Free Funeral Services Act becomes law

The Free Funeral Services Act, also known as Republic Act No. 12309, has officially become law in the Philippines.

The legislation lapsed into law on September 28 without President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s signature, following the constitutional provision for bills not acted upon within 30 days of transmittal from Congress.

This new law institutionalizes funeral assistance for poor Filipino families and introduces penalties for individuals who attempt to defraud the government to avail of the services.

The government will now provide free funeral services to families in crisis situations, including indigent individuals and those affected by calamities, as determined by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The comprehensive funeral package will cover essential services such as document preparation, embalming, burial, cremation, inurnment, and the provision of a casket or urn.

Previously, the DSWD offered funeral assistance ranging from P5,000 to P50,000 through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.