package includes essentials such as embalming, burial or cremation, transportation, processing of documents, and even the provision of a casket, urn, or venue, depending on the funeral establishment.
Only funeral homes accredited by the DSWD will be authorized to provide these services across the country.
To avail of the benefit, the bereaved must present key documents, including a valid ID, a death certificate or equivalent certification, a signed funeral contract, and a social case study conducted by a licensed social worker.
The measure also includes strict provisions to prevent abuse. Anyone caught fraudulently availing or facilitating these services may be penalized with up to six months in jail and a fine of up to P500,000.
